No writer/director has used the momentum from their early movie success like Woody Allen has. In the ’70s and early ’80s, his movies were extremely popular. Ever since then, every movie he makes gets compared to his early work in hopes that they are as good. His latest, and number 38 overall, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, boasts an impressive cast. But the real question is whether this film is any different than any of his latest offerings? Would Vicky Cristina Barcelona revitalize Woody Allen’s career or would Allen fans continue to wait for his next great film?
In Vicky Cristina Barcelona, two New York girlfriends, Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) take a summer holiday in Barcelona on the eve of Vicky’s wedding to business executive Doug (Chris Messina). At a bistro one night, a flamboyant local artist, Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) invites them on a weekend of hedonistic fun a short flight away – in a small borrowed plane he flies himself. Vicky’s reserve is overcome by Cristina’s daring and a fabulous weekend is had. But something changes for them all and the situation is further complicated by the return, under dramatic circumstances, of Juan Antonio’s ex-wife, Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz), with whom he has a tempestuous relationship.
There is no question that the main strength of this film are the performances of the main cast. Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz are outstanding. It’s extremely interesting to watch Bardem be this “Latin lover” character, since his previous role was as an evil murderous villain in No Country For Old Men. Rebecca Hall and Scarlett Johansson hold their own as well, though. Watching all four of these actors interact on the screen together is a pleasure. This is a film about relationships and Woody Allen couldn’t have found a stronger cast to act in these roles.
All of Woody Allen’s films tries to perfectly balance drama and comedy together. But like almost every other romantic comedy out there, this film is not really laugh-out-loud funny. In fact, at times it looks as if this film is taking itself too seriously. It often tries to too hard to be insightful, which greatly takes away from the humor. But really it all goes back to the multi-layered characters and relationships. These are presented beautifully on screen, and this film definitely has a strong central story it can always fall back on.
On paper, Barcelona is a romantic comedy. Like other films in this genre, it is not quite as funny as you would hope it would be. However, this film is has a stronger script than most other romantic comedies. It also doesn’t hurt that the cast is extremely strong, and watching them on screen together is worth at least a rental of this film. Woody Allen fans looking for the “next great film” from him might need to continue looking, though. Vicky Cristina Barcelona is certainly the best of his latest offerings, but doesn’t compare favorably to his earlier work. Still this is a solid film that will entertain almost everyone.
The video is given in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen color, which is enhanced for 16:9 TV. This is a great looking film. The colors are vivid and the city of Spain is presented beautifully. The setting of this film is another plus, and there are no major or minor problems at all here.
The audio included is available in either English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound, or French Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound. There are subtitles available in English and Spanish as well. The dialogue and music come out loud and clear. No problems here either.
For a film so new, it’s a complete surprise that there are no extras at all for this film. It has been said that Woody Allen wants his film to speak for itself, which is fine, but this really doesn’t give any extra replay value to this film.
This film is worth at least a rental. Fans of the film will certainly be disappointed with the lack of extras, so it is not really a “must-buy” for anyone. Hardcore Woody Allen fans might buy this film regardless, but all others will probably just want to rent it.
The Weinstein Company presentsVicky Cristina Barcelona. Directed and Written by Woody Allen. Starring Javier Bardem, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Penelope Cruz, Patricia Clarkson, and Kevin Dunn. Running time: 97 minutes. Rated PG-13. Released on DVD: January 13, 2009. Available at Amazon.com
