Vicky Cristina Barcelona

I recently watched "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" starring Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, and Javier Bardem. Written and directed by Woody Allen. It is the story of two friends who travel to Spain, one engaged and the other just recently broken up, they become enthralled by the same painter whose ex-wife has a few choice items to say about their relationship.

I have never been a real big fan of Woody Allen, his work in my eyes is not the best, don't get me wrong he is very talented, but I believe his best work was "Matchpoint", and believe many-many people would disagree with me.

This film is not good, yes it is nominated for numerous awards, but it is not the best independent film I have seen to date. I think that the story lacks a lot of character development, it is somewhat thrown together in a decent order.

But now the acting is decent, I like Scarlett Johansson, she is one of the better female actors of todays time-she can play a lot of different types of characters. Penelope Cruz has never really done anything that has made me think she is better than the next pretty face.

Javier Bardem I have heard of only from his roles in "Collateral" and "No Country for Old Men", but this film was not his best choice in work.

Rebecca Hall, is a great actress, she has the best role in this film I believe, she first visits Spain engaged and doesn't want to hear any "proposals", but Javier's ability to wine and dine a woman makes her knees weak. She flip-flops back and forth between the good and the bad.

This movie I wouldn't recommend unless you are a fan of Woody Allen, otherwise you will be sorely disappointed.

2 out of 5 stars.

Comments

[Will Brown]

G'day from Oz. I am a big Woody Allen fan. Can I point you to Annie Hall and Manhattan, even Bullets over Broadway, starring several of the Sopranos cast. Matchpoint is incredibly weak in comparison to usual Allen fare.

Keep up the good work.

[Bryce Bade]

I agree whole-heartedly, maybe it is due to the time I was born, but I have missed a lot of Woody Allen's movies. And also I with the thoughts of the people who brought me up-not being a fan of Woody Allen. I just may go back and check out some of his older films. Thanks.