Fresh
For all its wobbles, Whatever Works is rooted in an agreeable sensibility: life favours fate over luck more than we'd like to think, so grab whatever chances of happiness come your way.
Ben Walters, Time Out
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Whatever Works
Overview
Whatever Works explores the relationship between a crotchety misanthrope, Boris and a naïve, impressionable young runaway from the south, Melody. When Melody's uptight parents arrive in New York to rescue her, they are quickly drawn into wildly unexpected romantic entanglements. Everyone discovers that finding love is just a combination of lucky chance and appreciating the value of "whatever works."
Director and cast
- Woody Allen Director
- Larry David as Boris Yellnikoff
- Evan Rachel Wood as Melodie St. Ann Celestine
- Michael McKean as Joe - Boris' Friend #3
- Conleth Hill as Leo Brockman
- Patricia Clarkson as Marietta
- Ed Begley Jr. as John
- Carolyn McCormick as Jessica
- Henry Cavill as Randy James
- John Gallagher Jr. as Perry
- Christopher Evan Welch as Howard
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
50%
Tomatometer
Rotten
All rather mellow and predictable.
Ruth Hessey, MovieTime, ABC Radio National
Rotten
After the fiercely enjoyable Vicky Christina Barcelona, this return to New York City is a letdown, though not without a few charms.
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post
Fresh
The result is a witty, well-played work without an adequate center. If you can get past that, Whatever Works does.
Tom Long, Detroit News
Fresh
Whatever Works isn't topnotch Woody Allen, but it's still immensely funny.
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
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