Preview: Whatever Works (2009)

Synopsis:

A cantankerous New Yorker develops an odd friendship with a young girl he finds sleeping on his doorstep.

• Poster: D

Review:

The tell-tale shrug of "whatever" does little to make this poster more than perfunctory and boring. Larry David doesn't sell movies nearly as well as he probably thinks he does and without so much as a hint to what the film is about, it's rather a big waste of time.

• Trailer: C

Review:

Until you see Woody Allen's name splashed across the screen, you can't really tell what the film is about. It's almost like a Larry David big screen adaptation of one of his multitude of shows. But, after you see Allen's name, it's fairly easy to spot his characteristic flourishes and dialogue, but it all feels so tired and unimpressive. It's almost as if Woody has forgotten how to make a great movie. And substituting Larry David for himself, it seems appropriate, but then you realize that without the nasally awkwardness of Allen's speech patterns, you have very little of interest here.

Oscar Prospects:

Never underestimate the power of Woody Allen. He managed to get Penelope Cruz an Oscar despite the film despite a rather bland critical reception for the film. Who he could get nominated from the movie is hard to imagine and I'm not so sure even his screenplay would get nominated.

Release Date:

• June 19, 2009

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (May 10, 2009) Original