Review: "Whatever Works"

Of course, you could easily level the rehash criticism at this film; neurotic May-December romances aren't exactly new to Allen. But this time, Allen's trademark cynical wit is in full force, taking an almost political bent through the eyes of Boris Yellkinoff (Larry David, stepping into Allen's traditional role), a genius level curmudgeon who was "almost" nominated for a Nobel Prize, and now lives out his eccentric days in a small apartment after unsuccessfully trying to kill himself.
Boris hates everything, and his pessimistic view of humanity infuses everything he does, from the chess lessons he gives to children (all of whom he thinks are idiots), to the heated discussions on religion and politics that he gets into with his friends on a daily basis.

So they get married. But it isn't long before Melodie's mother, Marietta (Patricia Clarkson), a devout Christian socialite, shows up on their doorstep, and begins a quest to find a younger, more suitable husband for Melodie. But, just like Melodie, Marietta finds the call of the city too much to ignore, and soon discoverers her inner artist and enters a three-way relationship with two photography connoisseurs. By the time Melodie's equally devout father, John (Ed Begley, Jr.) shows up, his family is virtually unrecognizable, and even he finds that Boris' live and let live philosophy of "whatever works" may be too much to ignore.

Even the May-December romance makes sense in context. Allen's typical neurotic, fatalistic worldview is very much on display here, but it's surprisingly delightful. He displays a nimble, light touch that makes Whatever Works a complete pleasure to watch. Even the potentially gimmicky "breaking the fourth wall" framing device feels fresh and funny. Maybe his work with the light and sexy Vicky Cristina Barcelona rejuvenated him, but whatever it is, Allen is back on top of his game, and Whatever Works is a definite comedic highlight in an otherwise bland summer. Welcome back, Woody. We missed you.
GRADE - ★★★½ (out of four)
WHATEVER WORKS; Directed by Woody Allen; Stars Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood, Patricia Clarkson, Ed Begley, Jr., Henry Cavill, Michael McKean; Rated PG-13 for sexual situations including dialogue, brief nude images and thematic material.
Comments
Allen's dialogue is, as it always was back 35 years ago, piffy, harsh, but always sharp. Underrated, I agree.
You and I Matthew seem to be the only people on earth who liked WHATEVER WORKS better than VCB! LOL!!!
Very nice review!
This, on the other hand, is one of the finest films of the year - Allen is as good or better here than he has been in many, many years.