Given the movie’s place in Allen’s filmography — right after Annie Hall, Manhattan, and Stardust Memories — it’s not hard to see why this movie was met with “that’s all?” skepticism. It’s a lightweight, bed-swapping romantic farce set in the early 20th century. But the film’s control of tone and playful storytelling is really charming. The acting is excellent, and the whole experience is brisk and pleasant, with a surprisingly optimistic thematic backbone: the past is past, and we should celebrate the things we have.
