Magic in the Moonlight
Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: July 25, 2014
6.4
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 122 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
58
Mixed:
51
Negative:
13
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
7
beingryanjudeDec 2, 2014
Once again, a beautifully enchanting tale of life and romance from Woody Allen. Perhaps what is most magical about this one is the band of so-called magicians and frauds--they're quite fun.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
Trev29Dec 28, 2014
Magic in the Moonlight is another solid movie from Woody Allen. It is well paced with interesting characters. At the center of the movie is Colin Firth who gives a great performance.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
Fb29Dec 2, 2014
My female friend wanted to watch this. I had reservations given all the accusations against Woody Allen in the last year. But this is a wonderful movie. Colin Firth is perfect. I found Emma over-acted, hence 9/10.

The music, the plot,My female friend wanted to watch this. I had reservations given all the accusations against Woody Allen in the last year. But this is a wonderful movie. Colin Firth is perfect. I found Emma over-acted, hence 9/10.

The music, the plot, Colin Firth, the setting, the costumes, the cars. It's great.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
PsychefanAug 22, 2014
I very much enjoyed this movie. It has the quality of a play with nicely drawn characters and an entertaining story. The acting is excellent and the cinematography is beautiful. Allen seems to be studying various personality typesI very much enjoyed this movie. It has the quality of a play with nicely drawn characters and an entertaining story. The acting is excellent and the cinematography is beautiful. Allen seems to be studying various personality types (narcissism in this case) with his recent films, providing insight and wisdom. The only significant fault in my mind is that Stone and Furth, while great in their roles, seem a little mismatched age-wise.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
c_lindersmithAug 12, 2014
This movie is absolutely fantastic! I find it unbelievable that it has such a low Metacritic rating. My wife and I went to see it despite the poor reviews. We loved ever minute of it. It's beautifully shot, funny, thought provoking,This movie is absolutely fantastic! I find it unbelievable that it has such a low Metacritic rating. My wife and I went to see it despite the poor reviews. We loved ever minute of it. It's beautifully shot, funny, thought provoking, romantic, and truly clever. The performances were terrific which carried the story so well. The costumes and the locations amazing together. I think this is one of Woody Allen's top pictures. For those critics who marked this film negatively, you pretty much have identified yourself as someone who should go back to teaching gym.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
msprofessorSep 6, 2014
Magic in the Moonlight addresses the question--what is the meaning of life--by exploring the tension between mysticism and rationalism. And it finds a way of honoring both (in a backhanded kind of way) while essentially concluding that lifeMagic in the Moonlight addresses the question--what is the meaning of life--by exploring the tension between mysticism and rationalism. And it finds a way of honoring both (in a backhanded kind of way) while essentially concluding that life probably has no inherent meaning (but it might because we can't know for sure), while acknowledging that accepting that is so devastating as to make life unbearable for most folks (which is ultimately a pretty stupid thing to do), so it is up to us to make meaning for ourselves and that's possible in a number of ways. Dunno about Woody Allen's personal morality (and I had some misgivings about seeing the film because of that), but it was an entertaining and compelling rumination on life. In short, if you like movies that make you think about big existential questions (and you're bright enough to infer the deeper meaning), I think you'll enjoy the film. If you're a surface watcher and are more interested in the romantic tension between Firth's character and Stone's character, you'll probably be disappointed.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
filmSanFranJul 28, 2014
"Magic in the Moonlight" is a classic Woody Allen picture. Filled with charm, sophistication, and wit that is unmatched in cinema today. The film was shot beautifully by cinematographer Darius Khondji and evokes the nostalgia of summer"Magic in the Moonlight" is a classic Woody Allen picture. Filled with charm, sophistication, and wit that is unmatched in cinema today. The film was shot beautifully by cinematographer Darius Khondji and evokes the nostalgia of summer holiday in the most lavish of locales. It fits in with Allen's summer European sojourns and it is just as fun as his previous hits, "Midnight in Paris" and "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." This can be judged as a romantic comedy as well as a philosophical existential riff in a way that only Woody Allen can pull off. I loved it and you will too!… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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7
PintaenSep 12, 2014
Great writing and chemistry between the protagonists. Colin Firth charm and presence is powerful enough to make us a believe that a woman almost 30 years younger may find herself attracted to him. That women is played by the beautiful EmmaGreat writing and chemistry between the protagonists. Colin Firth charm and presence is powerful enough to make us a believe that a woman almost 30 years younger may find herself attracted to him. That women is played by the beautiful Emma Stone which once again displays immense talent as the psychic whom Firth's character, a world class magician and skeptic, is trying to prove a charlatan. As she reveals more and more secrets about his life - things she could never have known - he begins to question whether there is more to it in life than meets the eye.

