Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Starring: Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Patricia Clarkson, Kevin Dunn
Directed by: Woody Allen
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Romance
2008

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) are best friends spending the summer in Barcelona. They both befriend a charismatic artist (Javier Bardem) and his ex-wife (Penelope Cruz), but they both fall for the artist instead.

Review:

Tim: Woody Allen is on a bit of career resurgence lately, which is much needed after some of the bombs he's been responsible for the past few years. This movie might be fairly good, but it simply doesn't compare to his far superior Match Point. Still, this movie does more right than it does wrong.

This is an interesting story about two young Americans and the adventurous summer they spend in Spain. This obviously centers around the love triangle between Vicky, Cristina, and Juan Antonio. I suppose it also becomes a love quadrangle with the addition of Maria Elena. The relationships here get to be a bit confusing, which is all part of the fun. There is also some interesting commentary on the nature of relationships and happiness as well.

The movie succeeds mostly because of the cast. Javier Bardem is excellent in the film. I have been increasingly impressed with his acting ability in recent years, and this role furthered my appreciation of him. The guy can definitely act. I also liked Scarlett Johnasson to some extent. I don't think she is a fantastic actor, but she has her moments and she's generally enjoyable here. I at least believed her performance. I was a bit disappointed in Rebecca Hall. She seemed a bit of an odd casting choice. Yes, there are a few moments where she's absolute dynamite, but for most of the movie, she is lackluster. I thought a better actress in this role would have made the movie even better.

I want to make special mention of the performance of Penelope Cruz. She gives the best performance of the film by far, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her efforts. I enjoyed her immensely, especially because most of her screen time calls for her to speak rapidly, moving back and forth between English and Spanish. I am not sure how difficult this was, but I imagine it took some skill. My ears were burning as I tried to keep up with her lines, weaving back and forth between two different performances. She was incredible to watch. I do wish she had more screen time- I think the movie would have been better, and it would have convinced me even more that she deserved the Oscar. Still, she uses her screen time wisely, and gives a remarkable performance.

I thought Cruz was at her best with her scenes with Bardem. These two Spanish actors had such wonderful chemistry together. I believed them as ex-lovers, as they brought these characters to life. I thought their scenes together were simply outstanding. If these two actors ever make another movie together, I would be there simply to watch them on screen again.

The movie does feature some remarkable performances, but the film itself could have been better. Woody Allen has a few good moments behind the camera, giving us a few memorable scenes. Unfortunately, the movie itself could have been better. Yes, this film is fairly good, but I thought it had the potential to be great. Sadly, Allen's lack of true skills as a director (yeah, I said it)prevent this movie from reaching its full potential. Luckily, he is no where to be seen on screen (thank goodness).

Rating 1-10

Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Match Point, Shadows and Fog, Manhatten