I am not Woody Allen’s biggest fan. Most of his movies are boring, repetitive, and works of pseudo-intellectualism; but it appears Mr. Allan has had somewhat of an awakening with Midnight in Paris.
Gil (Owen Wilson) is a successful Hollywood screenwriter that appears to be missing something in his life. When he travels to Paris with his materialistic fiancée (Rachel McAdams) and her insufferable parents, while attempting to finish a novel about a guy who owns a nostalgia shop, he is transported back in time by a carriage in which John and Zelda Fitzgerald just happen to be on. Gil, who has a romantic literary yearning for the good old days is about to take the ride of his life. He time travels back to the 20’s where he is about to make acquaintances with Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, T.S. Elliot, Picasso, Cole Porter, and a cast of thousands who drink and think at the same time. Gil is inspired by the intellectual nirvana, and after falling for Hemmingway’s girlfriend, he decides that he will stay in Paris, blow off his money grubbing girlfriend and her pretentious parents, and do some serious writing.
The concept is interesting; but there are some major holes in the plot: Where did the carriage came from? Why are some girls dancing in flapper attire while others are dressed in Victorian garb? Are we traveling further back in time? No explanations here; but if you can put that aside I think you can enjoy the ride. (Rated PG).
My Rating: 3 of 5 Great Gatsby’s