A cloudy, rainy day in Maine was a perfect opportunity to get out to see Woody Allen’s latest, “Cafe Society” at the high noon showing. The weather drove everyone to the movies and the parking lot was overflowing! I skipped the long line and got tickets at a kiosk and was pleased to find a very sparse crowd for a near private screening experience.
This film is vintage Woody Allen. Jesse Eisenberg ably stands in for Woody in the lead role as Bobby Dorfman from the Bronx who ventures to Hollywood to make his fortune. In his younger days Woody would surely have played the somewhat awkward, witty, love struck guy. The two love interests in the film are played by two beautiful women, Kristen Stewart (Twilight, Snow White, Still Alice) and Blake Lively (The Age of Adaline, The Shallows). They each handle their roles beautifully and Allen’s camera work is spectacular. Bobby’s parents, Rose and Marty Dorfman played by Jeannie Berlin and Ken Stott add wonderful exchanges and more than their share of the humor.
Being an accomplished musician himself and lover of jazz, he showcases great music throughout and scenes from ballrooms and after hours jazz clubs that make you feel that you have time travelled to Manhattan in the late 1930’s. The costumes and grandeur of the era are a treat.
The plot is formulaic but fun nonetheless. While Steve Carrell who plays Bobby’s uncle and super agent to the stars takes some getting used to, in the end I liked him in the role.
The dialogue is smart, quick and funny. If you enjoy Woody Allen you will enjoy “Cafe Society”. It feels as though he got back to his roots (Annie Hall, Broadway Danny Rose etc.).
Special mention goes to Cory Stoll who plays Bobby’s gangster big brother. He delivers a solid performance as the big brother and fixer for the family. You may have seen him in “House of Cards” as Rep. Peter Russo.
This movie like lots of Woody’s work won’t hit many screens nor stick around long so jump out to catch it. If you miss, catch it on PPV or Netflix!
