Woody Allen does it again: one more unfunny, terrifically out-of-touch comedy set in an almost unrecognizable upper-class New York, pristine and shiny. Australian actress Rahda Mitchell plays the title role, twice--as Melinda, the tragic love interest, and in a second concurrently told tale, as Melinda, the comedic love interest. In neither story, unfortunately, is Melinda remotely appealing.
Mitchell, who recently has had a few high-profile roles in such mediocre films as "Phone Booth" and "Man On Fire," does not have the charisma to carry a film, and she gets no support from the talented ensemble cast. Will Ferrell is not funny in the requisite sensitive nebbish Allen stand-in role. Wallace Shawn does a perfect imitation of Wallace Shawn. Talented Chiewetel Ejifor ("Dirty Pretty Things") is positively unconvincing in the role of a smooth-talking composer. But worst of all, the reliably charismatic Chloe Sevigny has been rendered dull and lifeless as Park Avenue trust fund girl who wears tailored clothing.
