Woody is back to peak form
Melinda and Melinda
Woody Allen
Radha Mitchell, Chloe Sevigny, Will Ferrell, Amanda Peet, Josh Brolin, Chitwetel Ejiofor
15
Allen, famous for blowing hot and cold and, equally, for too often losing the plot in recent years, takes a step in the right direction with this clever and complex story which looks at one character from the standpoints of comedy and tragedy.
Two writers, each versed in the above, consider the Melindas of the title … one seeing her as a funny whirlwind in the lives of those around her, the other seeing her as a depressing influence, though one with alarmingly equal abilities to wreck havoc.
The comedy is well up to Allen's expected standard and the playing is, as always with the director's ensembles, brilliant.
Could still try harder, remains the verdict on Allen, but he's getting back to peak form.
4/5
