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FallGuide2009

Cassandra's Dream

Unbearably grim
By MARK BAZER  |  January 16, 2008
0.5 0.5 Stars
cassandrainside
Hayley Atwell

First off, I love Woody Allen. Now, the review: Cassandra’s Dream is the latest addition to Woody’s series of films on the idea that people feel a bit guilty after they commit murder. In this case, it’s working-class English brothers Terry (Colin Farrell) and Ian (Ewan McGregor), who, in need of cash, agree to off an associate of a rich uncle (Tom Wilkinson). The film’s first half portrays Terry and Ian as implausible, happy-go-lucky near-simpletons who bop around dreaming big but make do living small. It’s not quite comedy, and it’s definitely not drama. It’s more like . . . boredom. But as Terry and Ian plot and (spoiler alert!) eventually commit the crime, their lives unravel and the film’s mood becomes hyper-realistic (short on suspense, long on repetition: boredom again) and almost unbearably grim. Well, as we used to say about the Sox and can still say about Woody Allen movies, there’s always next year. 108 minutes | Boston Common + Fenway + Kendall Square + Circle/Chestnut Hill + suburbs
Related: Review: Whatever Works, No Spain, no gain, No scoop, More more >
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ARTICLES BY MARK BAZER
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    I'm hard-pressed to say, though, whether Extract is a significant leap forward for Judge in terms of story or just not as funny as his earlier work.
  •   SOUL MEN  |  November 05, 2008
    Mac especially is a joy to watch, and a counterpoint to the humor elsewhere, as he breaks out Temptations-style moves with just the right mix of sly fun and respect for the music.
  •   FILTH AND WISDOM  |  October 27, 2008
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 See all articles by: MARK BAZER

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