A second look at VCB

“Vicky Cristina Barcelona is Woody Allen’s sexy, comedic film about two American tourists that prove it is impossible to turn down a gorgeous Spaniard...” – (? I don’t’ know her name, L)

“Vicky Cristina Barcelona is: one hottie and one wannabe rubbing up against a smoldering Hispano hunk and his crazy fire-cracker ex. Who doesn’t love a three-way?”- The Doctor

"Vicky Cristina Barcelona: Scarlett Johansson: hot. Penelope Cruz: hot. Rebecca Hall: hot. Javier Bardem: hot. The movie: not.” - Jonny

            I think our journalism class hit the nail on the head. As a class, I think we all agreed that Vicky Cristina Barcelona is full of beautiful people but missed the mark with the plot. In effect, this movie, written and directed by Woody Allen is a self-indulgent fantasy a

I mean come-on. A movie about two friends’ trip to Barcelona for the summer, and the tales of the love they encounter. Vicky and Cristina (played by the beautiful Rebecca Hall and the voluptuous Scarlett Johansson) have two very different ideas about love. Vicky is engaged and ready to settle down with a man she knows is reliable and routine. Cristina on the other hand, is more adventurous and risky with her love, accepting heartbreak as part of the game.

            While in Barcelona, Vicky and Cristina are approached by a handsome eccentric painter, named Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem; this part is a dramatic role change for him, who was last seen in the Oscar-winning No Country for Old Men as a psychotic serial killer), and turns both Vicky and Cristina’s world upside down.

            I felt this movie was for pure entertainment value only. Although the plot had some twists and turns, I really couldn’t find any meaning within the story.  I feel this movie is meant to be watched once. Watching the movie for a second time (to refresh my memory to write this review), I found myself bored and impatient. I knew what was going to happen (obviously), but I knew none of it mattered because in the end, because everyone ends back in the same place. The subtle suspense that kept the movie exciting to watch the first time, was gone on the second viewing and although the actresses were beautiful and fun to watch, but I felt they didn’t add much substance to the movie. Directions: Watch once. Take it for what it is. Do not repeat.

3 Stars out of 5