Vicky Cristina Barcelona is Woody Allen's third movie with the actress, Scarlett Johannson, but I found her Cristina the least interesting character of the whole movie. Scarlett Johansson plays one of two friends who spend a summer in Barcelona. Her friend Vicky, played by Rebecca Hall (Starter for 10), is the practical, down-to-earth one, and is engaged to be married to reliable, but not very exciting Doug. I loved Vicky's character. She is the skeptical one when artist Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) approaches them in a restaurant and asks them to spend a weekend with him. Cristina is game to go have an adventure, and Vicky goes along to make sure she stays safe.
Juan Antonio means to seduce Cristina, but when she falls ill, Vicky falls under his spell for one night. When Vicky rejects him, Juan Antonio then develops a relationship with Cristina. After she moves in with him, his volatile ex-wife, Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz) comes back into his life. Yes, there is that kiss between Scarlett Johansson and Penelope Cruz. Meh. It wasn't the most interesting thing in the story. Javier Bardem is so compelling in this film. In his Oscar winning performance in In the Country of Old Men, you couldn't take your eyes off his completely evil Anton. I couldn't take my eyes off him in Vicky Cristina Barcelona either, but in a good way. He offers sensuality, and spontaneity to both girls, but comes with complicated life, too. Believe me, you can see why three women are fascinated with him.
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and especially the journey of Rebecca Hall's character, Vicky. She's the "normal" one, and you can't help but identify with her. I look forward to seeing more from Rebecca Hall. She is very talented, and has some exciting projects coming up, including Frost/Nixon and Dorian Gray (with the gorgeous Ben Barnes!) I loved Scarlett Johansson in Lost in Translation, but I'm just not that into her any more. And for the record, I still find it bizarre hearing Scarlett Johannson spouting Woody Allen dialog. This film also has the wonderful Patricia Clarkson. I just adore her, and she has a fun supporting role as Vicky's distant relative and host in Barcelona.
Three and a half stars, and an enthusiastic recommendation. If you miss it in the theaters, make sure you rent this one on DVD. Vicky Cristina Barcelona is one of Woody Allen's better recent films. And you will be dying to go to Barcelona after watching it, because the city looks so beautiful!
