Everyone Says I Love You (Widescreen)

I had a hard time swallowing Julia and Woody as a couple - though she did say she was crazy - did I miss something else? The most interesting part was seeing two MASH alumni in the same scene for about 10 seconds. For those who don't know why it was rated R, it is because of the rap lyrics. No other swearing or nudity.

I'm being generous with 3 stars. It seemed to be a personal experiment rather than a committed movie. Oh, well - curiosity satified. Waiting for "Take the Money and Run" to arrive.

Famous for his all-star casts, "Everyone" starts off with - what else? - a couple: Drew Barrymore as the charming Skylar and Edward Norton as the neurotic, albeit determined Holden. Shot in a grainy, peculiar style reminiscent of the 1960s and '70s musicals, the film quickly establshes itself as a romantic musical comedy, and you know you are headed for a magical ride when the mannequins displayed in the posh store windows start singing along with the principal actors.

Narrated by the wonderful up-and-coming actress Natasha Lyonne (in one of her first roles!), the film's plot mainly revolves around a not-so-average Park Avenue family. Kind of a "Brady Bunch" for the Manhattanite crowd, the family is both dysfunctional, peculiar, and wildly entertaining. Goldie Hawn plays the liberal mother, married to Alan Aldas, the charming stepfather, and then there's their barrel full of kids. Some, like Drew and Natasha's characters, are from Goldie's previous marriage to Woody's character, a writer living in Paris. Others, like Lucas Haas, Gaby Hoffmann, and Natalie Portman, are children of Hawn's current marriage. And of course, there is the wandering, cranky Grandpa and the foreign dictator of a maid. Playing the part of Drew's fiancee is the sweet Norton. Julia Roberts also makes an appearance as Allen's dream lover. Of course, he knows everything about her from his daughter, who regularly listens in on her therapy sessions.

"Everyone Says I Love You" features a strong cast, solid performances (an especially great one by Tim Roth, who shows up as a hilarious felon eager for Drew's affection), and wonderful, nostalgic songs from the '30s and '40s (think Marx Brothers). As always, Allen's loving relationship with NYC shines through, and scenes filmed in Venice and Paris are breathtaking. Did I mention this film is magical? Expect singing ghosts, a levitating Goldie Hawn, and a Marx fest at the end. Don't let the weirdness dissuade you - it takes awhile to get into, but the end result is satisfying. If only all films could be as creative and dazzling as this one.