Being young has not afforded me the luxury of seeing all the Woody Allen films. That being said, his latest film "Midnight in Paris" is what I hope is fine Woody Allen work. The movie opens with a spectacular visual collage of Paris in a myriad of shots that is enough to capture the audience alone and spur a mode of both jealousy and envy for those whom have had the fortune to experience such a beautiful city. And to those who have had the pleasure, it most likely brings feelings of the movies reoccurring theme of the movie; nostalgia.
Owen Wilson plays his most realistic role of his career. He is believable and a character you are cheering for from the get go. It is his film. His over bearing fiance, and her staunch parents are predictable but entertaining. Rachel McCadms is sporting a few extra pounds as compared to her Wedding Crasher's days. Michael Sheen is outstandingly pompous and takes on the role of the ultimate know-it-all. Owen Wilson's character calls him a "pseudo intellectual". I might say "as superficial attempt of being a renaissance man".
Owen's midnight strolls are the highlight of the movie, and left me waiting for the scenes of the following day to end and the movie to bring him back to that unassuming street corner. The movie makes dozens of references to 20s literature and art and philosophy. Half of which I appreciated. Still, the half I did, had me completely enamored. Wilson's character takes an amazing journey to a town which he loves, and with the help of the supporting characters in the movie (not his wife and family), he come to appreciate the present, Even if just for a little while.
A great movie, that I could watch multiple times and still not appreciate how great the writing is. Makes me want to travel more and become a bit more familiar with the classic works of literature and art. Which in my eyes, is when movies score the highest marks. When I leave the theatre contemplating my own existence, all we may say is, job well done Mr. Allen.
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