Amazon.com:Oscar winner Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men), Oscar nominee Penelope Cruz (Volver) and Golden Globe nominee Scarlett Johansson (The Nanny Diaries) light up the stunning city of Barcelona in this sexy romantic comedy. Vicky and Cristina are two young Americans spending a summer in Spain, who meet a charming Casanova and his beautiful but volatile ex-wife. When they all become romantically entangled, the smoldering sparks begin to fly in hilarious fashion. Critics rave, Vicky Cristina Barcelona is one of Woody Allen s finest films, with bravura performances from its incredible cast (Jeffrey Lyons, Reel Talk/NBC)
Hmm I was really interested to see this movie because I figured it could turn out to be anything, I really had no idea what it would be like. It surprised me how light the movie sort of was, I mean it was no chick flick romance comedy but it wasn't nearly as heavy as I thought it might be. Woody Allen is all over the place so I had no idea what to expect. I would definitely compare it to Scoop and also a bit to Matchpoint.
One thing that was kind of weird and distracting to me was that the movie had some narration in it. Not like The Royal Tenebaums Alec Baldwin narration but like the Shopgirl Steve Martin narration, it was just distracting. I think it would have been better with a different voice but I had a hard time following along when there was narration.
I liked all the characters and surprisingly to me I kind of liked Penelop Cruz in this movie, she usually just doesn't do it for me, but this time she did. I loved the scenes between her, Scarlett Johansson and Javier Bardem. Those were the best to me.
Anyhow, the movie was interesting. I feel like ranking it. I thought it was better than Scoop but not as good as Matchpoint. So there is that.
3/5 Stars
Watched via Netflix
I didn't know this was a lighter movie, but that's good to hear. I like all the actors, so I'm definitely looking forward to seeing this.
ReplyDeleteI've curious about this one. I think I'll add to my NetFlix queue.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly how I would rank it, between Match Point and Scoop! I was surprise by the feel of it, too; it was much lighter than I expected, but in a good way.
ReplyDeleteI was really excited to see this movie when it first went to theater and I liked it. I wanted to high-five you when I read how you felt about the narration being distracting because I said exactly the same thing after watching it!
ReplyDeletePenelope Cruz won the oscar for this role.
ReplyDeleteI loved both Scoop and Matchpoint so I'd probably like this one too. I'll have to watch it someday. :)
ReplyDeleteI have heard that a lot of other people didn't like the narration but I felt it helped to advance the plot without having to watch long scenes of the characters discussing all these details. Short, sweet, and to the point. I really liked both the narration and the movie.
ReplyDeleteI thought all the characters were great and well thought out. It probably wasn't the best movie I have ever scene, but it was enjoyable and interesting. Definitely worth seeing.
I have this film sitting in a pile of netflix movies still to get to. I really can't say I know what the expect with it and was glad to come across your review. I tend not to like most Woody Allen films to be honest, but figured I should see this one since so many others liked it. Thanks for the review, Alea!
ReplyDeleteI had this one at home from Netflix for the past couple of weeks but we never felt in the mood and just sent it back to get something new. Now I wish I had watched it. :)
ReplyDeleteI thought this was a lot of fun. Really enjoyed all the acting. I'd even watch it again.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite movies of all time!!
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