Hollywood Ending

Despite the title, this is a film that takes place most entirely out of Hollywood and it is apparent that the writer/director (Woody Allen) hates California. And like most Woody Allen films, “Hollywood Ending” takes place in New York. Also like most of Allen’s films it is completely self indulgent and made exclusively for his own satisfaction.

Audiences are exposed to their usual dose of the traditional Woody Allen character. This typical character’s traits include: paranoia, low self confidence, non-stop whining, and the ability to attract any woman he wants despite his personality and age. But this is nothing new for a Woody Allen film and aside from that the film is fantastic.

It’s the story of a film director named Val Waxman who goes temporarily blind the night before starting a big project. Countless mishaps follow when he decides to try and direct despite the problem. “Hollywood Ending” is a mature comedy that doesn’t forget to have a little fun along the way.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Woody Allen is a fantastic director. But some of the sexual jokes and innuendo could have definitely been left out. However, “Hollywood Ending” is rather tame in comparison to other similar fare. There is some discreet moral content, although none of it refers directly to God: Waxman slowly become a better person as the film comes to a closing. The good does outweigh the bad in this film’s case but it is important to know that it is made for adults and older teens. Anyone younger would most likely not enjoy “Hollywood Ending”.