VHS : Everyone Says I Love You [1997]

Rating: - Not everyone says I love this film in our house, but I do!
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.

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Rating: - Loved 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.

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Rating: - Sheer entertainment
I was pleasantly surprised by a film that can be compared to a perfect dessert, tasting good, yet not heavy. Only Woody Allen could take threads from the films of the 20th century going back to the 1930s and weave a musical cloth suitable for today. The plot can be best described as pleasantly gossipy (since the main narrator is a young woman), but that is only one ingredient in the mixture that includes colour, song and dance, a bit of magic (watch the sequence on the river bank in Paris) and even a bit of Bollywood (a section of a song sung in Hindi by a Sikh taxi driver).
Highly recommended for a pleasant, relaxing evening.

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Rating: - WHAT FUN!
This film had all the characteristics of the classic Woody Allen film - beautiful apartments, the Ritz in Paris, the canals of Venice and then the wonderful music.
If you're not expecting it, it's a bit surprising to hear people break into song every now and then, but it's fun and the choreography is brilliant!

A celebrity cast, Woody Allen dialogue, lovely music and beautiful backdrops - what can go wrong?
It's very light on plot, but this is made up for by scenes like the finale, with Woody and Goldie dancing and she flying, and it's just such fun.

Very relaxing, not thought provoking, good for an easy night in....

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Rating: - Ok ,too musical. 21st january 2004
It's okay, but better if you like musical films. It was on tele not so long ago, and i taped it thinking it would of been better. I don't like all musical films, but this one looked quite good. I was a little bit disapointed in it, but it wasn't boring. Hire this film first, it is not good for not musical film fans.