Midnight in Paris Review

Midnight in Paris is a strange movie, but somehow, it works. In fact, it works so well, I believe it is one of the best films of 2011. It combines awkward situations and funny moments to create something that only Woody Allen could accomplish. The story is simple. A couple goes to Paris for business, and both of them have their lives changed. The man of the couple, Gil, hopes to stay in Paris for the rest of their lives, while the woman want's to go back to the U.S.A after they're done. The character interaction is set up very well, and the lines are equally as amazing. The main character, Gil, is a very intelligent man, but he's very awkward, so he doesn't seem as if he's smart to the other characters, as they're more annoyed with him than intrigued. The story itself is just easy to follow, like I said above, and yet, it really does show how much it can accomplish. Now, even though I really adore this movie for it's story, cinematography, and just overall charm, it does have a few flaws, and the perfect way to express that is with the characters. Yes, I do admit to liking Gil a lot, especially with an excellent performance be Owen Wilson and dialogue by Woody Allen, the rest of the characters are a mixed bag. Inez is likable at times, but most of the time, she seems like she completely hates Gil, and disagree's with everything he says, which is annoying because Gil is a very likable character. Sure, when Gil says he met Pablo Picasso, her reaction is understandable, but when he corrects her friend on a historical inaccuracy, she basically throws a fit, which can really be annoying throughout the movie. Also, the rest of the supporting characters can be unlikable as well. However, the flaws in the characters can really be made up with the acting. Everyone did a great job acting, even if their characters were mediocre at best. They make the characters seem almost lifelike, no matter how unlikable they become. Now, because it's a recurring trend in my reviews, it's time for "The Best and Worst of Midnight in Paris". The best HAS to be the cinematography. It's basically like watching a "Best of Paris" video made by a pro photographer, with a great story intertwined with it. It really does leave you speechless, and to see these characters even interact with such great monuments is a joy. The worst thing about this movie... Even though I'm tempted to say the characters, the actors that played them did well, so I'll have to say the filler. Sure, the filler isn't horrible, but it leaves you bored, just watching two or three characters have overlong conversations about a novel or something. Sure, there's some good filler in the film, but for the most part, it feels boring. Now, this film isn't perfect, it has it's flaws, but the impression it leaves on you seems almost... magical. It's very memorable and very enjoyable, minus a few flaws. Overall, I really enjoyed this movie, and besides the few flaws, it's perfectly watchable. Recommended to everyone who enjoys a good romantic comedy.

5/5