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| Anything Else |
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  (8/10)
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Runtime: 110 |
| Public Rating: 6.10 (50 votes) |
Director: Woody Allen |
MPAA Rating:  |
| Genre: Comedy/Drama |
Year: 2003 |
| Writer(s): Woody Allen |
| Distributor: DreamWorks |
| Reviewed by: Nate Anderson |
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"I only did it to see if I could even get aroused anymore!"
"Well, can you?"
"Yeah, it's good news! I can!"
Anything Else is a return of sorts for Woody Allen to the more character driven works that he made during the late 70's and early 80's, which is welcome after his broader, more farcial works as of late. It's also an interesting change that Allen has given the role of romantic lead to Jason Biggs, with himself appearing in a supporting role as an teacher/aspiring comic. Although, granted, him appearing as a romantic interest to Christina Ricci would have not only stretched plausibility, but would be downright creepy.
Anyway, Jason Biggs stars as Jerry Falk, a twentysomething joke writer who is in a relationship with Amanda (Christina Ricci, who seems to have enough quirks and is neurotic enough to make any sensible guy run away.) She's the kind of girl that would have an affair and then say she did it for the relationship. Jerry really has had enough of Amanda but can't quite bring himself to dump her simply because there is something about her he finds oddly attractive about her.
Enter Dobel (Woody Allen), who becomes a bit of a mentor to Jerry and make more progress in setting the poor boy straight than Jerry's analyst ever could. Dobel is also a bit paranoid and at one point buys Jerry a rifle, because he would need to protect himself. Dobel's rants are golden Allen and are some of the funniest parts of the film.
At the same time, Amanda's mother, Paula (Stockard Channing) who has recently divorced, moves in with Amanda and Jerry until she finds a place of her own. Sadly, she is really not given much to do except to be a burden to Jerry and Amanda. There is a nice scene where she sings a little jazz in the apartment that reminds the audience what a great voice she has, but leaves us wishing we could know this character a little more.
Overall, I found Anything Else to be a very satisfying film with lots of laughs and some wonderful, smart characters. Good performances all around from the cast. It's so refreshing to see smart characters engaging in smart dialouge with one another. And it's really good to see Woody making a return to the smarter, more rich charcter driven films. Highly recommended.
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