Magic in the Moonlight ~ 2014

Magic in the Moonlight

2014

PG-13

97 minutes

Starring Colin Firth, Emma Stone, Simon McBurney, Marcia Gay Harden, Jacki Weaver, Eileen Atkins, Hamish Linklater

Written and directed by Woody Allen.

A romantic comedy about an Englishman brought in to help unmask a possible swindle. Personal and professional complications ensue. (IMDb)

I was seriously born in the wrong era and on the wrong continent. I’m always drawn to period pieces, especially if they take place in Europe. It also doesn’t hurt when they’re starring Mr. Darcy himself … wink, wink. But, I digress. Light and breezy comedy is the best way to sum up this film. Colin Firth plays a masterful curmudgeon who often doesn’t realize his sarcasm, albeit it hilarious and on target, is sometimes tiresome and mean-spirited. It was a joy to watch Emma Stone’s Sophie wear him down in an attempt to get him to let go of his philosophical trappings and accept that some things in life defy explanation.

Woody Allen’s work has been very different of late. I’m going to hazard a guess and say that’s because of his newfound love for the UK and Europe. Although I much preferred Midnight in Paris to this, there are some comparisons to be drawn – a fascination with the occult, questioning the unexplained, and a main character who has an epiphany through love. 

Eileen Atkins, who is generally wonderful in everything, was so in tune with Firth, as his Aunt Vanessa, in all their scenes. Their dialog was particularly Allen-esque, seeming very natural and improvised. And, not to be omitted – the staging -- what a stunningly gorgeous film: I’ve always loved how Allen uses the natural surroundings and existing architecture for his sets – no fakery. Overall, while not a masterpiece to be sure, Magic in the Moonlight is an enjoyable little traipse through the Twenties.