Greetings again from the darkness. Such an odd experience ... watching an old Woody Allen for the first time. Well that's the best way I can describe this. The script was from the 70's and certainly, Mr. Allen made a few changes to make it fit the 21st century, but still we can't help but think it's 1977 all over again ... especially since Woody has been away from NYC for awhile.

Larry David is cast in the "Woody Allen" role and does his best to bring his Curb Your Enthusiasm delivery. The only problem, his character here, Boris Yellnikoff, is just a very bitter, abusive, negative force ... so even some of the best comedic moments are a bit tainted by the mean spiritedness.

Evan Rachel Wood has been a star in the making since "Thirteen" and really brings a new dimension not just to her career, but also the film. Her runaway southern belle is a flat out hoot. When her parents (Patricia Clarkson and Ed Begley, Jr.) arrive, we gain some insight into Allen's thought process ... he thinks NYC is the be all and end all ... and can even enlighten those southern "crackers".

Mr. Allen has always been obsessed with three topics ... dying, sex and intellect, and all three are on prominent display here. He really has an innate ability to exaggerate life subtleties and slap us upside the head in his films. I believe his message is that the big picture of life is overwhelming and disheartening, but as individuals, we can each find happiness.

In New York, the bitter and grumpy Professor of Quantum Mechanics in Columbia University Boris Yellnikoff (Larry David) is a snobbish and pretentious intellectual that claims to be a genius in String Theory and that the world is completely wrong. During an existential crisis, Boris ends his marriage with Jessica (Carolyn McCormick) and jumps through the window to commit suicide. However the canopy saves his life and Boris becomes limp and quits his job in Columbia. He moves to an old apartment downtown and gives chess classes to children to make some money. When the simpleminded religious Mississippi runaway Melodie Saint Ann Celestine (Evan Rachel Wood) asks for food to him, he temporarily lodges the girl in his apartment. Along the days, the atheist Boris shapes Melodie to his thoughts and the girl, impressed with his pretentious geniality, fits his world. Despite their difference of ages, they marry each other and have a routine life. However, the world of Boris changes when out of the blue Melodie's mother Marietta (Patricia Clarkson) arrives in their apartment.

"Whatever Works" is an ironic romantic comedy about how irrational things of the heart are. The lead character Boris Yellnikoff is annoying and maybe reflects the alter ego of Woody Allen in the present days. But the black humor is hilarious and does not disappoint the fans of this great director, with cynical and witty lines. The return of Woody Allen to New York is great and shows that he has not lost his shape. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Tudo Pode Dar Certo" ("Everything Can Work")

Boris Yelnikoff (Larry David) is a misanthrope and former Columbia professor of string theory. He was married to rich Jessica but his debilitating night terrors drive him to jump out the window. It left him with a limp. His motto is "Whatever works as long as you don't hurt anyone". He reluctantly allows clueless Mississippi runaway Melodie St. Ann Celestine (Evan Rachel Wood) to stay with him. Initially, he can't wait for her to leave. Eventually, her positivity makes his life better and they get married. Her mother Marietta (Patricia Clarkson) tracks her down after leaving her father and losing all their money. She hates Boris and sets up her married daughter with Randy James (Henry Cavill). Later, Melodie's father John (Ed Begley, Jr.) arrives.

Larry David is playing Larry David and there is an appeal about that. Breaking down the 4th wall adds to that. On the other hand, Evan Rachel Wood is not that dumb. It's a very fake persona and it's very obvious. She's great at wearing skimpy clothing but isn't built to play dumb. That central relationship suffers for it. These are caricatures of southern religious hicks. Nevertheless, there are some funny bits. There is nothing wrong with a curmudgeon Larry David. He's made two successful TV shows with that character.