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Friday, February 10, 2006 12:00 AM

When good comedians go bad

Remember when Steve Martin, Albert Brooks and Woody Allen were funny? What on earth happened to our favorite funnymen?

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  • Friday, February 10, 2006 10:20 AM

    Too tough on woody...Matchpoint is great

    I mostly agree with this, but think Stephanie is conveniently forgetful when it comes to Woody Allen's career. Woody has always been wildly inconsistent, and to say he's "gone bad" is to give in to the temptation of placing too much emphasis on late career works (each of which is met as the major new work of a rare American icon). Does everyone remember Sleepers? Released in 1973, it's harmless slapstick, not inspired or particularly funny despite the Huxley-type themes. And such spotty moments have appeared off and on throughout Woody's career. This goes for the dramas as well, which vary wildly from Husbands and Wives to the unwatchable September. I think Match Point, with its excellent, nuanced characters deserves its due as a great film, and it simply shows Woody is as inconsistent as ever.

    Also, apart from being inconsistent, his films are often driven along by singlular themes and are usually wrapped up quite meticulously around these themes at the end. This doesn't diminish the nuances of the characters or their interactions.

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