How does the Tomatometer work 
Reviews Counted:185
Fresh:151
Rotten:34
Average Rating:6.9/10
Consensus: A beguiling tragicomedy, Vicky Cristina Barcelona charms with beautiful views of the Spanish city and a marvelously well-matched cast.
Rated: 12A [See Full Rating]
Genre: Dramas
Theatrical Release:06-02-2009
Synopsis: Two young Americans spend a summer in Spain and meet a flamboyant artist (Javier Bardem) and his beautiful but insane ex-wife (Penelope Cruz). Vicky (Rebecca Hall) is straight-laced and about to... [More]
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Penélope Cruz, Rebecca Hall, Javier Bardem
Director: Woody Allen
Allen's laziness is startling, even in so mechanical a filmmaker. He uses a monotonous narrator to tell us what the characters think and do, though he then shows them performing the actions that have just been described.
[Allen's] most entertaining picture since Bullets Over Broadway or maybe Sweet and Lowdown.
Something is terribly amiss when the American actors sound like English is their second language.
One of the most enjoyable and best films of the year.
The picture has a romantic glow that recalls the Woody Allen of old and, of course, it's quite funny.
Woody Allen has turned out his share of duds...Vicky Cristina Barcelona is one of his dudliest.
Another intriguing take on affairs of the heart from the master of the artform with some solid performances, most notably from Javier Bardem and Rebecca Hall.
Woody Allen's work should be taking him deeper into complex and revealing stories about the heart. Instead, he's becoming more preoccupied with the lurid and the lewd.
While the action takes place almost exclusively in Spain, the script is still a highlight of neurotic New Yorkers who babble on about nothing and everything.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona isn't one of Allen's finest films, but there's something warm and charming and (one might even dare say) optimistic about it, as if Allen found the change in venue as exciting and challenging as his characters do.
When it's over, and the two Americans at the heart of the story depart Barcelona in overlapping states of confusion, you're left with a tinge of melancholy that feels not plot-driven, not engineered, but like a slice of reasonably complicated life.
Mostly what you need to know about VCB is this: Cristina is Woody. Vicky is Mia. They have the same conversations we've heard a million times before in Allen's movies.
While legendary filmmaker Woody Allen can't always be equated with sheer genius and is more accurately described as a hit-or-miss proposition, this sorely undermarketed film serves as unquestionable retribution for his recently questionable work.
Vicky Christina Barcelona is really nothing more than rich people bitching. Now where exactly is the fun in that?
Perhaps the greatest compliment to be paid to Vicky Cristina Barcelona is that it serves as a spot-on emblem of Allen's own life philosophy: cling to the transient pleasures, as you're bound to be let down in the end.
Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz) is the figure least obviously dictated by the Woody Allen template. And for that, you are eternally grateful.
If you like watching privileged beautiful people flitting from expensive homes to fancy restaurants to dazzling tourist attractions to plush hotel rooms and gala gallery openings, you're likely to find something to enjoy in this movie.
Allen is not interested in doing much more than glancing off some intriguing ideas, such as the common tragedy of the would-be artist who recognizes his mediocrity. But he's old enough to recognize that he doesn't need to be profound, just entertaining.
The genius behind Woody Allen is clearly seen in this film, which contains a very simple story line but it is riddled with clever dialogue and a unique narration.
Sex is usually an intellectual endeavor for Woody Allen, but this cast forces him - and us - to get out of our heads.
January 27, 2009:
Milk Among GLAAD Nominees 
"Milk" has been a favorite on the awards circuit this year, and its hot streak has been extended courtesy of the GLAAD Media Awards, where it will compete in the Outstanding... More...
January 23, 2009:
Possibly distinguished solely for the first PG-13 lesbian smooching on screen ever, the film should be a trite, pleasing guy confection.
More...
January 19, 2009:
Actors And Crew Magazine: Possibly distinguished solely for the first PG-13 lesbian smooching on screen ever, the film should be a trite, pleasing guy confection.
More...
January 08, 2009:
Broadcast Film Critics Name Critics' Choice Winners
The 14th Annual Critics' Choice Awards were given on January 8, 2009, to honor the finest achievements in 2008 filmmaking. A list of nominees follows below, with winners in bold: More...
Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.
Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.
IGN.com |
GameSpy |
Comrade |
Arena |
FilePlanet |
GameSpy Technology
TeamXbox |
Planets |
Vaults |
VE3D |
CheatsCodesGuides |
GameStats |
GamerMetrics
AskMen.com |
Rotten Tomatoes |
Direct2Drive |
Green Pixels
IGN RSS Feeds
Comment
