RELEASED IN 2009 and written & directed by Woody Allen, "Whatever Works" concerns an aging, misanthropic divorcée in New York City (Larry David) who develops a close relationship with a much younger, unsophisticated, but sprightly Southern belle (Evan Rachel Wood). Patricia Clarkson plays her mother and Henry Cavill a guy that's interested in her. Ed Begley Jr. is on hand as her father. The first 60-70 minutes are amusing as a romantic dramedy with the typical witty dialogues for which Allen is known. The odd relationship between the curmudgeon and the spry girl is actually kind of heartwarming as the bickering gimp starts to become human again. In addition, it's interesting to see Cavill when he was younger, before he donned Superman's cape. But, for me, everything's ruined by the last act, which pushes the typical degenerate "progressive" mindset: Christians should flee their "backwards" morality and their belief in God and come to the big city where they'll discover secular freedom (actually bondage) with its supposedly superior (im)morality. Get real. THE FILM RUNS 1 hours & 33 minutes and was shot in New York City. GRADE: D+

Woody Allen returns to the comic style he patented in the 1970s and it doesn't really work anymore. This feels like a cheaper, lazier version of his excellent excellent "Manhattan". Allen's wiser and angrier, but not funnier in his old age. His writing is off here: repetitive and juvenile. There are a few funny jokes and smart lines, but Allen hasn't evolved like you may have hoped he would have in 30 years. He still lusts after young girls, he still hates his life and he still thinks he's smarter than everyone. Now its more annoying than endearing, but at least he's still in on how obnoxious he is. Casting Larry David to play his lead character adds some warmth and comic timing that is sorely needed, but its not enough to make this work. But look out for a decent performance from the soon-to-be "Superman" Henry Cavill. Allen still can spot talent and he can make tiny, cheap movies in NYC better than most anyone. This is a footnote to his career though.

An improbable story whose talkiness would possibly be better served on the stage as opposed to the screen, "Whatever Works" nevertheless serves as a fitting summary of Woody Allen's view of life: existential yet weirdly optimistic, especially in its' happy conclusion, where the individual contours to whatever fate delivers. Larry David (kudos for resisting the usual Allen imitation) plays an ornery, solitary genius who somehow marries a ditzy Southern belle (Evan Rachel Wood, terrible) and together they face the challenges brought upon them for being so mismatched, especially when her separated parents (Patricia Clarkson and Ed Begley, Jr.) relocate to New York. What's primarily disappointing about "Whatever Works" is that Allen's vaunted wit is scarcely apparent here: though it tries really hard, it just isn't that funny. The film's premise needs to be a lot stronger to compensate for the shortfall dialogue but isn't. Still, you leave with a satisfied feeling as David's straightforward addresses to the audience go a long way toward elucidating Allen's points in a way that we can tie together without feeling Allen's usual condescension. I'll give Allen that.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this. i have watched a couple of Woody Allen movies but some how didn't relate to them too well. So, i went in to this movie with not many expectations. Some how watching a movie with low expectations has been more enjoyable in a relative manner. But, Larry David's quirky reverse psychological prologue got you hooked to the movie and the rest was, as the cliché goes. I am a bit surprised by the lower than expected user ratings for this movie. I guess its the caricatured nature of the characters in the movie probably were not well received. but i cracked up to the Pygmalion chemistry of Larry and Evan, especially to Larry's reactions. I just love the way the entire plot has been conceived and rolled out on screen. the sarcastic humor and the flashes of profound ideas conveyed through cynicism and cliché. its a fresh approach to the rotten side of us, humans.Thank you all and thank you Woody Allen.