Woody Allen's latest, Whatever Works, was written in the 1970s and covers many of the themes that the actor-comedian-writer had on his mind in those days — women (younger ones often), old movies and music, the charms of hometown Manhattan and the impermanent and ephemeral nature of love.
Allen does not star in Whatever Works, which was written for Zero Mostel and now updated for Larry David, who like the director has made his comedy mark as a curmudgeon. David plays eternal kvetcher Boris Yelnikoff, a onetime eminent physicist whose failed suicide attempt has left him with a limp.
Into his life comes a young runaway named Melody (Evan Rachel Wood), whom he grudgingly puts up for one night. But like other Allen innocents (Annie Hall, say), he finds her naiveté and lack of knowledge charming, and one night turns into weeks and then love. But Melody's parents — Patricia Clarkson and Ed Begley Jr., a pair of different Southern stereotypes — eventually find her, and their world is turned upside down.
Whatever Works is familiar Allen and not without a few amusing, touching and insightful moments. A lot of it is a little too glib and seems slapped together. As in most of his films, the actresses fare better. Clarkson makes the most of a clichéd role, and Wood shows off why she is a talent to watch.
After the liveliness and smartness of Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Whatever Works feels like a letdown, but fans of the director might still enjoy it.
Whatever Works retails for $27.96 on DVD and $39.95 on Blu-ray.
■ Battlestar Galactica: The Plan ($26.98, $39.98) is a new film from the Cylons' point of view. It consists of new material as well as mostly unused clips from the great sci-fi series.
