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Do you believe in magic?
Woody Allen makes viewers believers in his newest romantic comedy, Magic in The Moonlight. The 1920s-set film stars Colin Firth (The King's Speech) as Stanley, an internationally acclaimed magician whom his friend (or so we think) recruits to expose allegedly fraudulent psychic Sophie (Emma Stone). Michigan-bred Sophie and her overbearing mother (Marcia Gay Harden, Pollock) bunk in the South of France with a wealthy family, whose patriarch just died and son yearns for the red-headed dame. But the more charmingly handsome Stanley (Mr. Darcy, anyone?) gets to know Sophie, the more he feels enlivened and less dubious about her intentions.
“She's a visionary,” says lovestruck suitor Bryce, “And a vision.”
Each time Sophie passes another Stanley test, she grows on him.
“The more I watch her,” Stanley says, “The more I’m stunned. Could she be real?”
Despite those witty words, Stone does not appear as sexy nor does she tease as effective as Cate Blanchett in Allen’s Oscar-winning masterpiece Blue Jasmine. In fact, although the script calls for a beautifully youthful and quirky woman, Blanchett might have been a better pick. She did, after all, have similar mental vibrations in The Gift (2000).
Ancillary characters, an excellent script and mesmerizing set design compensate for lack of succulent romance. Jacki Weaver always brings charm much like in Silver Linings Playbook. New widow Grace calls upon Sophie's mental vibrations to connect with her late husband and inquire about his faithfulness.
“How wonderful you make me feel!” exclaims Grace adorably when she finds out through spiritual knocks that her hubby was faithful.
Granted it’s the silver screen and fake is everything, but we still entertain the possibility of Sophie’s genuine visionary powers. Team “S” clearly formed when Stanley and Sophie took shelter from the rain in Stanley’s favorite observatory from growing up. When the crescent moon peers through the nostalgic dome's roof onto them, it’s only up from there. Now if only it seemed like they’re meant for each other.
Toward the end of the film, we later find out that a close friend of Stanley’s almost played him a fool. As in all Woody Allen films, though, true love conquers trickery.
“Sophie, will you…?” asks Stanley. We're refraining from writing those last few words. What a sweet ending to an endearing comedy.
Reviewed at The Park Avenue screening room, New York, July 1, 2014. MPAA Rating: PG-13. Running time: 97 MIN.