See It at the Movies

MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT

with Joyce & Don Fowler
Posted 8/20/14

MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT

* * ½

(Magic in the 1920s)

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Woody Allen has very little new to say. Hopefully, his untitled film now being shot in …

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See It at the Movies

MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT

Posted

MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT

* * ½

(Magic in the 1920s)

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Woody Allen has very little new to say. Hopefully, his untitled film now being shot in Rhode Island will explore new ground...or at least reflect nicely on our state.

“Magic in the Moonlight” is about Stanley (Colin Firth), a 1920s magician asked by his fellow magician (Simon McBurney) to debunk a young psychic. Stanley is an egotistical, arrogant snob who finds pleasure in putting people down. He gladly accepts the task and proceeds to attack Sophie (Emma Stone) as she conjures up facts from his past and holds séances with her rich boyfriend’s mother.

Hamish Linklater plays her gullible, nerdy admirer who persistently sings to her in an awful voice. His irritating voice diminishes the great jazz background music.

Stanley reminded us of the uppity, stiff Henry Higgins in “My Fair Lady,” as he attempts to discover Sophie’s tricks and slowly falls for her.

Is Stanley just another rendition of Woody Allen, putting down religion, emotion and humankind in general? Or is he just rehashing old material.

And then he goes for the corny ending.

Rated PG-13, with nothing much to worry about except boredom.

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