Woody Allen's most successfully financial film is Midnight in Paris? Now, don't get me wrong. I loved Midnight In Paris. I walked out with a smile. The film charms your pants off with the serene scenes of Old Paree! Allen has a trademark vision whether it's Europe or New York. Everything is beautiful in a Woody Allen film.
Owen's Gil comes to Paris with his fiancee, Inez. From the language, culture, and history, he's simply fascinated with everything about it. Unlike his finacee who is only interested in being a tourist and immediately rejects Gil's suggestions to move permanently to France. Gil feels the city will provide inspiration for his first novel that has come to a road block. As Gil strolls The City of Lights, he discovers that once the clock strikes midnight, magic happens. A car pulls up and takes him to his idols, The Lost Generation of the 1920s. This group includes F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Salvador Dali, Picasso, Gertude Stein, and many more. All of these iconic talents and expats are the basis for his novel; so, basically he's in creative heaven. He become infatuated with an alluring flapper. Their chemistry is electric. The film goes back and forth between time periods and provides entertainment to say the least.
Following the neurotic humor of Allen is famous for, Owen Wilson does a admirable job as the American looking for passion while trying to get over his writer's block. I ADORE Rachel McAdams but she may have been miscasted. Playing bitchy women are not her calling. The rest of the cast is stunning as they enter the 1920s. Marion is eye googling as a flapper. I can see how Gil becomes enraptured with her presence. I felt Adrian Brody (WHERE has he been?) stole scenes with his enthusiastic Salvador Dali ("I AM DALI"). Gil is astonished to find his idols alive and conversing. They enjoy his company and he becomes apart of this generation.
Back in present day, everyone thinks he bonkers for walking alone at night in a strange city. They think: He must have problem and he's living in the past. I must say it's a delightful comedy filled with romantic and fantasy. It transports you for two hours. Woody mentioned F.Scott and Zelda in Manhattan. To see his love of this time period not wave nor falter, is an inspiration for us to see.
I am surprised it's Allen's most successful film. It's great but it's not Annie Hall, Manhattan, or Hannah and Her Sisters. These three are without a doubt his best films. I enjoyed the twist in Match Point and the performance of Penelope Cruz in Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona but it seems since Allen has left New York for Europe - his work doesn't have the same quality. I wonder if he'll ever come back home for a modern day love story. New York changes more times than a hooker change her pimp (HEY no offence, 12th Avenue); therefore, this director will have plenty to write about if he returns to the city that never sleeps.
VERDICT: SEE IT
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