Movie review: Vicky Cristina Barcelona

By Darron Carswell

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Genius filmmaker Woody Allen has long been fascinated by the indefinable qualities of love. Whether questioning the need for such an illogical, often painful enterprise, as in Annie Hall, or pondering the plight of the romantic, as in Manhattan, at his best, Allen brilliantly combines insight and deprecating humor to address the subject of love. With Vicky Cristina Barcelona, his 43rd picture, the venerable director returns to this familiar ground.

The story follows two American friends, Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) during their summer in the titular city. It doesn’t take long before the two are discovered by aggressively romantic Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem), who invites both women to a weekend in Oviedo. He assures them a good time will be had by all—eating well, drinking good wine and making love.

The male fantasy is quickly halted by the more respectable, soon-to-be-married neurotic Vicky, though Cristina, adventurous and curious, convinces her friend to at least keep her company. This being a Woody Allen film, the fantasy returns in the form of Juan Antonio’s intensely unstable ex-wife, Maria Elena, played with gusto by Penelope Cruz.

The appealing premise has obvious potential but is undercut by overwhelming mediocrity, which is the major fault of Vicky Cristina Barcelona. The photography is handsome, but not particularly striking or interesting. The actors perform capably, but not exceptionally. Rebecca Hall is the only real standout of the ensemble, creating a beautiful sadness through wonderfully confused glances. Plot contrivances and lazy narration confirm the movie’s status as merely acceptable. Not unlike a transient love, Vicky Cristina Barcelona is attractive and occasionally fun, but ultimately unsatisfying.

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Movie review: Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Scarlett Johansson (actress)actually is a clone from original person,who has nothing with acting career.Clone was created from stolen biomaterial.Original Scarlett Galabekian last name is nice, CHRISTIAN young lady.Those clones(it's not 1)made in GERMANY, leader manufacturer of humans clones,it's in Ludwigshafen am Rhein,N.Bavaria,Mr.Helmut Kohl home town,clones spreading globaly,they're NAZI type disciplined and mind controlled,be careful get close you'll be controlled too.Original family didn't authorize any activity with stolen biomaterials,it's all should go to Cedars-Sinai MedCenter in LA.Controlling clones is US military operation.Original Scarlett isn't engage,by the way

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