Cornwall ON – I’ve been watching Woody Allen films for an awfully long time. Midnight in Paris is his highest grossing film ever. It’s light. It’s charming. Is it filling and satisfying? Yes…and no…My favorite Allen film is The Purple Rose of Cairo and there’s a common theme that’s hammered home in Midnight in Paris; that our plight in every day life can make other places and times far more romantic than they truly are.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I99slAjca5Y
Owen Wilson stars in the flick personifying the Woodster. I find it odd casting. Actually the only issue I had with the film was the first act as Mr. Wilson and Rachel McAdams (what was with all the shots of her derriere?) just didn’t seem to have a strong enough presence, but once things got going there was some vintage Woody Allen and then there was….Paris.
In today’s age of 3D extraganzas Midnight in Paris is a lovely stroll of a story. It’s not rushed or hurried and nothing goes bang in the dark. The younger generation has the biggest hurdle because how many people who can recite Lady Gaga lyrics know who Zelda Fitzgerald was? (I have a hunch Lady Gaga and Zelda would be buds!) I don’t want to give the plot away but it seems everyone in Paris is famous! Corey Stoll as Hemingway was wonderful and it’s always good to see Kathy Bates (as Gertrude Stein) in any flick!
Mr. Allen, long known for making his films in NY ventured to Paris for this film. It’s charming. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon and evening.
New fans will enjoy the movie; Allen fans will probably be earning for more. I met a a few people at the theatre that had come back after seeing it the night before.
Here in Cornwall it’s playing at an original Roxy theatre now known as the Port. The charm of the theatre, even in the midst of renovations adds to the lustre of this film. I sat in the balcony with some friends and we munched on popcorn and drifted to a time and place very far away.
Midnight in Paris is playing until Friday at The Port Theatre, 132 Montreal Road – 613 933- 4547 –
Show times are at 7:15 and admission is only $7.00 and $5.00 for Seniors and Children.
Good review, Jamie.
Thanks PJR – It’s worth the watch and the Port is a great place to watch movies.