Whatever Works

2009 "A new comedy!"
7.1| 1h32m| PG-13| en
Details

Whatever Works explores the relationship between a crotchety misanthrope, Boris and a naïve, impressionable young runaway from the south, Melody. When Melody's uptight parents arrive in New York to rescue her, they are quickly drawn into wildly unexpected romantic entanglements. Everyone discovers that finding love is just a combination of lucky chance and appreciating the value of "whatever works."

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Reviews

Hellen I like the storyline of this show,it attract me so much
Listonixio Fresh and Exciting
Kinley This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows
Josephina Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.
Wuchak RELEASED IN 2009 and written & directed by Woody Allen, "Whatever Works" concerns an aging, misanthropic divorcée in New York City (Larry David) who develops a close relationship with a much younger, unsophisticated, but sprightly Southern belle (Evan Rachel Wood). Patricia Clarkson plays her mother and Henry Cavill a guy that's interested in her. Ed Begley Jr. is on hand as her father. The first 60-70 minutes are amusing as a romantic dramedy with the typical witty dialogues for which Allen is known. The odd relationship between the curmudgeon and the spry girl is actually kind of heartwarming as the bickering gimp starts to become human again. In addition, it's interesting to see Cavill when he was younger, before he donned Superman's cape. But, for me, everything's ruined by the last act, which pushes the typical degenerate "progressive" mindset: Christians should flee their "backwards" morality and their belief in God and come to the big city where they'll discover secular freedom (actually bondage) with its supposedly superior (im)morality. Get real. THE FILM RUNS 1 hours & 33 minutes and was shot in New York City. GRADE: D+
quridley Woody Allen returns to the comic style he patented in the 1970s and it doesn't really work anymore. This feels like a cheaper, lazier version of his excellent excellent "Manhattan". Allen's wiser and angrier, but not funnier in his old age. His writing is off here: repetitive and juvenile. There are a few funny jokes and smart lines, but Allen hasn't evolved like you may have hoped he would have in 30 years. He still lusts after young girls, he still hates his life and he still thinks he's smarter than everyone. Now its more annoying than endearing, but at least he's still in on how obnoxious he is. Casting Larry David to play his lead character adds some warmth and comic timing that is sorely needed, but its not enough to make this work. But look out for a decent performance from the soon-to-be "Superman" Henry Cavill. Allen still can spot talent and he can make tiny, cheap movies in NYC better than most anyone. This is a footnote to his career though.
SnoopyStyle Boris Yelnikoff (Larry David) is a misanthrope and former Columbia professor of string theory. He was married to rich Jessica but his debilitating night terrors drive him to jump out the window. It left him with a limp. His motto is "Whatever works as long as you don't hurt anyone". He reluctantly allows clueless Mississippi runaway Melodie St. Ann Celestine (Evan Rachel Wood) to stay with him. Initially, he can't wait for her to leave. Eventually, her positivity makes his life better and they get married. Her mother Marietta (Patricia Clarkson) tracks her down after leaving her father and losing all their money. She hates Boris and sets up her married daughter with Randy James (Henry Cavill). Later, Melodie's father John (Ed Begley, Jr.) arrives.Larry David is playing Larry David and there is an appeal about that. Breaking down the 4th wall adds to that. On the other hand, Evan Rachel Wood is not that dumb. It's a very fake persona and it's very obvious. She's great at wearing skimpy clothing but isn't built to play dumb. That central relationship suffers for it. These are caricatures of southern religious hicks. Nevertheless, there are some funny bits. There is nothing wrong with a curmudgeon Larry David. He's made two successful TV shows with that character.
Jacob Rosen An improbable story whose talkiness would possibly be better served on the stage as opposed to the screen, "Whatever Works" nevertheless serves as a fitting summary of Woody Allen's view of life: existential yet weirdly optimistic, especially in its' happy conclusion, where the individual contours to whatever fate delivers. Larry David (kudos for resisting the usual Allen imitation) plays an ornery, solitary genius who somehow marries a ditzy Southern belle (Evan Rachel Wood, terrible) and together they face the challenges brought upon them for being so mismatched, especially when her separated parents (Patricia Clarkson and Ed Begley, Jr.) relocate to New York. What's primarily disappointing about "Whatever Works" is that Allen's vaunted wit is scarcely apparent here: though it tries really hard, it just isn't that funny. The film's premise needs to be a lot stronger to compensate for the shortfall dialogue but isn't. Still, you leave with a satisfied feeling as David's straightforward addresses to the audience go a long way toward elucidating Allen's points in a way that we can tie together without feeling Allen's usual condescension. I'll give Allen that.