Many college-aged guys and gals are barely familiar with Allen’s work. Maybe you’ve seen Vicky Christina Barcelona, his last major critical success, or watched Annie Hall in an intro film class. This is a shame because, with over 40 movies under his belt, Allen is one of the most prolific filmmakers of our time.  I’m not saying all 40 flicks are must-sees… there’s a definite downside to pumping out three, sometimes four, movies in a year.

Luckily for Woody Allen fans, Midnight in Paris contains all of the admirable qualities of his more enjoyable films. The film is original, quirky, and cleverly muses on romance and life through the eyes of an underdog-type protagonist involved with a pretty woman. Allen, who in his younger years often played the male lead in his movies, cedes central role to Owen Wilson.  Wilson does a fine job of blending his own off-beat traits with Allen’s distinct mannerism– actually, he nails the role. Marion Cotillard elegantly plays the 1920s “It-girl.”  Rachel McAdams is another story: I found her to be the weak link in an otherwise stellar cast.  As in Sherlock Holmes, McAdams really got on my nerves.  But in her defense, Allen intends for the audience to hate her “bitchy girlfriend” character.

Marion Cotillard as a 1920s muse

The film succeeds in being nostalgic, while simultaneously convincing us that nostalgia is all about perspective, and is usually a waste of energy. The film’s surrealist vibe plays homage to the Modernist Paris it celebrates. The cinematography includes iconic shots of every Parisian scenes: this is Allen’s love letter, of sorts, to the City of Light. For literary zealots, the film’s reimagining of the ex-patriate artists and writers of the twenties is particularly fun.  A disheveled Ernest Hemingway inquires, “Have you ever shot a charging lion?” and Adrian Brody makes an incredibly convincing Salvador Dali. Other cameos include Kathy Bates, Tom Hiddleston (Loki in Thor), and Carla Bruni.

Midnight in Paris also lives up to Woody Allen’s record of making ideal flicks for date-nights: guys and girls will both find this film entertaining. To get in the Modernist Paris mindset, read some Gertrude Stein or check out a modern art history book before you head to the theater. If the film piques your interest, read Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast.

Whether you’re a lover of literature and art, or just need an fun summer film, Midnight in Paris is an excellent pick.  The main theme focuses on a universal search for happiness and love in this crazy, chaotic world.

 Watch the trailer for Midnight in Paris here.

Check out my reviews of True Grit and Wolfman, and be on the look-out for more summer movie reviews.

“Yeah, I was in Paris,” Dude #1 said in a tone more appropriate to that of an embittered Vietnam Vet. “Good food, I guess, but the people are rude.I’m never goin’ back.”

Dude #2 was of accord. Key words in his agreement included “World War II,” and “French culture,” the latter pronounced in such a way as to show its inferiority to the former.

I have several problems with statements like these. First and foremost, Paris cannot be equated with the whole of France. It’s like going to San Diego and saying that you’ve been to California. Yes, in a sense you have, but would you feel comfortable saying that California is lousy just because Shamu wouldn’t give you the time of day?

Paris is like Sea World: most of the residents prefer their native tongue and have many more pressing issues than deciphering your hollering. Certainly the average Sea World inhabitant is more interested in jumping through hoops for you than, say, a French businessman, but it’s all with the expectation of getting some raw fish in the end, anyway.The only analogous French treat that comes to mind is a cigarette, but I feel that such an offer would be viewed as inappropriate. The point is that Paris isn’t everything. Go to a smaller town, however, and your reception will be wildly different and likely more endearing.

Accordingly, I feel called to discuss manners. Politeness is a two-way street and travelers should acknowledge some cultural idiosyncrasies when abroad. I’m not saying it has to get complicated, but at least learn some pleasantries. France is quite similar to the USA in that its inhabitants are stereotypically renowned for only wanting to speak their native tongue.On the opposite end of the spectrum, a young German once went through five languages to tell me that we should have sex. I was so impressed, I almost did it. Moral of the story? A little bit of effort goes a long way. I’m not actually suggesting that you spend inordinate amounts of time upon memorization of unsubtle pick-up lines; however, a well-placed please and thank you puts everybody in the mood for some cross-cultural lovin’.

I always feel tired, world-weary, and French after listening to anti-French tirades. The two dudes had justbonded in their anti-French Americanism. One row behind them, I would have smoked a cigarette or gone on strike to show cultural unity, but I was on an airplane, and also, I don’t smoke. Inconveniently, I had forgotten to pack my beret, too. But as I symbolically light up and grab a picketing sign, I’ll leave you with one last thought: there is no such thing as a freedom fry.