Magic In The Moonlight Review

Starring: Colin Firth, Emma Stone, Jacki Weaver, Marcia Gay Harden, Erica Leersen, Catherine McCormack (Rated PG – 97 min).

As far as movie making is concerned, the cinematic maestro Woody Allen has certainly not lost his whimsical touch. Effortlessly churning out a movie a year, he has had huge success in recent times with Blue Jasmine, Midnight in Paris and the under-appreciated Match Point. This latest effort written and directed, but not starring the cinematic genius, literally has much more than meets the eye.

Stanley (Colin Firth) is rude, obnoxious, an unlikable cynic and charlatan mystic. As a popular magic show entertainer, he bluffs his way through silly smoke and mirrors now you see it tricks entrancing the none too wise audiences. His confidence is at a premium until he discovers real magic and doesn’t know what to do with it. Along comes an open minded Sophie (Emma Stone) who claims to be a legitimate magician then strikes up an unlikely partnership with the abrupt condescending Stanley. Sophie has all the opposite traits to Stanley, kind, thoughtful, polite and the real-deal. What follows is a delightful romantic interlude of opposites in age and attitude attracting across the picturesque French Riviera.

Parallels begin to emerge as clues are scattered throughout the film all leading to a behind the curtain reveal finale. As I say, not all is as it seems. Colin Firth and Emma Stone are obviously having fun, relying on chemistry which they have an abundance of and Australia’s own Jacki Weaver will bring on a smile or two when she appears. Scenery and costumes are astonishing and as the title suggests, a beautiful moon rise is also featured for any star-crossed lovers in the audience.

A lovely light film which makes you feel great …or is it just an illusion? Hail Woody.

Shane A. Bassett

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