Get a Woody

Prepare to be jealous. Although the new Woody Allen film Vicky Cristina Barcelona has a December 26 (boxing day) release date in Australia, I was lucky enough to catch an advanced screening at the local arts centre. And it was great! Sweet, funny and honest this is a return to form for Woody after the not-so-great Scoop. Vicky Cristina Barcelona tells the tale two American best friends played by Scarlett Johansson and Rebecca Hall who fall for a bohemian artist (Javier Bardem) while holidaying in Barcelona for the summer. Throw in the smokin’ Penelope Cruz as Bardem’s psychotic ex-wife and you have a winner. Pure and simple this a bunch of fun with substance. The performances are all magnificent (see the Golden Globe nominations below for further proof) and Allen’s signature quirkiness is endearing, not irritating as it sometimes can be. I strongly recommend this mature romantic dramedy for anyone out there looking for a break from the generic holiday movie experience. This is the fourth film in a row Allen has shot out of the US (the third with Johansson in a lead) so I can’t wait to see where he takes us next on his global adventure . . .The soooo hot right now Penelope Cruz as Maria Aneala (above)