MOVIE REVIEW: Vicky Cristina Barcelona (12A)

Some things in life you can rely on - the sun rising and setting, buses running late when you’re already late for work, and Woody Allen releasing a new film every year. He’s done so for over 30 years, producing some masterpieces (Annie Hall, Manhattan) and some not-so-masterful pieces (Deconstructing Harry). Having briefly fallen in love with England (the setting for Match Point and last year’s Cassandra’s Dream), he now moves to Spain for relationship comedy Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

The film focuses on two American friends - straight-laced, engaged Vicky (Rebecca Hall), and wild, romantic singleton Cristina (Scarlett Johansson)- on holiday in Barcelona. Both are propositioned by rugged painter Juan Antonio (Javier Barden), who invited them on a trip to Oviedo with the expressed intention of bedding them both. Things become complicated when both ladies become enamoured with the Spaniard, even more so when Juan Antonio’s ex-wife (Penelope Cruz) comes back to him.  

The film is less a love triangle, more like a love Rubik’s Cube. There are many, many dalliances that it takes all your concentration just to work out who’s with whom (and who wants to be with whom). Allen’s script is wickedly funny, with twists and turns abounding as the characters hop in and out of bed with each other. Indeed, the prudish should be warned this is quite racy in parts, and those expecting the New York filmmaker’s usual manic repression will be in for a shock. At times the plot threatens to descend into soap opera, with the beautiful and locations often taking precedence over plot progression.

If looks won awards, this film would sweep the boards at the Oscars. Everyone in it is genetically blessed, but some shine through more than others in terms of acting. Johansson is a bit of a mystery to film lovers - she’s maybe one of the biggest stars in the world, yet since Lost In Translation none of her films have lived up to that promise. There’s no doubting her looks, but to keep choosing overtly sexual, ‘blonde bombshell’ roles is wearing a bit thin.’ Much better is Barden, now sporting much better hair than in No Country For Old Men. As the vivacious, skirt chasing artist he shows us a softer side to his acting, as well as providing a lot of the film’s laughs. Also great is Cruz, the insane ex who, ahem, ‘takes a shine’ to Johansson’s character. Whilst she’s never set the world alight in her English-language films, in this dual-language role we see enough of what made her such a hit in her own country.

Not a perfect film, and with such a vast cannon it would be hugely unfair to compare it to Allen’s other work. But with the old master’s great eye for landscapes (and even greater funny bone) this is a very entertaining, engaging romp (pun intended).

Vicky Cristina Barcelona is out February 6.