Before this year I’d never seen a Woody Allen film. I’ve watched a few this year and thought I should check out his newest one, Café Society. In this period piece, narrated by Allen, the story is set in 1930s Hollywood and the Bronx. It’s a love triangle film with a solid cast. I give Café Society the Decent Watch rating.
Café Society didn’t really register with me like I’d hoped
Bobby Dorfman (Jesse Eisenberg) moves from the Bronx to Hollywood looking to find work. He seeks out his uncle, Phil Stern (Steve Carell), who works at a movie studio for work. His uncle helps him out and has his secretary, Veronica “Vonnie” Sybil (Kristen Stewart), show him around the city. Bobby falls in love with her instantly, but she’s hesitant because she’s in love with a married man.
The love triangle is predictable, but doesn’t take away from the drama. Stewart has managed to overcome her Twilight induced bland acting over the years. She’s terrific and charming in this film with her third romantic entanglement with Eisenberg (Adventureland and American Ultra). Her story in the film is compelling and frustrating as we watch her make decisions.
Eisenberg channels young Woody Allen from Annie Hall at moments in this film. Particularly, when he orders a prostitute to his room only to decide against it and have an awkward exchange with Candy (Anna Camp). He is always great at awkward, rivaled only by Michael Cera, so he does well in that moment. He’s predominantly likable throughout the film and brings most of the comedy. Although, there really isn’t much to laugh about.
Carell is pretty solid
Steve Carell is solid although he isn’t given a lot to do. He is the tertiary character (possible spoiler) in the love triangle. It was fairly obvious he would be the reveal as we follow Vonnie on her date. However, the dramatic irony that unfolds once we know is well executed. Watching the other characters slowly learn the truth of Vonnie’s deception is excruciating depending on which man you’re rooting for. It’s definitely the best part of the story even though Allen ties in a few side stories that don’t have a huge impact on the plot.
Ultimately, the movie is find. The production values are solid, the acting is great, and the story is entertaining. It just didn’t pull me in or captivate me in a big way. I was impressed by Stewart, but just satisfied with the other two leads. It was cool seeing Corey Stoll with hair though. Not bad, but not super memorable to me.
Berkreviews.com 