HOLLYWOOD ENDING

Woody Allen’s comedy is extremely funny in places and sharply focused on the vileness of Hollywood filmmaking. Its humor comes from the contrast between corrupt practices and the moral constants that should govern people’s lives. The film also has very good acting, stronger direction than some of Allen’s recent work, and sharp scripting.

But the movie’s immorality is not merely background decoration. Profane utterances are frequent, sexual situations and discussions go too far, and some characters’ behavior is treated as humorous rather than clearly condemned. At times, the immorality overwhelms the moral principles the movie otherwise exposes.

Adults who can practice discernment may find worthwhile satire here. Families with children or young teens should choose another film. WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY is the practical answer.

Val Waxman is a neurotic, washed-up director given one last chance to make a comeback movie. The opportunity comes through his ex-wife, who now works with a Hollywood producer.

On the eve of the shoot, Val goes psychosomatically blind. Rather than abandon the project, he and his agent conspire to complete the film with help from the translator for the Chinese cinematographer. The resulting complications unfold alongside Val’s desire to win back his wife.

Four stars means this is one of Woody Allen’s strongest comedies in a long time. The movie contains brilliant pieces of dialogue, including sharp observations about Hollywood, media culture, and Allen’s own sexual narcissism. The humor often punctures politically correct lies and exposes the absurdity of the entertainment industry.

The acting is very good, including Treat Williams’ subtle performance. Allen’s direction is better than in some of his recent films, and the scriptwriting is sharp. Some material goes over the top, however, and some of Allen’s longer dissertations would have benefited from tighter language. Even so, the craft is strong.

The film presents a moral worldview populated by many immoral people. Some are rebuked, some function as humorous characters, and some seem to be affirmed in their immorality. The comedy often depends on exposing the gap between Hollywood’s behavior and the moral standards that should govern it.

That contrast can be insightful. The film mocks vile filmmaking practices, punctures media-obsessed pretensions, and uses humor to reveal hypocrisy. It also includes positive references to God. Yet the moral edge is inconsistent: sexual exploitation, dishonesty, deception, gossip, and other wrongdoing are sometimes treated as jokes or accepted parts of the world rather than clearly rejected.

The movie’s central concern is whether people can see the truth behind Hollywood’s polished deceptions. Scripture calls believers to that same kind of moral clarity: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

HOLLYWOOD ENDING is a very funny, well-acted, sharply written satire with real insight into Hollywood’s moral failures. Its frequent profanity and sexual immorality make it unsuitable for children and young teens. For discerning adults, the answer is WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY. For other options, see.