A heartwarming flick that unfortunately tries too hard to fit into the romantic comedy mold and ends up inheriting from all the cliches associated with it. The third act feels artificial, which prevents the movie from being truly great.

7/10… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
LouisThorndonSep 20, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great movie - really enjoyed it. Even the ending is realistic, when you realize that otherwise she had to live a lie. Magnificent production values. Woody Allen not being his self-indulgent self, except for his usual knee-jerk atheism. "Manhattan" with a large dose of common sense and no Bella Abzug.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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9
BHBarryJul 25, 2014
"Magic in the Moonlight" stars Colin Firth and Emma Stone in this film written and directed by Woody Allen. There are those who will avoid a film by the writer-director because of circumstances which occurred in his private life and there are"Magic in the Moonlight" stars Colin Firth and Emma Stone in this film written and directed by Woody Allen. There are those who will avoid a film by the writer-director because of circumstances which occurred in his private life and there are others who will go to any film bearing his credits as dutiful and loyal fans regardless of his personal choices or the quality of the work.. This film transcends the nay sayers and the hoorayers and can be judged on its own merits for by so doing, the viewer will experience a beautifully written and well directed work of theatrical art. Mr. Firth is fine in the role of the arch magician out to prove or disprove the abilities of Ms. Stone’s character as alleged seer and psychic. The movie sails along at an easy pace as it relates the story in a well edited and interesting manner. Add to this a soundtrack of great songs of the early 20th Century and you end up with a positive audio and visual theatrical experience. Kudos to Mr. Allen who has once more brought his "magic" into the theater. I give the film a well deserved 8.5. Bottom line: this is a good film to see and one that I think most people will enjoy..… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
LynJan 3, 2015
Fluffy, but amusing from beginning to end. Colin Firth's character has an entertaining combination of self-awareness and pomposity. Nothing against Emma Stone, but I would like to have seen an older actress as the possibly fraudulentFluffy, but amusing from beginning to end. Colin Firth's character has an entertaining combination of self-awareness and pomposity. Nothing against Emma Stone, but I would like to have seen an older actress as the possibly fraudulent spiritualist -- though still adorable, Firth is well past his Mr. Darcy days, and Stone by contrast looks about 14.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
BikerjamesNov 13, 2014
This is Woody-lite. That isn't a bad thing. Every now and then Woody makes a light, non-serious movie that is simply fun to watch. I have loved most of them. I enjoyed all the performances and the wonderful cinematography. My biggestThis is Woody-lite. That isn't a bad thing. Every now and then Woody makes a light, non-serious movie that is simply fun to watch. I have loved most of them. I enjoyed all the performances and the wonderful cinematography. My biggest complaint was the ending, or more specifically the conclusion about whether the Medium (played by Emma Stone) was real or not. It could have been even more magical as the title implies.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
BenardenAug 17, 2014
Magic In The Moonlight is one of Woody Allens better recent films; quite

complex, Worth seeing for the photography alone. Colin Firth and Emma Stone add something incredibly nice to this. There are all sorts of subtleties and texturesMagic In The Moonlight is one of Woody Allens better recent films; quite

complex,
Worth seeing for the photography alone. Colin Firth and Emma Stone
add something incredibly nice to this.
There are all sorts of subtleties and textures in this film, so it's
Not a standard " Rom-Com" but more like a Whit Stillman ( Metropolitan,

Barcelona) type film.

As good or better than " Midnight In Paris."… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
MovieGuysSep 7, 2014
While it is perfectly sweet, charming, and quirky like most other Allen movies, Magic in the Moonlight has a certain vibe to it so that some of the scenes and dialogue seem forced, and most if the movie is easily forgettable. However, FirthWhile it is perfectly sweet, charming, and quirky like most other Allen movies, Magic in the Moonlight has a certain vibe to it so that some of the scenes and dialogue seem forced, and most if the movie is easily forgettable. However, Firth and Stone have scenes that strike just the right note, and the movie is elevated every time they get a chance to exchange words. They have great chemistry, (which isn't as disgusting as you might think, considering their age difference). Overall, this is a lean-back kind movie that does offer some commentary on life that can be easily-lapped-up by the audience. It doesn't require you to think much; if I had to pick, I'd say this fits into Woody's category of "hit", rather than "miss".… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
MinosOfCreteSep 28, 2014
I don't know about the other reviews but I loved this movie! It's not Allen's best, sure, but it's still a charming tale of Firth's cold, miserable Hobbesian rationalist confronted not merely with the logic-defying mysteries of Stone'sI don't know about the other reviews but I loved this movie! It's not Allen's best, sure, but it's still a charming tale of Firth's cold, miserable Hobbesian rationalist confronted not merely with the logic-defying mysteries of Stone's character alone, but more importantly, the perennial battle of love as a rational, cold game of calculation vs a more abstract and unknown spiritual doctrine. Firth's acting was always on point, although I have to agree that the final 20 minutes or so of the film seem to halt abruptly in terms of pace and wit, and whilst it isn't quite a car crash, it isn't as consistently engaging and entertaining as the rest of the film.

