Change is good

Sometimes a change in scenery is good, sometimes time runs out in a certain spot. — Phil Nevin

Leaving New York City is very good for Woody Allen.

I loved Match Point, set in London, which Allen completed in 2005. Oscar voters loved Vicky Cristina Barcelona, giving Penelope Cruz the Best Supporting Oscar nod.

And Allen’s newest endeavor, Midnight in Paris, may be the biggest charmer of them all.

Allen is not in the film.  That is a good thing. Owen Wilson plays the Woody role, but he plays it as an optimist. I swore I saw the sun shining in his eyes a few times, he is so upbeat (even when he is sad).

His counterpoint is Rachel McAdams, his fiancee and generally unlikable person.  Her parents are even less so.  There is a big “THUD” when they appear on screen because there is no nuance to their characters, but perhaps they are supposed to be the dose of reality.

Because the rest of the film is magic.  Owen’s love affair with the city of Paris.  The people he meets…and he meets some pretty fantastic people.  The unexpected cameos and brilliant performances by actors not mentioned in any promotion for the film.  (I was surprised; I want you to be, too.)

I enjoyed Midnight in Paris so much.  It was, quite simply, a delight.

Guess where I’m jonesin’ to go now?