3.5/4  Hilarious
Superb! Probably my favorite Allen comedy since Zelig . I loved Larry David as the woody character.. It just worked for me.
I also laughed loudly during several scenes. This is worth mentioning because most comedies just get me to chuckl... (read full)

3.5/4  Whatever Works
There's something about being one of six sparsely laughing people in a theater to watch a Woody Allen film. It's like having a favorite diner, wondering how in the world they can stay in business, but enjoying it while it lasts.

There's... (read full)

2.5/4  Whatever Works Quick Review
Wasn't impressed at all by this. While it had its moments and some great casting, it was a downhill from the best Woody stuff. Mildly entertaining, but that's it. Hollywood as such really isn't doing it for me in recent times.

5/5 Certainly In the Minority Here, But 'Whatever Works' Works.
  by Joshua Miller (Coeur d'Alene,ID)
After a string of movies set in Europe, Woody Allen triumphantly returns to his beloved New York for Whatever Works. Since Allen releases a new film each year, it's hit-or-miss with him (rightfully so). This film got less-than-enthusiastic reviews and, as such, I wasn't expecting much from it...But the critics really misrepresented this film, as this is one of Woody's best comedies.

Larry David (of Curb Your Enthusiasm fame) plays Boris Yellnikoff, a caustic, retired physicist who walks with a limp due to a failed suicide attempt. Now, Boris teaches chess to "zombie-minded imbeciles." Evan Rachel Wood plays Melodie, a naïve runaway from Mississippi, who stumbles into Boris' life...Against all odds, the two marry and Melodie's parents (played wonderfully by Patricia Clarkson and Ed Begley, Jr.) both, separately, find her.

I'm not familiar with Larry David's previous work, so I don't know how much of this performance carries over from his own persona; but David is playing the Woody Allen role here to perfection. David perfectly captures the neurotic, arrogant genius that is Boris and recites Allen's dialogue as if it comes straight from his own thoughts. Of course, this is a film filled with great performances as can be expected from a film by Woody Allen. Begley, Jr. is particularly surprising as Melodie's father...And while some may not be too impressed by Wood's performance as Melodie, she's very convincing and cute.

This is truthfully one of Allen's best comedies and an all-around great film. The dialogue here is typical, philosophical, sarcastic Allen...But it doesn't just elicit chuckles, but full-on, laugh-out-loud laughter. It's a very intelligent film that not ONLY ranks as one of Allen's best comedies, but one of his best films. I don't see how this film has not received the amount of praise it deserves, because I clearly saw something all the critic's didn't. While the past few years have shown a return to form for Allen, this film stands as a terrific achievement in the Allen catalogue. It's quite honestly one of the best films I've seen this year and it's not to be missed.

GRADE: A

5/5 Best Woody Allen in years
  by Davis Caitlin (Martins Ferry, Ohio)
I will rank this film in my top five Woody Allen films which include: Annie Hall, Hannah and Her Sisters, Interiors,
and Sleeper.
Laughed out loud for many of the segments and the script. Perfect cure on a rainy day.
Thank you Woody Allen !

5/5 Great Feel-good Film
  by Allen I. Weinstein (Oro Valley, AZ)
One of the best feel-good films I've seen recently. This is Larry David being Woddy Allen, and the result is hilarious. Set in the artsy environs of New York's Greenwich Village, Larry David as the once-almost-Nobel laureate physicist Boris Yellnikoff wallows in his well-nourished weltschmerz until a bright-eyed waif from the Deep South seeks his shelter and his heart. The shenanigans begin when her arch=conservative, divorced parents show up and everyone's life begins to change. If you have ever lived in the New York area you will love this movie

Allegro Molto

5/5 Mr. Cranky Pants
  by Acheron's Flow (Midwest USA)
Larry David does Mr. Cranky better than anyone and still remain funny. Pessimism as comedy is an art form when done right.

A totally different movie. Nice easy pace. Soundtrack is really good as Woody's movies usually have. Only a few laugh out loud moments for me but I had a smile the whole movie. Larry's line as they enter the photo gallery was hilarious. Just plain interesting movie. Really liked this one. Something NEW is almost always worth an extra star. E R Wood was really charming and with a very good supporting cast.

I hope Jessica Hecht gets more movies roles, very good presence but just a small part here. IMBD lists more roles coming up for her. Hope they're bigger. Woody is really good but some of his movies miss for me. Not this one. Worth seeing.

2/5 what a miss
  by pereubu
I love Larry and Woody but I can barely watch this movie. It rehashes old Woody themes with Larry David just playing Woody. These guys are too talented to put this out.