I’m a moderately-sized Woody Allen fan, and I can say with a modicum of authority that Whatever Works is not one of his better films. I loved the film’s running gag of breaking of the fourth wall—a Woody Allen first (to my knowledge)—but I felt the script was lacking. The wittiness that The New York Observer’s Sara Vilkomerson attributes to Whatever Works feels very stiff to me. There are quite a few funny moments, and I adore Larry David’s performances in Curb Your Enthusiasm, but here I’m going to regurgitate the word “lacking” once again. Reflected in this film is that usual neurotic pessimism and pseudo-witty banter common in all his films (this time however, I’m not convinced it can be labelled “witty”), but it looked forced. It felt like Allen’s return to the New York comedy just isn’t what it should be. It’s…what’s that word again? Oh yes: lacking. So if you like his films and can’t stay away, you’ve been warned. Hey, whatever works.