Film review: 'Café Society'

"Life is a comedy written by a sadistic comedy writer." The quote is from Woody Allen's new film, "Cafe Society" and pretty much sums up his philosophical take on the human condition. In this, his 47th film, he also tosses in a charming wistfulness, which begs a watch.

Set in the 1930s, the film follows Bobby Dorfman (Jesse Eisenberg), a young New Yorker who travels to Hollywood, seeking a change of scene. His talent-agent Uncle, Phil (Steve Carell) hires him on as an errand boy and assigns his secretary, Vonnie (Kristen Stewart), to show him around Tinseltown. Immediately, Bobby is smitten by Vonnie's down-to-earth disdain for the pretentiousness of Hollywood. It's love at first sight.

It's also poses a problem in that Vonnie is having an affair with Uncle Phil, who keeps promising to leave his wife. Upon discovering her dilemma, Bobby hightails it back home to work in his brother Ben's (Corey Stoll) très chic Manhattan nightclub. Ben is also a well-known gangster, whose forte is dumping foes into wet cement pits. While working at the club, Bobby meets Veronica (Blake Lively) and marries her on the rebound. But a chance encounter with Vonnie throws a monkey wrench into his seemingly perfect life.

At 80 years old, Allen's existential brilliance has not faded. "Cafe Society," bathed in a golden hue that reflects the era, looks as good as it sounds. His magnificent gift for scoring exceeds all expectations. Vintage cuts from Count Basie and Benny Goodman keep the toes tapping while enhancing the pace of this delightful movie.

Also known for impeccable casting, Allen has assembled an exceptional group of actors who elevate his witting script. Jeannie Berlin is insanely funny as Bobby's garrulous, henpecking mother, Rose. But it's Kristen Stewart who steals this film with her low-key, yet powerful performance as a young woman waging a war with her emotions. 

Woody Allen captures the glamour, glitz and shallowness of a dog-eat-dog industry in "Cafe Society." His acute observations on human behavior are as deep as they are wildly amusing.

Building on a quote from Socrates, Allen proposes, "The unexamined life isn't worth anything, but the examined one is no bargain."

So funny. So right-on. So Woody.