Woody Allen returns with another of his dependable mid-July films, usually shot someplace around the world. This one keeps us in America, instead moving to the era of 1930’s Hollywood, full of sunsets, and technicolor pool parties, high balls and private screenings, schmoozers and movie deals. Basically it’s Hollywood, no matter when the era.
Phil Stern (Steve Carell) is a hot shot Hollywood agent. Brokering deals for Judy Garland, Errol Flynn and MGM studios. When his nephew from the Bronx, Bobby Dorfman (Jesse Eisenberg) moves to Los Angeles, it takes close to two weeks to get an appointment with his Uncle Phil. But when Bobby finally does, he meets a vision, an angel…Uncle Phil’s secretary, Vonnie (Kristen Stewart).
Without spoiling the story, a series of events force the nephew, Bobby, to move back to Manhattan. It’s back home that he’ll partner with his crime-Lord-of-a-brother of a brother, Ben (Corey Stoll). They open an A-lister’s nightclub called Café Society. And it’s there that Bobby will meet his stunning wife, Victoria (Blake Lively.)
The moral of the story is that life goes on, but even if it comes back, the way we dreamed, the way we imagined, the film doesn’t necessarily give you the ending you hope for. There will always be the-one-that-got-away.
Woody Allen’s films usually contain a Muse. For a while it was Scarlett Johansson, but now it’s Jesse Eisenberg. His body language, his hunched stance, his jittery nervousness, and his annoying inquisitiveness, make him the man Allen will probably, and eventually, go out with. Kristen Stewart is adorable, but the chemistry doesn’t work for a minute. And Blake Lively is the most gorgeous creature on the planet with her luscious hair, honey-kissed skin, and statuesque form. When her slender fingers wrap a champagne flute, she’s royalty. She’s ironically the very movie star Uncle Phil should be representing. And speaking of Uncle Phil…Steve Carell is perfectly cast as a Hollywood agent. Can you say ‘Oscar nomination’ anyone? 3 tiaras