Magic in the Moonlight
Magic in the Moonlight

Movie spotlight

Magic in the Moonlight

2014
Movie
98 min
English

Set in the 1920s French Riviera, a master magician is commissioned to try and expose a psychic as a fraud.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes61%
Metacritic57/100
Google Users63%
Director: Woody AllenGenres: Comedy, Romance, Mystery

Plot Summary

Set in the opulent French Riviera during the 1920s, Stanley Crawford, a renowned and cynical magician performing under the stage name Wei Ling Soo, is tasked by an old friend to travel to the South of France. His mission is to unmask Sophie Baker, a young, charming, and seemingly gifted psychic who has captivated the wealthy Allen family and their wealthy admirer, Bryce. Stanley, a master of illusion and deception, is determined to expose Sophie as a fraud, but as he delves deeper into her life and world, he finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her, challenging his own deeply held beliefs.

Critical Reception

Magic in the Moonlight received a mixed reception from critics. While some praised its charming performances, particularly from Emma Stone and Colin Firth, and Allen's signature witty dialogue, others found the plot to be slight, predictable, and lacking the depth of his earlier works. The film's tone was often described as light and breezy, but some critics felt it didn't fully engage with its themes of belief and skepticism.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its lighthearted charm and the chemistry between its lead actors.

  • Criticized by some for its predictable plot and lack of substantial thematic exploration.

  • Noted for its visually appealing setting and Woody Allen's characteristic dialogue.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be an enjoyable and charming romantic comedy with strong performances from Emma Stone and Colin Firth. Many appreciated the picturesque setting and the witty dialogue, though some felt the plot was somewhat predictable and not as engaging as other Woody Allen films.

Fun Fact

Emma Stone was reportedly chosen for the role of Sophie Baker after Woody Allen saw her in 'The Help' and was impressed by her performance.

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