AllMovieGuide Synopsis:
by Perry Seibert
Woody Allen's romantic drama Vicky Cristina Barcelona stars Rebecca Hall and Scarlett Johansson as best friends Vicky and Cristina. As the movie opens, the pair of twentysomethings travel to Barcelona so that Vicky can work on her post-graduate degree. The two meet the charming artist Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem), who offers to take them on a vacation and make love to them. Vicky, being a happily engaged young woman, refuses, but Cristina is eager for this life experience. A love triangle begins to coalesce, and things grow more complicated when Juan Antonio's passionate, unstable ex, Maria Elena (Penélope Cruz), arrives to stay after a suicide attempt.
As the latest "Woody Is Back!" film, I expect Vicky Cristina Barcelona to make much more money than his last five films. Possibly combined! Why do I think this? Not only do I agree with the critical consensus out there, that this film is top-notch, but I saw the film in a theater with a packed audience that was completely in touch with every word, whim, and witticism. This film played, and to a young audience! Perhaps the prospect of a girl-on-girl kiss is what drew the youngin's in, but it was the humor and nicely told story that got them to stay and become involved.
Now, I've never thought that Woody had lost it. Cassandra's Dream, which opened earlier this year to far less enthusiasm, is just as good if not completely different. It has been a while since Woody has made a romantic/sex farce type film, and I don't think anyone would have guessed that he would be so successful at it this late in the game. But the film is very funny, without being typically "Woody Allen"-punchline funny. Especially winning is Penelope Cruz, who I have not seen this good in anything.
Rebecca Hall is a find as well. Is she really British? She plays a good American and the uncertainty of her character is the most interesting/layered of the whole film.
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