Rating: Summary: A treat for Woody Allen fans Review: Though I must admit, I was never an Allen fanatic myself; I still enjoyed 'Hollywood Ending'. Probably Allen's best film since 'Deconstructing Harry' at least, 'Hollywood Ending' is a clever zing directed at Hollywood's studios and film producers, in which Allen plays a characters very obviously based on himself, as he happily bites the hand that fids him. Since Woody Allen's characters will always look like Woody Allen anyway, it's nice to see him in this very personal and earnest role. 'Hollywood Ending' is classic Woody Allen, a sure pleaser for fans and also for anyone who enjoys a funny, classy and intelligent comedy. Woody plays Val Waxman, an eccentric, hypochondriac has-been acclaimed film director, given one last chance to make his comeback; however, on the first day of the shooting, he develops psychosomatic blindness. That is the premise; the rest is terrific physical comedy, with subtle satirical and cynical humor, in the finest Allen tradition. Although all the actors are terrific - Tea Leoni as Val's ex, the wonderful Mark Rydell as his agent, and Mark Webber ('Storytelling') in one show-stopping scene as his son, Scumbag X (don't ask) - but Allen, admittedly not much of an actor himself, steals the show, making it the most Allen-ish movie since 'Harry', yet also one of his most accessible films. Recommended.
Rating: Summary: A treat for Woody Allen fans Review: Though I must admit, I was never an Allen fanatic myself; I still enjoyed `Hollywood Ending'. Probably Allen's best film since `Deconstructing Harry' at least, `Hollywood Ending' is a clever zing directed at Hollywood's studios and film producers, in which Allen plays a characters very obviously based on himself, as he happily bites the hand that fids him. Since Woody Allen's characters will always look like Woody Allen anyway, it's nice to see him in this very personal and earnest role. `Hollywood Ending' is classic Woody Allen, a sure pleaser for fans and also for anyone who enjoys a funny, classy and intelligent comedy. Woody plays Val Waxman, an eccentric, hypochondriac has-been acclaimed film director, given one last chance to make his comeback; however, on the first day of the shooting, he develops psychosomatic blindness. That is the premise; the rest is terrific physical comedy, with subtle satirical and cynical humor, in the finest Allen tradition. Although all the actors are terrific - Tea Leoni as Val's ex, the wonderful Mark Rydell as his agent, and Mark Webber (`Storytelling') in one show-stopping scene as his son, Scumbag X (don't ask) - but Allen, admittedly not much of an actor himself, steals the show, making it the most Allen-ish movie since `Harry', yet also one of his most accessible films. Recommended.
Rating: Summary: Still looking for an ending Review: Though this movie had a classic Woody Allen appeal, with all the verbal jaunts and crazy circles of comedy, I think Woody Allen may be coming to the end of his movie making career. Despite decent performances from the cast, Woody plays the role of a dirtector (go figure) who loses his sight, and directs the movie blind with the help of three freinds who really know nothing about film. Woody's portrayl of a blind person may be exaggerated to the nth degree, but I think it was appropriate of a person who desperatley needs his sight back, and is lost without his most important sense. The ending of the movie is horrid, which may be why the movie's title is so. It is too perfect, too fast. That, or they just ran out of time and threw something together, and then added the title. Wait for the video. In fact, wiat until you can download it instead.
Rating: Summary: Very good film Review: Unlike some of the more recent Allen films (such as Small Time Crooks), this film was quite good (not that Small Time Crooks or other recent films of Allen's were completely awful, and this is not to say that Hollywood Endings is Allen's best work). I agree with the other reviewer that it is refreshing to see a comedy lacking the disgusting or "gross out" humor of most films today. This film was well shot, was funny, and had a point to it. I recommend it to all.
Rating: Summary: Not as good as Allens other films... Review: Val Waxman (Woody Allen), once a great film director, is now shooting commercials in Canada for a living, which he despises with a passion. One day he receives an offer through his agent to revive his former status as a great director by directing a 60 million dollar film that is produced by his ex-wife's boyfriend. This is very upsetting for Val, however, Val swallows his pride since this is a chance to get back into the film industry. Nevertheless, problems arise that are of immense magnitude. Val loses his vision through psychosomatic trauma. Hollywood Ending is a film that generates some smiles and laughs, but the big picture is a rather disappointing film by Woody Allen that falls flat at the end.
