Fading Gigolo: DVD Review

Fading Gigolo: DVD Review

Rating: M
Released by Universal Home Entertainment

Woody Allen stars in the most Woody Allen movie ever made that wasn't written and directed by Woody Allen.

Written and directed by John Turturro, this gently sexy Jewish comedy is the story of Turturro's Fioravante, a friend of Allen's Murray, who becomes embroiled as a gigolo after finding money hard to make. But, as ever in these situations, complications ensue.

Working well with the bond between Allen and Turturro, Fading Gigolo is a gentle piece that's as breezy as Allen is neurotic within. Turturro crafts together a film that looks and feels Jewish, but with jazzy interludes, sultry sirens (Modern Family's Sofia Vergara and Sharon Stone) and an entirely predictable arc with Avigail (Vanessa Paradis), a lonely woman who becomes part of the sham.

Pleasant to watch and as soothing as a good red wine, Fading Gigolo is a full bodied affair that feels like some of Allen's earlier work but ultimately rises due to Turturro's soft on screen touch and light touch behind the camera.

Extras: None

Rating: