Not one of Woody Allen's best films, "Alice" is nonetheless far better than what he's been turning out lately. The structure seems too random and unfocused, but it's still full of Allen's wise observations and commentary on human nature and modern-day life the qualities that make Woody Allen movies so special. The biggest fault I find with this film is Mia Farrow. Her run of films with Woody Allen are among his best, and her contributions are immense. Here she just seems unconvincing as a wealthy upper-Eastsider. Yes, we meet her character while she's questioning her life, but somehow the hat, the hair, the shoes just aren't sophisticated enough for a woman who's been living that lifestyle. She lacks the hardboiled edge of a seasoned New Yorker. Because she's too soft right from the beginning, her transformation falls short. The film is helped by all the star cameos, and even though they're brief, the characters are well-defined. "Alice" is definitely worth a look.
