Anything Else

Movie Name: Anything Else

Year of Release: 2003

Director: Woody Allen

Stars: Jason Biggs, Christina Ricci, Woody Allen, Danny DeVito, Stockard Channing, Diana Krall, Jimmy Fallon, Fisher Stevens, David Conrad, Kadee Strickland, William Hill

Genre: Comedy

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 4
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Synopsis:

Following his 2002 feature, "Hollywood Ending", director Woody Allen returned with "Anything Else", a comedy headlined by Jason Biggs, then riding the wave of success propelled by "American Pie". The film follows the story of Jerry Falk, a young aspiring writer in New York. The film follows the misadventures of Jerry, from his previous relationship with Brooke, to the relationship with Amanda, one that has been peppered with a series of obstacles, namely her mom coming to live with them. All through these events, Jerry ends up relying on David Dobel, his older friend and mentor, who provides guidance and input on how he should handle these complications and challenges.
"Anything Else" is one of Woody Allen's mostly forgotten films, and one that upon debut was met with tepid reviews and feedback. It's a film centered on his typical universe: the central hero is a writer, living with a beautiful girlfriend. The relationship is flailing and all around them a series of supporting characters provide colorful characterization and feedback to the main events. The main role, usually played by Allen himself, is this time around given to Jason Biggs, who tries to replicate the mannerisms of Woody Allen. It's a film that doesn't bring anything new to the table in a career filled with classics, which is the case of Woody Allen. It has some insightful and funny puns, as is the case in most of his films, but the overall structure, character development and interactions, feels repetitive and tired. Christina Ricci is game and as always makes the best of the role she gets, but the film lacks bite and a stronger discernible trait to make it memorable. A lesser film from a great director.