MM Film Blog

A good cast is wasted in Woody Allen's 2005 crime drama, Match Point. Reported to be made in the style of Alfred Hitchcock, this film is a huge disappointment, as it is neither suspenseful nor very interesting. Mr. Allen spends the first 90 minutes setting up the action, so when it finally happens, it is anti-climactic.

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The main problem with the film is the lead character, played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers. He plays the role absolutely flat. So first of all, we really don't care about his character, or even like him. And second, it is really difficult to believe that his wife, business associates, in-laws, etc. are all fooled by him. He would need to have a lot more charisma to get away all that he does. Presumably Mr. Meyers is a talented actor (I'm not familiar with his work, but he is no stranger to the big screen), but it's difficult to tell from this role. Possibly it was just the way he was directed. Thrillers don't seem to be the right genre for Woody Allen. Maybe it's time for him to go back to romantic comedy.

I could continue, but there's really no point in going further. If you want to see a good thriller in the style of Alfred Hitchcock, rent Rear Window.

MM Rating - * *