In ‘Blue Jasmine’ (2013), there are no shortcuts
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Cate Blanchett steals the show from a stellar ensemble in one of Allen’s best straight dramas.
Romance
In ‘Blue Jasmine’ (2013), there are no shortcuts
‘Solaris’ (2002) fails to find purpose of its existence
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The second big-screen adaptation of “Solaris” doesn’t find enough of a new reason to exist.
Allen loves another city in ‘Midnight in Paris’ (2011)
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Allen has shown the beauty of New York in several films. Here, he makes Paris magical.
‘Magic in the Moonlight’ (2014) has fleeting charm
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): The shortage of sparks between the leads hurts, but a middling Allen rom-com is still better than the average rom-com.
Depressive ‘Solaris’ (1972) is the anti-‘2001’
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This Russian sci-fi classic is even slower-paced than “2001.” But it offers more intellectual rewards.
Daniels shines in sweet ‘Purple Rose of Cairo’ (1985)
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Featuring a nice early Jeff Daniels turn, the fantastical “Purple Rose of Cairo” demonstrates Woody Allen’s love for cinema.
Christie gets theatrical in ‘Murder in Three Acts’ (1935)
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): This novel doesn’t have the strictest three-act structure, but it does tap into the notion of life as a performance.
Nostalgic ‘Broadway Danny Rose’ (1984) doesn’t tug at heartstrings
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): “Broadway Danny Rose” is Woody Allen’s love letter to his standup comedy days. But the film didn’t totally connect with me.
‘Stardust Memories’ (1980) shows absurdities of fame
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Allen’s film takes a crack at Hollywood absurdities, fan behavior and love triangles.
‘Boomerang Clue’ (1934) a better romance than mystery
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): It’s too bad Frankie and Bobby didn’t get more stories, because they’re by far the best part of this Christie yarn.