Irrational Man

Each New Year begets a new Woody Allen film -- thank the gods! And each new Woody Allen film begets whiny critics blog-bitching about how the latest Woody Allen film is not as good as...fill in the blank. I don't think any other filmmaker is so raked over the coals for not creatively living up to his past work. So, fine, he will never top "Annie Hall" or "Manhattan" or "Hannah and Her Sisters" or "Purple Rose of Cairo" or--oh, just choose your favorite Woody and let's move on!

And yes he seems to be exploring a lot of his favorite themes again in his old age, but what's wrong with that when he does it so masterfully?

With "Irrational Man," Allen's 46th film, the auteur asks certain favorite moral and ethical questions, only the answers aren't necessarily what one would expect and the film's climax is as much an homage to classic films as it is a bit of a shocker.

The film is about an anguished philosophy professor (Joaquin Phoenix) who finds a way of breaking out of his tormented funk by committing an 'irrational' act which leads him to rediscovering the joys of living. Emma Stone magnificently plays his most devoted student (after dazzling in last year's "Magic in the Moonlight"). and the fabulous Parker Posey rocks her role as a seductress who tenaciously pursues the prof. In a cooler world, her turn would have been part of the Awards Season conversation. Perhaps next year as she has been cast in Woody #47.

Phoenix's performance is initially a bit of a conundrum but, after a few awkward scenes, he tosses himself into the dark side of his character with a dastardly relish.

The film is loaded with prerequisite funny lines, ("Much of philosophy is verbal masturbation.") and offers a twist on Woody's usual chaos theory.

The 1080p visual transfer is gorgeous (and may be the last 35mm Woody as he's moving to digital with his new film). The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is clear and effective.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released the Blu-ray version in typical Woody no-frills style although there's a surprising Special Feature called "On the Red Carpet." And while it's only 3 minutes, 30 seconds long, it features premiere footage and some decent Emma Stone and Parker Posey sound bites. Also included: the original theatrical trailer and a photo gallery.

I highly recommend "Irrational Man" for anyone who wants to watch a clever, intriguing dramedy that boasts terrific performances and intelligent writing.

"Irrational Man"
Blu-ray, DVD & Digital HD
$31.49
Digital HD Ultraviolet
$17.99
http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/irrationalman/