Release Date:
05/03/2002
Remember when big-time actors used to clamor to be in a Woody Allen movie? But look at the cast list for Hollywood Ending: Téa Leoni, Debra Messing, Tiffani Theissen, and Treat Williamsthats not a cast, its a sitcom audition. For that matter, why do women want so much to work with the Woodster when he writes characters who are shrieking dingbats? Look what it did for Mira Sorvinos careerMimic, At First Sight, anyone?
Anyway, the biggest crime Hollywood Ending commits is not the fact that Allen pairs himself with women 30 years his younger (again), but the fact that its not all that funny. While not as bad as some of his recent outings, Endings few funny gags only make the rehashed jokes all the more obvious. The basic conceit of the moviea once-respected director gets a shot at a comeback, only to be struck blindprovides Allen a chance to mock both Hollywood and himself, which he does sporadically but fairly well (we particularly liked the Chinese translator and Allens usual New Yorkvs.-L.A. bias). The rest, on the other hand, feels as tired as Allens hypochondriac shtick. However, if you need a movie to take the folks to, or if youre dating a 70 year old, Hollywood Ending is a nice alternative to Spider-hype.
Anyway, the biggest crime Hollywood Ending commits is not the fact that Allen pairs himself with women 30 years his younger (again), but the fact that its not all that funny. While not as bad as some of his recent outings, Endings few funny gags only make the rehashed jokes all the more obvious. The basic conceit of the moviea once-respected director gets a shot at a comeback, only to be struck blindprovides Allen a chance to mock both Hollywood and himself, which he does sporadically but fairly well (we particularly liked the Chinese translator and Allens usual New Yorkvs.-L.A. bias). The rest, on the other hand, feels as tired as Allens hypochondriac shtick. However, if you need a movie to take the folks to, or if youre dating a 70 year old, Hollywood Ending is a nice alternative to Spider-hype.