Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Penélope Cruz, Rebecca Hall, Javier Bardem
Dir: Woody Allen
Rating: 3/5
It’s fair to say that all of Allen’s movies that have been set outside the USA haven’t done well critically of commercially his last, Cassandra’s Dream, marked a real low point in the filmmaker’s career and one to be avoided at all cost.
But it seems that no one bounces back like Woody Allen as he brings together a highly exciting cast to give shooting abroad one last go.
Two young American women, Vicky (Hall) and Cristina (Johansson) come to Barcelona for a summer holiday. Vicky is sensible and engaged to be married; Cristina is emotionally and sexually adventurous.
In Barcelona, they're drawn into a series of unconventional romantic entanglements with Juan Antonio (Bardem), a charismatic painter, who is still involved with his tempestuous ex-wife Maria Elena (Cruz).
This is far and away Allen’s best movie in many a year and that’s thanks to the witty script and the truly brilliant cast, particularly Penelope Cruz, that he has assembled for Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
And ok it might be slightly predictable but the script is witty and funny as the filmmaker explores the mysteries of the human heart in this light romantic comedy.
But it’s the performances from his highly talented cast that really pull this movie along especially that of Penelope Cruz.
The actress remains one of the most exciting actress working in Hollywood at the moment as she easily movies from Spanish speaking movies to the more broader and mainstream roles.
The fiery role of Maria is perfect for the actress and the Best Supporting Oscar that came her way really was deserved. She fights and banters well with Javier Bardem who is back on form after the awful Love In A Time of Cholera.
2009 looks like it’s going to be the real breakthrough year for British actress Rebecca Hall as she shines in in the role of the unadventurous Vicky who, through the course of the movie, learns more about life and ultimately about herself.
While it’s by no means classic Woody Allen it’s great to see him back on form. Vicky Cristina Barcelona is sexy and funny and the backdrop of Barcelona really is beautiful and well worth a watch.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona is out on DVD now.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw