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Sunday, December 21, 2014
MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT (2014)
Woody Allen's latest is a mixed bag, set in 1928, about a magician/master illusionist named Stanley (Colin Firth) who is brought in by a friend to expose a lady psychic (Emma Stone) and her mother, who may be on the verge of swindling a wealthy family. Stanley, ego as big as his talent, insists he can spot a scam artist right away, but finds himself challenged with the spiritualist Sophie, who seems to even know some private things about him and his aunt that she'd have no way of knowing. She's obviously a fraud, Stanley believes, but his ego takes a beating when, with every attempt he makes to trap her, Sophie seems to prove her otherworldly talents ... and could his frustration also come from a growing attraction to her? This is Woody Allen after all, and Magic in the Moonlight has its charms, but the age difference between Firth and Stone is a distraction ... and Firth's Stanley is just unlikable enough (Firth's performance also over-the-top enough) to often come off more grating than endearing. Woody's best in awhile, but still not up to vintage Allen. (rated PG-13) C+ MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT trailer
I shall approach this with caution I think. As you know, as a long-time Woody Allen fan, I haven't been exactly enamoured of his latest offerings. The age-gap thing worries me too - something that is repeated in other Allen films, with young women attracted to much older men. I have never seen an OTT Colin Firth before and I imagine this is how he has been directed to play the part. Interesting. Which is what Allen is always: like him or not, he is ALWAYS interesting
I shall approach this with caution I think. As you know, as a long-time Woody Allen fan, I haven't been exactly enamoured of his latest offerings. The age-gap thing worries me too - something that is repeated in other Allen films, with young women attracted to much older men. I have never seen an OTT Colin Firth before and I imagine this is how he has been directed to play the part. Interesting. Which is what Allen is always: like him or not, he is ALWAYS interesting
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