The Popkorn Junkie :: Anything Else

This was one of the most crowded movie going weekends I have ever encountered. This was seventh and final film of the weekend for me, a weekend which has produced a numerous amount of cinematic winners. I have seen everything from naked people running around in the Garden of Eden to two high school students shooting their classmates. Diversity is an understatement. And, I must say, it was nice to end on such a good note, with such a good film from one of the greatest American directors to ever step behind a camera, or in front of one.

Jason Biggs stars as Jerry, a struggling comedy writer, who falls in love with Amanda (Christina Ricci), an actress with more problems than most third world countries. The two seem to possess a relationship bound for failure -- she doesn't even let him touch her and she has some serious eating issues. Woody Allen co-stars as David, Jerry's mentor -- a school teacher from New Jersey who never really achieved any of his dreams in life. Eventually, David convinces Jerry that Amanda is probably having an affair, even going so far as to take Jerry to purchase a gun. Danny DeVito co-stars as Jerry's agent, Stockard Channing as Amanda's mother, and Jimmy Fallon as Amanda's old boyfriend.

On the surface, this film seem like a film aimed at teen audiences. But, you have to realize -- it is Woody Allen. When is the last time he made anything aimed at teen audiences. It just looks that way because of the actors involved. Deep down, this is a film about relationships, insecurity, and fear. Woody Allen is superb as David, one of his best on screen roles in a while, and he produces one mesmerizing scene after another, showing his insecurity and fear, and what even, at points, seems like jealousy. And, Christina Ricci does a fine job as Amanda, one of the most mixed up girls from recent film memory. Jason Biggs must be given credit also for stepping out of his "American Pie" roots and showing a wee bit more range that usual. I mean, we all remember "Saving Silverman" and "Loser".

Watching "Anything Else", I got the feeling that everyone was excited to be working and everyone was thrilled to be in their character's shoes. Danny DeVito is a perfect example, stirring up more emotion and charisma in such a small part that I have seen from any actor since Paul Gleason in "The Breakfast Club". When the actors are happy to be working, we find ourselves happy to be watching. "Anything Else" seems light from it's Dreamworks produced cover, but I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised at how much substance is actually there. Woody Allen has another success under his belt, and if ever he deserved another nomination for Best Supporting Actor, this would be that time.

-- Billy Ray ( 3 1/2 out of 4 pops )

Talk about this film with other Popkorn Junkies

Other Junkie's opinions.....

Mike ( 2 1/2 out pf 4 pops )

I am still waiting for Woody Allen to return to the great written, quality films that he used to do in the past. With "Anything Else", Allen has done much better than with his most recent films but this movie is still far from his best efforts. The story is filled with that kind of dialogue that only Allen can write and the banter between the two main characters is very good. Most of this film centers on the Jason Biggs and Christina Ricci characters and for the most part this works. But the film just seems to be missing that ingredient that would make this film more interesting and moving. The best part of the film is the acting of Ricci who is marvelous as the neurotic girlfriend who is so adorable but yet so messed up. So, I like this film ok but I was expecting better.

James ( 3 out of 4 pops )

Just like anything else I would do, I went to the movies, and saw Woody Allen's latest film, "Anything Else"...I was skeptical, with the exception of Hollywood Ending, his latest films have been stupid, but this one is his best since "Everybody Says I Love You", Jason Biggs totally flexes his acting muscle. I mean, in every non pie movie he did, I always saw him as the pie f*cker, but during Anything Else, I saw him as Jerry Falk. That's his character, stupid. Christina Ricci is hot, and Woody Allen isn't the main character, so there's other reasons than just Jason Biggs the non pie f*cker, to see this movie. You should see it. It's not like anything else you've ever seen. Oooooh that was corny.