Starring: Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Kevin Dunn Directed By: Woody Allen Average Rating: Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested) Binding: DVD Format: Color, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen Number of Items: 1 Region Code: 1 Release Date: January 27, 2009 Running Time: 96 minutes Studio: The Weinstein Company Theatrical Release Date: 2008
Amazon.com: It must be true that getting out of town can do a fellow a lot of good, because Vicky Cristina Barcelona is the best movie Woody Allen has made in years. Okay, you're right, 2006's Match Point already claimed that honor and, as Allen's first film made in England, established the virtues of getting away from overfamiliar territory (namely Manhattan). But the Woodman's first film made in Spain matches the ice-cold Match Point for crisp authority, and yields a good deal more sheer pleasure besides. Rebecca Hall (Vicky) and Scarlett Johansson (Cristina) play two young Americans, best friends, spending a summer in Catalonia. Vicky is going for a master's in "Catalan identity" (though her Spanish is shaky); Cristina is going along for, oh, just about anything. That soon includes celebrated abstract artist Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem), who's anything but abstract in his forthright proposition that the two join him in his private plane, his travels, and his bed. That he has an insane ex-wife, Maria Elena (Penélope Cruz), who may or may not have tried to kill him is not really an issue until the wife reappears and ... well, consider the possibilities.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona isn't exactly a comedy, at least not in the manner of Allen's "early, funny ones," but it's informed by a rueful wit that finds its fullest expression in reflective voiceover commentary. Spoken by Christopher Evan Welch, but surely on behalf of the 73-year-old auteur, this element of the film is neither (as some have charged) patronizing nor uncinematic; rather, it's integral to the movie's participation in a venerable European literary tradition, the sentimental education. Instead of Bergman or Fellini, this time Allen is invoking the François Truffaut of Jules and Jim and Eric Rohmer in his many meditations on the game of love. The entire cast is terrific (both Hall and Johansson get to play "the Woody part" at different points), with Bardem and Cruz especially delightful as exemplars of Old Worldliness. Cinematographer Javier Aguirresarobe honors every drop of Catalonian sunlight and glint of Gaudí architecture. --Richard T. Jameson
Woody Puts It All Together ^ I have been watching Woody Allen films since the laugh out loud funny early films Sleeper and Bananas. He reached the top of his form with Annie Hall and the beautifully filmed Manhattan. Since then, there have been some decent films, but most have been disappointing. Moving to Europe seems to have worked for him, first with the excellent Match Point and now with his best film in years. Vicky Cristina Barcelona features a great cast, an excellent script and picturesque locations in Spain. I recommend the blu-ray version for the shots of Gaudi's architectural creations in Barcelona and the scenery in Oviedo. Don't miss this one.
Javier + Penelope + Scarlett .. does it get any better? ^ Artists, Spain, Gaudi, Penelope, Javier, Scarlett, wine, art, architecture, Woody Allen, music, passion, romance, affairs, museums, beautiful scenery... need I say more? The character's relationships in this movie are truly addictive. I seriously wish this were a book.
Oh, Woody, What Were You Thinking? ^ A lot of people liked this movie, but jeez, I gotta say I found it hard to get into and hard to believe in and I'm a Woody Allen fan, have been for a long time. But that scene with Scarlett Johansson and Rebecca Hall in that restaurant in Barcelona when Javier Bardem saunters up to their table and says he wants to fly them off on his private plane and make love to both of them at the same time, come on!
These girls are American Hotties and they ain't a going anywhere with any dude short of Mick Jagger with a line like that. Girls as hot as these, probably Mick would have a problem, he is getting a bit long in the tooth, after all. But these girls, they go, that would never ever happen. Then having Scarlett move in with the Javier character and wind up not only having an affair with him, but with Penelope Cruz, the ex-wife, as well -- well, well, well, a gentleman's fancy but not real.
And after only one night out in the grass, shagging with Javier and the Rebecca Hall character is madly, ever so madly in love, but she says nothing so that her best bud Scarlett can keep a-going with her threesomes. Madly in love with the Javier character, but marries the dud fiancee anyway.
Oh, Woody, What Were You Thinking? It's hard to believe this was made by the same man who gave us Annie Hall.
Mostly pleased ^ The service was fine, came fast and in good condition. The movie itself was not as good as I would have liked. Surely not the fault of the vendor. I would rent again from them.
Awesome movie ^ I bought this movie solely for my future wife, Penelope Cruz. And sure the other girl too. However to my delightful surprise, this movie was beautiful, cleverly funny, musically charming, and very interesting characters. With scenes of Spain, I love the Spanish guitar that is played throughout the film. The film is quasi romantic, has slight suspense, and extremely clever. If you're seeking a pure comedy movie, watch Zombieland; or a romantic comedy try Love Actually as this is neither. Having a hard time describing where this fits in and who would watch this movie; I suppose get it if you love the talented Penelope and 'ok' actress Scarlett, as they are one of most beautiful women in the world. As for the HD vs DVD, I wasn't sure if I could tell the difference, but a few dollars more who wouldn't want to see these women in HD?
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