Vicky Cristina Barcelona

By Cyril Pearl -- Video Business, 1/5/2009

WEINSTEIN/GENIUS
Street: Jan. 27
Prebook: now
> Laughs, lust and fun under the sun in Woody Allen’s latest—and sexiest—comedy.

The 39th feature film from the world’s most prolific writer/director is a diverting and funny look at modern love (and lust), what it could be and what it is in reality for a trio of very good-looking people. Rebecca Hall and Scarlett Johansson are, respectively, the staid Vicky and the adventurous Cristina, two American girlfriends who arrive in sun-kissed Barcelona for an extended summer vacation. The season takes a turn to the even steamier when they meet brooding artist Juan (Javier Bardem), who is, not surprisingly, attracted to both women. If only Juan’s fiery former lover (Penelope Cruz) wasn’t so intent on killing herself—and Juan. Filled with a number of laugh-out-loud moments, picture-postcard footage of Spain and a group of sexy stars engaged in sexy situations, Vicky Cristina Barcelona is Allen’s best movie since 2005’s Match Point—and his funniest since 2003’s underrated Anything Else.

Shelf Talk: Allen’s dedicated fans will undoubtedly be the first to show interest in his latest film, which received generally positive reviews upon its wide theatrical release. This one also has star power to spare, led by the popular Johansson and leading man Bardem, who has been flying high since his Best Supporting Actor Oscar in last year’s No Country for Old Men. And don’t forget the beautiful Cruz and the potential for Latino audiences to show interest.

Comedy, color, PG-13 (mature themes, language, sexual situations), 96 min., DVD $28.95, BD $34.99
Extras: none
Director: Woody Allen
First Run: W, Aug. 2008, $22 mil.