I saw Woody Allen's new movie yesterday, which I'm sure most people will probably despise. I, on the other hand, can't help it...I pretty much enjoy all of his movies. The dialogue and acting in his movies just seems so improvised and real. In my opinion,even some of his worst movies still have enough clever jokes to make them worthwhile. Anyways, as for his new movie, Woody plays a mentor to Jason Biggs' character, which is pretty funny in and of itself. Jason Biggs does a decent job playing they typical "Woody character." Oh, and Christina Ricci is SEXY!!! I'd recommend it, but it really just depends on your individual tastes. Anybody feel strongly one way or the other about Woody Allen movies? My favorite Woody Allen movies (that I've seen) 1. Bullets Over Broadway 2. Annie Hall 3. Everyone Says I Love You 4. Radio Days 5. Small Time Crooks Also, here's something from Ebert's review of the movie that I noticed too: <i> Note: Here's a strange thing. The studio, DreamWorks, seems to be trying to conceal Woody Allen's presence in the movie. He is the writer and director, and has top billing in the credits, but he is never seen in the trailer, the commercials,or the TV review clips. The trailer gives full-screen credits to Jason Biggs and Christina Ricci, but only belatedly adds "From Woody Allen," not mentioning that he also stars. It's as if they have the treasure of a Woody Allen movie and they're trying to package it for the "American Pie" crowd.</i>
Woody Allen people will know it's a Woody Allen film and go. Non-Woody Allen people will consider going to see this one. It's really the only way to market Woody at this point, because the box office of his last few films is very, very unimpressive. Oh, and Christina Ricci is damn hot.
I'm a longtime Woody Allen fan. I don't own many DVD's, but many of the ones I do have are his movies. My top five: 1. Hannah and Her Sisters 2. Annie Hall 3. Manhattan 4. Alice 5. Deconstructing Harry That said, I'm not planning to see "Anything Else" at the theater. I don't think Christina Ricci is a particularly talented actress. And, although I like Jason Biggs, the thought of the two of them heatedly dicussing Tolstoy a la Allen/Keaton just doesn't seem believable. I'll probably wait for it to hit pay-per-view.
I have traditionally liked Woody Allen, though I've not seen many of his most celebrated works. I've even liked the last two (Curse of the Jade Scorpion and Hollywood Ending). Other good ones that I've seen, in my opinion: Take the Money and Run Manhattan Mighty Aphrodite Small Time Crooks Deconstructing Harry Sleeper Bananas Sweet and Lowdown Manhattan Murder Mystery The Purple Rose of Cairo
I just read the NYT's review of "Anything Else", and they liked it. Liked it much more than Allen's last effort, "Hollywood Ending". I'm going to go see it, although it might take awhile. (unless I go by myself... a downside to having kids and looking for another sitter) I'm a fan.
I'm glad you mentioned Alice. I love Woody Allen and Alice is a terrific movie, that's underrated. Here are my type five in no particular order. 1. Love and Death 2. Annie Hall 3. Sleeper 4. Take the Money and Run 5. Purple Rose of Cairo Honorable Mention: (Husbands and Wives) The one that I almost didn't like was the one where he's the movie director that goes blind. I can't even remember the name of it right now.
I liked stardust memories. Seems to be a loved it/hated it kind of picture. Always liked Woody. Zelig was also good at its time, and Crimes and misdemeanors. Can't remember the one where he segues Alan Alda with Mussolini, but that's a favorite scene. Old comedy bits are still around (maybe kazza?). "The moose" is a funny story. His books are good, too. Check the library or amazon. All that said : I don't see movies anymore. I just can't care.
