Wonder Wheel

Woody Allen seems to have lost his way with this one. The plot doesn't offer anything particularly interesting. If the initial idea involved discarded condoms under a pier, it’s not surprising the story went off course. The only saving graces are the period atmosphere of the amusement park and a few strong performances. (10/17/2022)

Now this was a great film to spoil the mood. I liked that the story was set in the 1950s, only to gradually realize that there would be nothing else to like. The talkative lifeguard got on my nerves from the start, the vast majority of the dialogue was dull, and Ginny was beyond unlikeable. Moreover, the story had a very slow pace, and I was bored. Woody Allen didn't score any points with me this time. (07/05/2018)

An over-the-top theatrical extravaganza in the fun atmosphere of 1950s New York, backed by musical bangers of the era, as well as the legendary Coney Island – a gratifying backdrop for countless filmmakers. The content is always on the same note, a poignant story of ordinary people and their ordinary lives full of bits of happiness and disappointment. Kate Winslet lightly digs Cate Blanchett at times, and on the whole she succeeds. Justin Timberlake is again heavy on charisma. But don’t expect anything revolutionary. (03/04/2018)

In the category of late Allen films, one of the depressing ones, which builds up deliciously to a damn bitter end. It didn't sit entirely well with me, and I was still dealing with my own moral dilemma of whether it's okay to root for Kate Winslet's character. The reason is that despite her considerable faults, Woody portrays her in such a way that the character of Ginny literally screams for some sympathy and understanding, which is hard to resist at one point. A very strong piece of writing, no doubt, but personally I prefer the other pieces from this late Woody. [65%] (11/23/2020)

Woody Allen again wrote it and filmed it himself, and I enjoyed it again. The well-arranged retro story with great actors (Kate Winslet and Jim Belushi are simply amazing) offers a familiar plot, but that doesn't mean that it can't surprise or that it lacks unforgettable moments (the phone call). The extra colorful retro camera initially goes well with the plot, but then it gradually begins to contrast sharply with it, which is a great idea, and I really liked the simple but impressive metaphor with a little pyromaniac who, like his mother, just can't help it. (01/06/2018)