Whatever Works

Name: Whatever Works
Released: 2009-7-3
Cast: Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood, Patricia Clarkson, Ed Begley Jr., Michael McKean

Whatever Works

PG-13
1h 32m
2009

50%

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Whatever Works explores the relationship between a crotchety misanthrope, Boris (Larry David) and a naïve, impressionable young runaway from the south, Melody (Evan Rachel Wood). 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."

Director:

Woody Allen

Writer:

Woody Allen

Cast:

Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood, Patricia Clarkson, Ed Begley Jr., Michael McKean

Rotten Tomatoes® Score

TOMATOMETER®

50%

Critics Consensus: Based upon a script written in the 1970s, Woody Allen's Whatever Works suffers from a lack of fresh ideas.

Reviews

Clarín

Jorge Montiel

This excellent, entertaining, and intelligent film reaps the rewards of the stupendous acting of its ensemble. [Full review in Spanish]

The script is as tight as any Curb episode, as waspish, as bitchy and clever as it should be, and though there is no ground broken here, there is none lost either.

Fans of Woody Allen and Larry David will revel in the darkly misanthropic philosophies.

Allen's finest work in years, and while the plot may rely a bit too much on coincidence and simple conflict resolution, the quick-witted dialogue and talented ensemble makes it all work.

The result is one of Mr. Allen's most interesting comedies of recent years, a funny film in a familiar form but brought up to date by some very welcome edgy elements.

December 6, 2018

FULL REVIEW