BLUE JASMINE [2013]

Woody Allen's comedic drama Blue Jasmine echoes that of A Streetcar Named Desire with a modern flair and without as much dramatic tension.
Cate Blanchett leads the cast with one of the best performances of her career however it's Sally Hawkins who steals every scene she's in with the perfect balance of comedy and dramatic realism.  The rest of the cast are just as great and in a surprising turn, Andrew Dice Clay deserves some attention.  Allen's script is wickedly funny and well-structured but without the talented cast and comedic timing it might not be as great as it's end results.  It's tragedy and comedy all rolled into one crazy cast of characters making for one of Allen's better films in several years.

3½ Blue Moons out of 5

Midnight in Paris (2011)

A simply delightful fantasy. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. The less you know going into it, the better. I didn't think Owen Wilson could pull off the Woody Allen role, but he manages to slip into it rather effortlessly. Reminded me a lot of the fancifulness of Stardust Memories and Purple Rose of Cairo. About as good a recommendation as you're going to get from me.

4.5 whimsical strolls along the Seine out of 5