I remember being pleasantly surprised with Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris last year. Funny, quirky, insightful, and hopeful- it made you feel good for dreaming and not letting anyone wake you up for their sake. Though I feel this venture won’t be as… Meaningful, I can’t help but feel we’ll get that beloved brand of humor and brutally honest heart we come to expect from Woody Allen, and I must say, this seems to be the strongest he’s been in years.
At first, when I knew the bare bones of To Rome with Love, I only knew Jesse Eisenberg was to be in it, and I presumed as the lead. Of course- it’s perfect, and if you say otherwise, hit yourself. I mean perfect in the sense that Eisenberg has nailed DOWN what it takes to be a Woody Allen cipher- goofy, quiet, smart, and self-assured in the negative and positive. It came to my surprise that Woody is back at acting in his own films, and I must say that he looks comfortable- in his prime. For his age, and just for him as a talent, that’s damn impressive. He seems like he’ll be just a delight every time he’s on screen. It’s also good to know that he’s assembled a lovely cast of talented, logical players (the italian actors seem to be doing right by the style at hand.) It’s interesting to see Alec Baldwin here, but he looks to be in top form by his standards, and should be good comedic relief, right next to Allen himself. I say this especially in the case of Eisenberg, Ellen Page, and Greta Gerwig. These three young stars are only getting better these days. Based on their past work (especially Greta Gerwig), they fit too well into a Woody Allen film. Thank goodness it is a good looking one.
If anything, Allen is growing as a filmmaker and writer. I'm glad he has that drive… Or lack of care- either way, it’s helping him more than hindering. This film’s multi-perspective approach definitely isn’t new territory, but where it goes appears to be unique and entertaining. As far as love stories go, it seems like standard practice for Allen, but overall I think To Rome with Love should prove to be a fun farce, showcasing that the man has still got it. Let’s just wonder how harsh he can still be (I’m assuming it’s HARSH.)
Impressed: Yeah, I mean not stunned, but interested.
Will Watch It: Yes.
