Café Society

It's a love triangle, that's all there is to it and the whole thing kind of fizzles out. Woody only makes films out of inertia these days, but Café Society in particular is so caressing, cute, and in its own way, endearingly old-fashioned, especially since it has the flawless atmosphere of 1930s Hollywood, an era that has always appealed to me, an old-timer. In addition to that, I realised that Stewart can be attractive when the role allows her to. And in fact the ending was exactly as melancholic as it should. (12/18/2016)

Woody Allen is still making the same thing, but in an increasingly heady and mature way, and in an increasingly refined formal package. Another accurate and perfectly shot relationship drama from the 1930-40s in the irresistible glitter of the bygone glory of the old party cabarets, frills and refinement of the elite of the time. It's a film that is all the more powerful the more times you find yourself in the various relationship and emotional breakdowns of the main characters. Someday Woody will be remembered a lot, as he was able to extract a bunch of stuff from life and put it on film with refinement and insight, yet crystal clear truth like few filmmakers, and in an original and typically quirky way that has become his own and he applies it as his signature trendy trademark. (02/15/2017)

Woody Allen seems a bit worn out in this film. Sure, it's very well shot, the dialogues occasionally make sense and are even interesting, if not entertaining, but overall, I kind of felt like it was about nothing in particular. I couldn't really connect with the characters, and for example, the second Veronica seemed unnecessary and self-serving, although, of course, she has a certain purpose. (10/23/2016)

Last time, I was quite enthusiastic about Magic in the Moonlight, but Café Society is even better. I haven't experienced this much authentic happiness from interwar Hollywood in a long time. There are plenty of excellent details, winking, and playing with names and projects, as well as the classic relationship analysis. It's not necessary to enjoy a romance that isn't quite tip-top, but if you appreciate art deco and a zillion references to all those names like Gloria Swanson, Barbara Stanwyck, Ginger Rogers, or Jean Harlow, you've come to the right place. The costumes, the sets, and the atmosphere are all top-notch, and only after all this did I realize that the make-up is not period-based, but fortunately, that doesn't ruin the whole (which is an interesting paradox). (09/26/2016)

I often shook my head because the script was deeply submerged in nostalgia and was constantly throwing in old Hollywood names just to show how great Phil is. But when it decides to tell the story we came for, Café Society becomes a smooth and nervous retro with a sweetly sounding string of longing. 70% and rounding up precisely for that infallible final note. (05/21/2018)