Movie Review: Vicky Cristina Barcelona

People on holidays do strange things. Sunny Spain is the haunt of those decadent Americans just waiting to let loose. Life long chums Vicky and Cristina go the romantic Mediterranean for a little rest and relaxation. Back home things in New York have become just a touch stale for the pair who seem to be ready for one last fling before Vicky heads down the altar.

Of the two Vicky is by far the more conservative while Cristina seems to be ready, willing and able on a moments notice. While staying at the home of the upscale Nashes the pair enjoys the night life like most tourists. Now anyone who has ever been to Europe knows locals can be a touch “liberal” in their approach to life. