CAFE SOCIETY

Writer/director Woody Allen, who seems to have lost his mojo in recent years, should evoke interest in his new romantic comedy drama.

Set in the 1930’s the film centres on Phil Stern (Steve Carell), a talent agent, and the love triangle which develops between him, his nephew Bobby (Jesse Eisenberg) and his much younger secretary Vonnie (Kristen Stewart). The romantic entanglements and infidelities transpire to the backdrop of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the seedy underworld.

Eisenberg is a natural as the awkward but love-striken nephew, a role which would have been brilliantly portrayed by a much younger Woody Allen.

Stewart, who has been taking chances on smaller non-main stream films since the end of the Twilight franchise, shines as the female love interest.

The stylish and extravagant sets and costumes, and the mention of bygone movie legends including Cary Cooper, Ginger Rogers, Joan Crawford and Judy Garland, will transport audiences back to a time when Hollywood was larger than life.

Moviegoers who appreciate Woody Allen’s quirky style of writing should also be charmed by Allen’s narration of the story, which leads to an abrupt but satisfying conclusion. (MMo)

★★★1/2