Oh man, it must be tough to roll as Woody Allen these days. More than a large dent has been made in his career, particularly how he'll be remembered and make what you will of the whole thing (or not) it's sad to see it affect the output of his art which this film clearly shows. Having said that, Rifkin's Festival, filmed back in Spain this time, is better than it's predecessor "A Rainy Day In New York," perhaps one of his very worst.
Yes, a lot of the same ridiculous romantic themes are here, I mean, seriously, Wallace Shawn and Gina Gerhson as a couple? But there's more imagination this time as mock scenes of Allen favs like Fellini, Bergman, etc in black and white are sprinkled throughout the movie and I was reminded of the same thing he did with the Shakespeare scenes in Mighty Aphrodite which worked well. My biggest problem with this film is actually Wallace Shawn. He's been great support in several other Allen films and I really liked his opening scene in Melinda And Melinda but as lead? In practically every scene? Sorry, I just don't see it, not enough appeal to hold a whole movie.
Woody's next film will be his 50th. History and the law of averages would dictate he's due for a good one, I think most would be happy with something even on the level of Midnight In Paris. But if there's any real masterpiece left of any kind, Mr Allen, now's the time to bring it forth. Your sincerest fans know you can do it. 1.75 atars/5
TOMMY'S RATINGS ON LAST TEN WOODY ALLEN FILMS
2010 You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger 2.0
2011 Midnight In Paris 4.0
2012 To Rome With Love 3.0
2013 Blue Jasmine 3.75
2014 Magic In The Moonlight 3.0
2015 Irrational Man 3.25
2016 Cafe Society 2.5
2017 Wonder Wheel 3.5
2019 A Rainy Day In New York 1.5
2020 Rifkin's Festival 1.75
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