My advice, don't go into this film expecting the best Woody Allen film ever, this is an enjoyable character study of Firth's character, and whether the caustic and cynical nature of modern day life can continue to embrace the illogical passion and mysteries of romanticized love.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
as1marksJul 26, 2014
"Magic in the Moonlight" is pure Woody Allen magic. It ponders the part of life we cannot explain in a very unique and entertaining way. It is cleverly written, beautifully shot, and wonderfully acted. An intelligent entertainment experience"Magic in the Moonlight" is pure Woody Allen magic. It ponders the part of life we cannot explain in a very unique and entertaining way. It is cleverly written, beautifully shot, and wonderfully acted. An intelligent entertainment experience without special effects and gimmicks. An imaginative story masterfully told that transports you to the South of France in the late 1920's. Absolutely worth seeing.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
MattFlixSep 30, 2014
Magic in the Moonlight boasts a great story, beautiful scenery and first class acting from Mr. Firth and Ms. Stone. Although I am not an expert in Woody Allen filmography, I really did enjoy this movie immensely and would recommend it toMagic in the Moonlight boasts a great story, beautiful scenery and first class acting from Mr. Firth and Ms. Stone. Although I am not an expert in Woody Allen filmography, I really did enjoy this movie immensely and would recommend it to anyone looking for a smart romantic comedy. My only quibble is with the ending, which seemed rushed.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
MattBrady99Mar 10, 2015
Sophie: "More Mystery, More Magic".

The story is about a spiritual medium may or may not be conning wealthy families and a Englishman, and magician, will stop at nothing to uncover the truth - though he doesn't realize just how it willSophie: "More Mystery, More Magic".

The story is about a spiritual medium may or may not be conning wealthy families and a Englishman, and magician, will stop at nothing to uncover the truth - though he doesn't realize just how it will affect both his personal and professional life.

To me Woody Allen is 50/50, sometimes he can direct and write great movies with a lot of details into, but at times he can direct and write not so good films, not terrible, just a bit weak. Magic in the Moonlight can be reviewed in many different ways for some people. The movie can suck the auditions in by it's story,writing and the films atmosphere, or people are not looking for good story or good writing, just something to entertain them, well this has some of the good, and some of the bad.

Colin Firth and Emma Stone both of give it their all and in this movie it's shows, because both of them were really good in this movie. The sets looked good, the writing at times can really clever and really fresh. The movie looks really good and the cinematography is stunning to watch.

The character's in the movie are cardboard cut out of Woody's other films and the story itself isn't all that interesting. Woody Allen really likes recycling character's and locations, because most of his films he uses the same character's and as I said locations for his movies like: Colin Firths character in the movie is rude, selfish and hard to live with, just like Cate Blanchett character in Blue Jasmine, or what about the city of pairs, that's been use a lot in his other films.

Overall Magic in the Moonlight can be slow with it's dragging plot and uninteresting character's, but the film dose have great shot and fantastic acting from Colin Firth and Emma Stone.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 25, 2021
This is a typical 'quite delightful' period drama film from Woody Allen. I am quite keen on his films, in terms of them having nice settings, a nice sort of nostalgic sense to them, the laidback tone of them and the characters beingThis is a typical 'quite delightful' period drama film from Woody Allen. I am quite keen on his films, in terms of them having nice settings, a nice sort of nostalgic sense to them, the laidback tone of them and the characters being reasonably likeable or relatable, depending on the circumstances. This one particularly intrigued me for its focus on a young lady who claims to be able to contact the dead. The themes are of interest to me and it features a decent cast and also, another typical element present in most of Allen's films, the warm colours/lighting featured (yellow-y orange). I suppose its a pretty light watch but sometimes thats a good thing. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to fans of Allens work but if your not keen on him then this won't appeal to you.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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