Rating: Summary: what can I say that hasnt already been said Review: well, most reviewers were pretty right on with this one.. I have found that the more rescent Allen films were more for the fans of Allen then a general Populace, this however i feel most everyone will Like. Its no Annie Hall, or other classic Allen flicks, But it is by far, in my opinion, his best and wittiest film in quite some time... well worth the own.
Rating: Summary: Has some very funny moments. Review: What a relief to finally see an intelligent comedy without any gross scenes! Of late, comedies have been more and more gross, thanks mainly to the sickening trend set by movies like 'There is something about Mary'. Woody Allen deserves credit for giving us 'Hollywood ending', a film that has some very funny moments. Woody Allen plays a washed-out film director, whose wife (played by Tea Leoni) has left him for a film producer (Treat Williams). Then this script comes into the hands of Treat Williams and his film company ('Galaxie films') and Tea Leoni thinks that Allen will be the best choice to direct it. She convinces Williams and his friends and then the laugh riot starts! Allen meets his ex-wife and the decision makers of Galaxie films and seals the deal (with some very funny scenes!). Come the first day of shooting and Woody Allen becomes blind (psychosomatic blindness). The rest of the story revolves around how he (with Tea Leoni's help) keeps his blindness a secret from everyone else and manages to direct the film. Woody Allen is very very funny and steals many a scene, with the best one being the one in which he meets Tea Leoni at a restaurant after he lands the directing job. Leoni supports him very well and Debra Messing ('Will and Grace') plays Allen's new (and not so bright) girlfriend. All the supporting actors are good, with the Chinese cameraman and his translator being the pick of the lot. Needless to say, the film directed by the blind Woody Allen gets horrible reviews initially, but then there is a twist in the climax that justifies the title - 'Hollywood ending'. The funny moments keep the film up and running and in the end, this is surely worth watching at least once.
Rating: Summary: Hey, It's a Comedy Review: When Woody first makes his appearance in this movie, I felt some pity towards him. Allen is an old man, and yet he has not matured. He is as completely self absorbed as he was prior to his 100 year long analysis; his nubile young female companions are in ever growing contrast to his own balding grey head. He has not grown wiser, or deeper. He has not learned to see women as whole persons. But you know what? After a few minutes of thinking along these lines, I just got into the film. And I enjoyed it. It's funny and it's well acted. A repeat gag where Woody can't seem to figure out which way to turn, as though being blind made him also really really confused, made me laugh out loud repeatedly. So what if it's not a masterpiece? It's good fun.
Rating: Summary: ILoVe hOlLYwOod!!! Review: woody allen 's hollywqoode ending is the year's funniest comedy ! i've seenz all opf woody's movies company man, the curs4en oif the jade svcoiorpion and small time crooks and this one is his best! it's a really funny flick an i think everbody wilk love it as mucyhbnads i did. woody alen isa funy guy and i he makes greatz flicks. hollywood ending has good characters, a funn storys, and lots of funny lines. it's alos a good dte movie! i love hollywood!!! peace out
Rating: Summary: I CAN See How Good Hollywood Ending Is!!!!! Review: Woody Allen has directed such pictures as Manhatten Murder Mystery,Annie Hall,Bananas,Sleeper,and The Curse of the Jade Scorpion.But Hollywood Ending started a brand new era of Woody.The very first Woody film I saw was The Curse of the Jade Scorpion.When I heard of Hollywood Ending I knew I had to see it.Woody Allen(The Curse of the Jade Scorpion,Manhatten,Small Time Crooks)Tea Loine(The Family Man)and Debra Messing(The Mothman Prophecies)were the cast of this excellant film. The Story:Meet Val(Woody Allen)a once famous directer with a great wife now a low director who is really nothing.He has a girlfriend who wants him to get more money(Debra Messing)and an agent Al who is his friend.When his ex-wife Ellie(Tea Loine)who left him for a guy named Hal(Treat Williams)decides that he is the best director for a movie her company made entitled THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS he decides this could be his comeback picture.Untill the unthinkable happens.His girlfriend is casted in the movie and she goes away for a little while to a gym and he goes blind.He thinking that he has a brain tumor goes to the doctor to learn it is just temporarly.Al is the only person who knows about and decides to walk him through the set and everything.He learns he was not allowed on the set so they confide in the translator of the cameraman who does not speak English.The secret has to be hid from the entire cast and crew because if they find out his comeback could be a flop.Expecially with the nosy writer who is writing a report on the making of the film. So all in all this was out of the the two Woody Allen movies I saw a really great film in all ways possible.I look forward to Woody's next. ENJOY!!!!
|