After overhearing a conversation about a certain judge in a diner, alcoholic New England philosophy professor Abe Lucas (Joaquin Phoenix) decides that killing him is the moral thing to do. Woody Allen returns to familiar territory as similar questions of morality have been treated in films like Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) and Cassandra’s Dream (2008). As a drama, there isn’t enough substance and the romance between Phoenix and his younger student (Emma Stone) doesn’t help; as a thriller, there isn’t enough tension. Very predictable, but still has amusing moments.
2015-U.S. 95 min. Color. Widescreen. Written and directed by Woody Allen. Cast: Joaquin Phoenix (Abe Lucas), Emma Stone (Jill Pollard), Parker Posey (Rita Richards), Jamie Blackley, Betsey Aidem, Ethan Phillips.
