Written and directed by Woody Allen, this 2007 film stars Ewan McGregor, Colin Farrell, and Tom Wilkinson. Brothers Terry (Farrell) and Ian (McGregor) Blaine are down-on-their-luck Londoners who see a chance to turn their lives around in a preposterous offer from their wealthy Uncle Howard (WIlkinson). Terry, a heavy drinker and gambler who finds himself strapped for cash when he ends up owing huge sums to dangerous loan sharks, and Ian, reluctantly running the failing family restaurant while harboring dreams of investing in California hotels, decide to take up Uncle Howard's offer, hoping to secure all of their futures. But a task with such critical circumstances may prove to be too much for the brothers to handle. This film is very different from the Woody Allen films I've seen; some of Allen's quirkiness is lost in the film's attempt to be an effective thriller. It in fact is suspenseful at times, and the acting and script are spot-on as always, but it lacks any memorable quality, and to me it wasn't a very "satisfying" film (I wasn't particularly intrigued with the story and I didn't care for any of the characters). I enjoyed it when I watched it, but it didn't amaze me or strike me like I hoped it would, since most Woody Allen films have. Still, even Allen's worst films are above average.
Should you see it: Sure -- Allen and art house film fans will enjoy it most.
Grade: B
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