MOVIE REVIEW - Whatever Works

Besides the huge blockbusters at the theaters these days, there are some smaller movies, and many times they get lost. Whatever Works is the new Woody Allen movie new in theaters this week. And it's typical, classic Woody Allen.

WW is written and directed by Allen, and after about 5 minutes there is no question you are on for another Allen ride you've taken time and time again. WW is loaded with snappy, quick, understated dialogue, and forces you to listen quickly. A real trademark of Allen films. They just have that "feel."

WW stars Larry David as Boris. Boris is an older, strange brilliant man who lives in New York City. He has an incredibly high IQ, and due to this and life's circumstances, he has become a terrible cynic on just about every single issue in life. After a failed suicide attempt, and a divorce, (both handled with great humor) he finds himself alone in the world. Enter Melody. A 20 year old runaway from Mississippi, who finds herself somehow living with Boris after moving to the city. Melody is Boris's polar opposite. She is young, funny, pretty, idealistic, naive, and willing to learn life's lessons from Boris forty years her senior. Strange friendship to be sure.

That's about as far as I can go with the story line, as her family gets involved and it's a huge opposites attract fest. All handled with deadpan humor, and the usual quirks that run through a Woody Allen movie. Of course a goofy soundtrack is needed, and delivered. Co-starring, Michael McKean, Patricia Clarkson, and Ed Begley Jr., Whatever Works is a fun, quick 90 minute visit to the movies.

Whatever Works is not for everyone, but for Allen fans it's fun. Last year his summer movie Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona was one of the best reviewed movies of the year. After all these years, Woody Allen still makes movies that look like the movies he made years ago, but somehow they keep up with the times.

Whatever Works. Like many Allen movies, a little fun, at a little movie.