Real Woody Allen fans will rejoice with this film; at least they better, because nobody else will. Decidedly, this one is for dyed-in-the-wool Woody fans only, and it goes far in demonstrating that even an inspired concept or idea does not necessarily a good movie make. And whether you look at it entirely objectively or from a subjective viewpoint, `Hollywood Ending,' written, directed by and starring Woody Allen, is a clinker. It's an interesting notion that came to fruition as a one-note, one-joke film that, ironically, is as bad as the film made within the film. Maybe even worse. On the positive side of the coin, the best thing that can be said about it is that it's not quite as dismal as the Woodman's misfire, `Celebrity,' inasmuch as no one here attempts a grating Woody Allen impersonation a la Kenneth Branagh, which was THE most unnerving aspect of THAT whole debacle.
The story is fairly straightforward and simple: Legendary director Val Waxman (Allen) has fallen on hard times, mainly due to his own obstinate attitude, and he's been reduced to directing a television commercial on location in Canada. He finds a champion, however, in his ex-wife, Ellie (Tea Leoni), now engaged to Galaxie Studios boss, Hal (Treat Williams), to whom she pitches Val as the perfect director for their latest project. After much to-do and some initial skepticism (based on his history with Val), Hal gives in and gives the green light to hire Val.
When Val gets the news he is by turns surprised and elated; so much so, that just as they are starting production on the picture, Val is struck with psychosomatic blindness, which could possibly (?) impede his ability to direct a motion picture. But this is the chance for a comeback that Val has been waiting for, so he dares not reveal his problem, especially to Hal. And so, after necessarily confiding his dilemma to a carefully selected couple of people, Val goes on with a little help from his friends. Now, if he can only keep Hal away from the dailies, he has a chance to finish the film; the film he was `destined' to make.
Without question, this film definitely has it's moments, and some of them are actually hilarious; but it's simply not enough to sustain interest or make this one memorable in any way. As previously stated, the concept is good; one may even say inspired. But the execution goes devastatingly awry. The dialogue is well written (which combined with the right visuals inspires the laughs), but the story is filled with Hollywood `in' jokes, most of which will mean little, if anything to an unsuspecting audience. And in most cases, even if you do `get' it, it's just not that funny. Add to that the fact that this is arguably the `shallowest' film Allen has ever made, and you begin to realize why this one just doesn't resonate. The intelligence, depth and insights that define most of Allen's films are inexplicably absent here, and the impact on the final product is quite noticeable. And it just goes to show that even a filmmaker like Woody Allen, who is often brilliant and sometimes genius, can occasionally miss the mark. And, as is the case here, miss it altogether.
As an actor, Woody Allen has created some characters who are likable to a degree, but never endearing; he can be interesting, but his natural lack of charisma renders him less than riveting; he can even be sympathetic, but it's rare. As Val, he is none of the above, which is one of the inherent problems with this movie. Val is a guy you are hard put to tolerate, let alone like, and as such you just won't care much one way or another if he succeeds or not. Most likely, you'll be hoping he winds back up in Canada, freezing along with his insecurities and incorrigible attitude. Perhaps the time has come for Allen to rethink the role he should play in his own films. In `Bullets Over Broadway,' he successfully opted to cast John Cusack in the `Woody' part, and it seemed that he had turned some kind of artistic corner with regards to his own ego; but playing Val himself is a big case of backsliding. Even Paul Newman realizes he isn't `Hud' anymore; it's time Woody realized that he isn't...well...whatever he was at one time.
The beautiful and talented Tea Leoni gives a worthy performance as Ellie-- in fact, one could say her participation is the highlight of the film. It's tough to buy Leoni and Allen as a couple, though; It's just hard to accept that Val and Ellie were ever married. She seems much more suited to a David Duchovny type. For all her efforts, even suspending disbelief doesn't make the relationship seem viable, which, of course, has an impact on the film's credibility.
Still, it's even harder to believe Debra Messing as Lori, Val's `current' girlfriend. Her performance is convincing, but the relationship is just too questionable. And this isn't judging a book by it's cover; looks aside, with what we know about Val, you have to wonder what could possibly attract Lori to him. The angle that as an aspiring actor she's using him to get her foot in the door doesn't hold water, inasmuch as he's on the way down and there is a plethora of others in positions of power who would be ready and able to add the willing Lori to their personal cast of characters. It simply doesn't jibe with the reality of the situation.
The supporting cast includes Bob Dorian (Galaxie Exec.), Mark Rydell (Al), Yu Lu (Cameraman), Barney Cheng (Translator), Isaac Mizrahi (Elio), Marian Seldes (Alexandra) and George Hamilton (Ed). To those who subjectively translate anything Woody Allen does to perfection, `Hollywood Ending' will be a satisfying experience. Those who fall outside of that parameter, however, will be disappointed. Either way, it's the magic of the movies. 2/10.
