Rifkin’s Festival

Mort Rifkin, a neurotic former film critic, accompanies his wife Sue, a publicist, to the San Sebastian Film Festival. While Sue becomes infatuated with a younger, acclaimed Spanish director, Mort finds himself increasingly adrift. He encounters a beautiful local doctor who is suffering from marital problems, leading to a series of philosophical and romantic entanglements.

Rifkin's Festival received largely negative reviews from critics, with many finding it to be a weak and derivative entry in Woody Allen's filmography. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, with some appreciating its lighthearted tone and romantic elements, while others found it to be uninspired and lacking the sharp wit of Allen's earlier works.

• Lacks the sharp wit and incisive social commentary of Allen's best films.
• A meandering and somewhat self-indulgent film that feels like a retread of familiar themes.
• The performances are generally adequate, but cannot elevate the uneven script.

Google audience: Google users expressed a mixed to negative sentiment, with many finding the film to be forgettable and not up to Woody Allen's usual standards. Some viewers enjoyed the European setting and the romantic subplots, but overall disappointment was a common theme.

The film was shot on location in San Sebastián, Spain, and the festival itself plays a significant role in the narrative, mirroring Allen's own experiences attending film festivals.