Midnight in Paris

What a wonderful little gem Woody Allen’s latest work of love has turned out to be!!

Synopsis: a screenwriter is trying to write a novel when, during a vacation with his fiancé in Paris, suddenly finds himself transported to a different reality that will radically change his outlook on life.

Where to begin singing the praises of this beautiful film?  Perhaps from the Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominated screenplay, written by Allen himself.  It tells a sweet, romantic story with ease and flow, making us smile and laugh, and our hearts feel light and nostalgic.  Who hasn’t dreamed at times of living in other, “better,” times?

The cinematography is so warm and rich, it made me want to get a ticket for the next flight out to the French capital.  The period costumes and art direction are absolutely phenomenal and the score fits the movie like a glove.

The sprawling cast (Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Michael Sheen, Kathy Bates, Marion Cotillard, and Adrien Brody are among the recognizable faces) is overall very good.  Wilson embodies Allen’s archetype effectively and efficiently.  The only problem is that he’s not a great actor, just a good one, but he’s good enough to replace Allen, who himself wasn’t a memorable thespian.  McAdams is actually the one that left me coldest, although maybe that’s because she was quite good at playing the cold, disaffected fiancé.

The Bottom Line: Midnight in Paris movie was a joy to watch and “live” from the first longing frames to its joyful conclusion.  Allen directed another great film that is a love note to Paris as well as cinema and the glorious artists of the past.  Bravo!!!

Grade: 9