Everyone Says I Love You [VHS] [1997]

This is a lightweight Woody Allen work, lacking the usual angst and darkness of the majority of his films. Spanning one year, we witness Allen himself (called 'Joe' in this) striking up a courtship with the somewhat younger Von (Julia Roberts). Their happiness lasts for a while, but like all good things it does come to an end. As ever, Juliet Taylor has assembled an interesting cast - Tim Roth, Natalie Portman, Edward Norton and Drew Barrymore are among the players this time round. And the director tries to liven things up with a perky female narrator ('DJ') who is that rare thing, a good Woody Allen young female character. He even drops in a hip-hop gag (see if you can spot it). And the video's high point is its final graceful moment, where Joe and an old flame half-dance, half-fly on the banks of the Seine one Paris evening.

I added this film to my love film list after realising I hadn't actually seen that many Woody Allen films. Since I have a pretty extensive film collection and am a complete movie addict, I thought that was an error that needed rectifying :)

As a modern musical I was fully prepared that I might not like this film, but I absolutely adored it. It's a wonderful concoction of love, romance, quirkiness, whimsy and theatrical numbers.

The film stars Goldie Hawn, Alan Alda, Ed Norton, Drew Barrymore, Natasha Lyonne, Natalie Portman, Julia Roberts, Tim Roth & Woody Allen. It follows the path of one family (a quite rich liberal New York family) over the course of a year. The loves, the losses, the crushes, and the mistakes they make along the way. It's got some fabulous comedy moments like Ed Norton's song and dance number and Tim Roth as an ex-con who comes to dinner at the manse.

The settings are superb. Woody Allen has expressed his love of New York by setting so many of his films there, but in this film he showcases the best of New York. In all the cut-aways throughout the film you see the most recognisable parts of New York at their best, full of vibrant colours that emulate the over the top nature of a true musical. Venice and Paris are shot in an equally exquisite way that just make you want to be there.

I would thouroughly recommend watching this film, if not for the beautifully written script, then for the wonderful acting, or perhaps even Ed Norton's & Woody Allen's slightly ropey singing. I will however point out that while I loved it, my boyfriend only made it halfway through. As much as I hate to admit it, this probably comes closer to the chick flick/romantic comedy category than I would like it to. Anyway, if you give this a go - I really hope you enjoy it.

As much as I loathed Moulin Rouge, I loved this. Where the former is over-stated, extravagent and cold, this is warm, intimate and doesn't take itself that seriously.
I have a problem generally with actors who don't/can't sing performing in musical films, but here for the most part they are actually very good (esp Goldie Hawn), but really its the low-key, naturalness that wins you over, and the story is really very good. Not "funny" but very, very enjoyable.