Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Life is the ultimate work of art.
Oscar winner Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men), Oscar nominee Penelope Cruz (Volver) and Golden Globe nominee Scarlett Johansson (Match Point) light up the stunning city of Barcelona in this sexy romantic comedy. Vicky and Cristina are two young Americans spending a summer in Spain who meet a charming "Casanova" and his beautiful but volatile ex-wife. When they all become romantically entangled, the smoldering sparks begin to fly in hilarious fashion. Critics rave, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona is one of Woody Allen's finest films, with bravura performances from its incredible cast" (Jeffrey Lyons, Reel Talk/NBC).
Member Reviews
An ambivalent look at human relationships and a clutch of great performances - moviemonger
Vicky Cristina Barcelona is an atypical Allen film. Some of his usual themes are present - in particular, his neuroses about sex and love - but this movie does not bear enough Allen hallmarks to single it out as his work. Technically, it's probably a comedy, but it's not very funny nor does it intend to be. It's not a question of there being a lot of failed jokes; there aren't many jokes to begin with. The movie is driven by the manic energy that often characterizes comedies, but the punchlines are missing. It's an interesting way to frame a movie, and it makes things seem a little more lighthearted than they might in a more serious interpretation of the same material. The major relationships in Vicky Cristina Barcelona are well-developed, although the transitions between them are sloppy. The acting is, for the most part, solid. Javier Bardem oozes charm and charisma, and he doesn't carry an air gun. Penélope Cruz is a firecracker and her performance sizzles with suppressed (and, at times, not-so-suppressed) sexuality. Rebecca Hall, the least-known name in the primary cast gives perhaps the deepest, most heartfelt portrayal. We understand the trap she's in and feel for her position. As Cristina, Scarlett Johansson, who appears to be Allen's latest woman of choice, is merely adequate. The most surprising thing about Vicky Cristina Barcelona is not its drop-dead gorgeous locations, steamy (but modest) sex scenes or handful of stellar performances. You will be inspired to take a trip to Barcelona after this movieBardem and Cruz are marvellous - triplou
To begin with, I found the narrator's voice quite annoying, and I didn't believe any of the characters other than those played by Bardem and Cruz, and then only because their acting skills are astonishing. There's an undercurrent -- the contrast between people who desire just to be alive, doing all that living creatures enjoy, and the people who want to own things, who see success in terms of where they live, what's in their home, who helped decorate. This is not a great film, but it is a very enjoyable one thanks to Bardem and Cruz.Overrated. Pass unless you are trying to impress your lady-friend - Atreides
A movie that ambitiously tries to define the meaning of love and settles for pointless dialogue and drama that leads no where in the end. Vicky's analytical perspective on love is quickly discarded for Christina's superficial and selfish perspective. Aside from Doug, it says a lot that the most sympathetic characters in the movie are Juan Antonio and Marie Elena.
PROs
* Incredible cinematography. Romantic & picturesque views of Spain
* Superb acting from Penelope Cruz & Javier Bardem. Performances elevate the characters above their cartoonish material
CONs
* Plot reads like a Harlequin romance novel or bad soap opera.
* Dialogue is pointless, pretentious and self-serving
* Treatment of the subject matter (love) is dealt with in a fluffy and superfluous manner
* Underlying message of the film is fairly rancid and in the end all the story arcs are left unresolved
Member Reviews
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An ambivalent look at human relationships and a clutch of great performances - moviemonger
Vicky Cristina Barcelona is an atypical Allen film. Some of his usual themes are present - in particular, his neuroses about sex and love - but this movie does not bear enough Allen hallmarks to single it out as his work. Technically, it's probably a comedy, ...Bardem and Cruz are marvellous - triplou
To begin with, I found the narrator's voice quite annoying, and I didn't believe any of the characters other than those played by Bardem and Cruz, and then only because their acting skills are astonishing. There's an undercurrent -- the contrast between people ...Overrated. Pass unless you are trying to impress your lady-friend - Atreides
A movie that ambitiously tries to define the meaning of love and settles for pointless dialogue and drama that leads no where in the end. Vicky's analytical perspective on love is quickly discarded for Christina's superficial and selfish perspective. Aside ...