The latest film from Woody Allen has opened in Australian cinemas and we saw an advance screening last Monday night at New Farm Cinemas. It had been a few months since I’d been to New Farm 6 which I found charming and Karen and I didn’t miss the opportunity to trek to a nearby Pig’N’Whistle for dinner afterwards. Just up from the Valley, New Farm is choc-full of grand old buildings with history, wealthy yuppies and odd ball personalities. My work for Scenestr has made me more familiar with the suburb, in particular the Brisbane Powerhouse for which I am very grateful.
The opportunity to review a movie, any movie for a magazine is one that is heavily coveted by all contributors. I had just submitted three reviews the previous evening to cap off the Wonderland festival and was happy to be back on assignment that night.
Wonder Wheel is not one of Woody Allen’s best but it does show him continuing to try new things and features some great acting in a cast led by Kate Winslet. You can read more of my thoughts here http://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/wonder-wheel-review-20171207
Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr. is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. With over twenty years of publishing history they’ve excelled at moving into the digital realm but they remain at heart from the streets. They still publish magazines in print for Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane every month. If you’re into music they’re a great read but they do cover all of the arts including festivals, stand-up comics, fashion, theatre and film. I feel very fortunate to get to write for them.
-Lloyd Marken
Back to the Drawing Board Productions 
I used to be such a huge fan of Allen’s films, (and earlier stand-up too) especially the way he captured a mood, as in ‘Radio Days’. Then I just fell out of love with the constant ‘smartness’ that became more important than the plots or the characters. The last film of his that I watched (and loved) was ‘Sweet and Lowdown’. I have not watched any film he made after 2000.
Your review sums up my feelings about his style now, and makes me sad to read. Because I would have imagined that the 1950s atmosphere would appeal greatly to me, and the cast is very good too. I might wait until it comes on TV, and give it a try.
Best wishes, Pete.
It’s a good point Pete. There’s stuff post 2000 that I like, in particular Match Point which was him really not making a Woody Allen movie. But there’s still so many films of his I have to see. Yet if he did these horrible things…..why watch any of his films? Anyway I was on assignment and I assessed the film on its own merits and found it flawed but I’m eternally grateful for such opportunities. I liked Manhattan back in the day. Now….
It is not because of the sexual allegations that I don’t watch his later films, just that the way he developed his film making went down a path I no longer felt attracted to.
A good reason as any to stop watching someone’s films.