Leaving New York for London with Match Point revitalized Woody Allen’s career in 2005; now he picks up shop again, this time seeking inspiration in Spain. And again, the move does him good, as Vicky Cristina Barcelona evokes, though perhaps does not quite equal, his greatest triumphs.
James McAvoy plays a young man headed to Bristol University, taking part in the University Challenge trivia contest (which he and his dad had watched on television all during his childhood), and falling in love with the hot blonde girl while failing to notice the girl who really cares about him. Yeah, the story’s routine. [...]
Who knew the magician business was so cut-throat? Seriously. Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman vie for audiences and women in a 19th century setting, going to lengths that are disturbing at best. Very, very clever, but very disturbing. I think I didn’t figure out the twist ending mostly because I simply didn’t want to believe [...]
