Everyone Says I Love You

First of all, allow me to say that I am not a Woody Allen fan. I find his screen persona to be whiny, scatter-brained, and somewhat grating on the nerves. And he seems to use the same persona in film after film after film. I don't think I've really enjoyed any of the few Woody Allen films I've seen.

That being said, also allow me to say that this film was one of my favorite films of the last ten years. From the very first song until the song-and-dance at the end, I couldn't stop smiling. The film was utterly delightful and harkened back to the golden days of the movie musical, where the fun and the the spirit of the musical were more important than big budget stereophonic extravaganzas. Woody Allen uses a whole batch of classic-if-somewhat-forgotten tunes to complement his light and fluffy love story. Practically everyone in the movie is given a chance to sing (except Drew Barrymore, who was dubbed). Some are better than others, but the overall effect is quite magical. My favorite tune was the simple ballad that Alan Alda sings to Goldie Hawn during their characters' anniversary. It was touching and just quite romantic. And it's quite amusing (in a good way) to watch Edward Norton(!) and Tim Roth(! ) sing. This is easily one of the best musicals to come out in an extremely long time. As for Woody Allen, he plays...Woody Allen, but for once, I didn't mind at all. I was simply too enthralled by the spell his film was casting over me.

As for the DVD, the transfer is quite acceptable. The picture looks good, and the sound, while monophonic, is crystal clear. Unfortunately, the DVD doesn't have an extras at all (typical of the early Disney DVDs). If the lack of extras doesn't bother you, and you love musicals as much as I do, then by all means get "Everyone Says I Love You" and you'll thank me!

Who woulda thought the Woodman could do something like this? Even as recently as 1996,when this film came out, Woody still had major chops, as witnessed by this perfect musical. This is a sublime blend of whimsy, romance, and wit. It's hard not to say that when you see a roomful of ghosts singing and rhumbaing to "Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think"), or when a hospital staff and crippled patients sing and dance about love, marriage, and parenthood.

It's also touching to see Tim Roth as a tough escaped convict sing a love song to Drew Barrymore; the juxtaposition of these two opposites brings out the feeling much more than a singing citizen ever could have. And Woody and Goldie's flight-filled romantic rendition of "I'm Through With Love" on the banks of the Seine is utterly charming, making the heart float as lightly as Goldie does during her dancing.

Woody evokes Groucho Marx in an ensemble dance number about Captain Spalding (sung in French, no less!), and individually, when talking to Goldie, complete with glasses, eyebrows, and mustache--and he does a more than passing fair version of Mr. Marx himself.

One subplot about a girl in her twenties going through six or seven boyfriends in the course of the film is a hoot, and there's even a tinge of political satire as well--in the shape of a Young Republican who undergoes a magical transformation.

This will make you smile all the way through. If only Woody had the panache now that he showed so well in this film. This one's superb Woody Allen.

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Who is better qualified to comment on the absurdity of romantic relationships than Woody Allen? In this under-rated bauble, the king of neurosis confirms the answer to that question in the first person. The humor is typical Allen --witty, droll and fast-paced --and the parody is sufficiently far over the edge to make the point without beating it to death. The concept of a Woody Allen musical only adds to this glorious parody of Allen's New York.

Reading reviews that criticize this film because the singing is less than first-rate, I can only chuckle. The point of the film is absurdity. Pavarotti's rendition of "I'm Through With Love" wouldn't cut it. Oh, and by the way, corpses can't actually sing. Whatever flaws the actors bring to the songs help make the point.

So after a long day of trying to talk some sense into your boss or your goofiest relative, kick off your shoes, grab a good stiff drink and watch this film. You'll feel better.

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Lovers of the great American songbook (GAS)will recognize the title for my review. The same individuals will relish this homage by Mr Allen to the Hollywood musical and no one who has witnessed Mr James Stewart trying to get his tonsils around an Irving Berlin standard will object to any of the actors in EVERYONE SAYS I LOVE YOU who do a commendable job of presenting some wonderful songs from the GAS. Two comments: the film positively drips with charm, and is drippy with the absurdities of those in love much like those in a Shakespearian comedy. A treat, and a GAS.

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Rewatched "Everyone Says I love you" for the umpteenth time and it still manages to evoke a great sense of appreciation and enjoyment. This is truly Woody Allen at his late-stage/post-1990's best (along with "The Manhattan Murder Mystery" and "Curse of the Jade Scorpion") impeccably interwined sub-plots showcasing a first-rate ensemble cast. While most viewers have voted the Captian Spalding's number as their personal favorite, my fave is the magical and superly choreographed song & dance by River Seine featuring Goldie Hawn as quite a dancer! Absolutely a must-have for not only Allen's fans but collectors of great musicals and movies alike!