Annie Hall

Winner of four academy awards in 1977 including Best Picture, Annie Hall is considered Woody Allen's Magnum Opus. Written directed and starring the man himself, Woody Allen, as Alvy and co-starring the lovely Diane Keaton as Annie, the film follows the two as they fall into and out of love. Often regarded as the best romantic comedy, the jokes are witty and playful. Alvy is a timid and paranoid man that loves New York, while Annie is continuously seeking more to life than what is comfortable.

Although Woody Allen is criticized for writing and re-writing the same story over and over - he claims because he's "never been able to get it right" - this is by far as close to right as he has ever been. The film not only captures a comedic genius within Woody but also manages to show exactly the way couples act, argue, flourish and crumble. The film is an introspective dive for people to reflect on their own relationships as Woody gets very near the bone.

Not only is Woody Allen's genius on display in this film, but Diane Keaton pulls her own weight in order to share the glory that makes Annie Hall a perfect film.

Dealing in philosophy, world history, and psychology, the film is deeply intellectual while playing on every string of the emotions. The jokes range from dry as a desert in a drought to slapstick as Charlie Chaplin in his early years.

The film is also a magnificent period piece of what the late seventies in Hollywood and New York were like, from the locations, the lingo, the topical conversations, the fashion, and the films pastel look.

Annie Hall is a romantic, neurotic tale of lust and waning love. It uses psychological devices to exemplify typical situational problems in relationships but is capable of saying them all in layman's terms.