"Midnight in Paris" - The Highlights of Woody Allen's Entertainment Career

To say that Woody Allen is a comedic genius is an understatement. His off-hand delivery, humorous mannerisms, and impressive writing ability have made him a legend in his field. Whether you love his acting, stand-up, directing, or writing, one thing is certain - you're used to his top-notch entertainment quality. Allen's latest film, "Midnight In Paris," is unlikely to outdo his previous films, but it should still be enjoyable.

Woody was bringing class and genuine humor to the romantic comedy genre years before the likes of Matthew McConaughey and Owen Wilson were embarrassing themselves. Before directing "Midnight In Paris," Woody Allen entertained generations with his films since 1965. Allen has had audiences in stitches starting with "What's New Pussycat" and "What's Up Tiger Lily" the following year.

Any classic cinema fan would recognize Woody Allen's 'Groucho Marx' inspired wordplay, insults, and surrealism. Woody Allen, in his prime, was doing comedy when that meant something. Nowadays a kick to the groin or some exaggerated bodily function is what represents comedy. Long before this unfortunate trend, Woody Allen sides aching with laughter in 1969s "Take The Money And Run." The comedy wasn't always thought-provoking in this hilarious film, but it was cleverly done. Be it scenes of ten or so chained-up, escaped convicts shuffling together innocently - or two bank robbing crews hitting the same locale at the same time and arguing. It was always understated, but absurd.

In 1971 Woody was juggling romance and comically liberating San Marcos in "Bananas." The humor was subtle - never thickly layered. Many of the jokes were laced with irony and at times hit a little close to home for audiences. How far would you be willing to go to get the girl you love? No matter how unreasonable her demands are...

In a return to the absurd and action-oriented, "Sleeper" hit the big screen in 1973 as a smartly written comedy set 200 years in the future. The humor is a bit weaker than previous Allen films, but that doesn't ruin the experience. The gags go on a little too long and there are some lame segments to the movie, but it's hard not to find yourself laughing as Miles tries to fit into futuristic society.

While some remember it as an awful attempt at imitating "A Bug's Life," the often maligned "Antz" is not without its virtues. The animated film's saving grace is the performance of Woody Allen as the voice of the main character. The art style may have been drab, the ants might have been hideous, and the plot certainly was dull, but despite the shortcomings, Allen makes it watchable. With some luck, Woody Allen's talent will breathe life into "Midnight In Paris" and grant the film a chance at success.