96 minutes, Romantic Comedy/Drama
There is an air of sadness over the production of Woody Allen’s newest movie CAFE SOCIETY, with the knowledge that his co-executive producer of over 45 years, Jack Rollins passed away last year, at age 100. Woody writes, directs and narrates a light-hearted affair set in Hollywood during the 1930’s. Bobby (Jesse Eisenberg) moves from his family home in New York to work for his Uncle Phil (Steve Carell, replacing a fired Bruce Willis), a popular talent agent dealing with some of the biggest film stars of that time. It is here that Bobby falls in love his Uncle’s assistant, Vonnie (Kristen Stewart).
As those who are fond of Woody Allen movies will know, it is all about his philosophical narrative and layered characterisation work that form several plot points which are often executed with sophistication and meaning. A rewarding movie experience is guaranteed for those who appreciate film with extra psychological depth. While these elements are all dining in at CAFE SOCIETY, they will be found under the sides section of the menu only. The main course on offer here is purely entertaining fun to be derived from a screenplay that affectionately and playfully re-creates a bygone era in Hollywood & seamlessly integrating a fictional first-love story. As a result, CAFE SOCIETY is insignificant by Woody Allen’s lofty standards, yet perfectly fine at being perfectly good. In the first role in which she has had to audition for since TWILIGHT, Kristen Stewart is miscast and never really emotes what her character needed in order to really convince and engage. Woody himself doesn’t exactly help, providing the film with unnecessary narration throughout. During the latter stages of the film, an ever-improving Blake Lively makes a…. lively, yet all too brief appearance, giving CAFE SOCIETY a spark it was in need of. Once the credits have rolled on by, you’re left pondering just why and how on Earth she wasn’t cast in Stewart’s role to begin with.
3 out of 5
Viewer Discretion
M – Mature Themes and Violence
Moviedoc wishes to thank Claire from Entertainment One, Entertainment One and The Backlot Studios for the invitation to the Screening of CAFE SOCIETY.
Review by Moviedoc
“LIKE” on Facebook – Moviedoc
©
Moviedoc 
Leave a comment