Friday, May 20, 2011

Midnight in Paris

Last weekend, we went to see Woody Allen's new movie, Midnight in Paris.  And how could we not?  Even if the reviews had been truly execrable, I could not have resisted the chance to see how Allen might pay tribute to the City of Light.  And with a special promotion by the UGC chain of 3.50 euros for every film, every showing, there certainly wasn't much to lose.

And?  Well, I'd call it cute and completely forgettable, except perhaps for the loveliness of Marion Cotillard as everyone's love interest and the outrageousness of Adrien Brody as Salvador Dali.   The best performance by far was by Paris herself; the images of the city were picture postcard perfect and I really had to resist saying, "I've been there!  And there! And there!"  And so while the script, even with its flights of fancy, is predictable, I'm guessing that you'll still leave with a smile on your face.  If you're not in Paris, you might be figuring out how to get here at any cost.  And for those of us who are?  Well, it was a good reminder to go out and take a midnight stroll through the city, something that beats the price of admission even when it's on special.

Midnight in Paris releases in New York and Los Angeles today, with other U.S. cities to follow.

10 comments:

Unknown said...

THANK YOU. Just saw it last night and I agree with you completely. Although what really got on my nerves was when Marion Cotillard's character would pronounce Paris in French and revert back to English. It's like Madonna speaking an affected British English..... Carla Bruni was useless (and I'm willing to bet the fumbling she did while reading on the bench wasn't intentional but she required so many takes that they didn't cut it out in the end), but it was all entertaining enough. Woody is unfortunately so far removed from his Annie Hall days :(

Susan (perduinparis.com) said...

I had to laugh when I saw the headline for NY Magazine's review - "It's a good Woody Allen movie!" I haven't seen it but people I talk to either love it or hate it. I think I'd feel the same as you about it - just middle of the road - probably not as bad as some of his films of the last decade (or two?) but not as good as his work in the 70's. Right now, I don't have much desire to see it. Since I just moved here, I'd rather just walk around the city and see it in person instead of on-screen.

Paulita said...

Totally unfair that you get to live in Paris and see the movie about Paris before us. Sigh.

Brenna [fabuleuxdestin] said...

UGGH! This movie is not out in the French countryside yet. And I thought for once I would see a movie before my american counterparts!

Ozma said...

€3.50?? are they still doing that? I want to see it for €3.50!!

jen said...

The ticker counting down your days in Paris is making me sad. I have so enjoyed reading your blog!

corine @ hidden in france said...

Woody Allen knows how to please himself, that rascal. Gorgeous actresses in unforgettable locations, no mater what goes on in the movie itself, Allen's life rocks. I live in L.A. and I hope to see the movie this week-end.

Anne said...

Ozma: The movie deal was only through the 17th. But watch the papers. These recur from time to time.

Starman said...

I've already ordered it from Netflix.

Ksam said...

I thought it was cute enough - and like you said, a lovely tribute to Paris. What made me laugh the most though was the audience - we went to see it at Gaumont Opera and 99% of the audience was French and dressed exactly the same, à la bobo Frenchie. It was almost more interesting to watch them than the movie itself!

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