Over the past few years I’ve grown to love Woody Allen movies. Growing up I just didn’t know any better. I wanted crude jokes, explosions, and gimmicks. I still do at times, but the core of Woody Allen’s filmography is purely commentary on human nature. There is a certain heart and intellect to Woody that’s been often imitated, but never ever truly duplicated. I hate using that kind of hyperbole, but people like Woody Allen are the reason why hyperbole exists in the first place. Pretty much like clockwork, this man cranks out a new movie just about every year. Most folks are quick to turn up their noses and say his best work is behind him. That’s completely subjective, but those snobs are douche bags and are completely wrong. They either don’t connect with the stories or just don’t have the patience to really absorb and understand them. The 2011 Woody picture is “Midnight in Paris”. This time out we get Owen Wilson playing the neurotic lead. Owen Wilson, his wife, and her family travel to Paris. The trailer makes it seem as if Wilson’s character is pushed away a little when his wife wants to spend time with a local couple. So he takes a few steps back and goes on his own journey. He’ll probably get a weird crush or fall in love with someone new. From there some inner conflict about what world is better… old and tired or new and exotic. I could be wrong, but that’s my prediction. I hope I’m wrong. I’m hoping for something with substance that of a “Crimes and Misdemeanors” or even a “Match Point”. I’m a little weary. I can only take so much Owen Wilson before his voice starts sounding like he’s parodying himself. The rest of the cast is top notch though. We get Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Marion Cotillard, Michael Sheen, Tom Hiddleston, Adrien Brody, and more. The trailer provides some glimpses of amazing scenery and great direction and cinematography. It’s a shame that it’s almost taken for granted that the movies that Woody makes are going to look beautiful. I’m hearing good things, it looks great, and for the love of Pete… It’s Woody Allen! I’m looking forward to this one.
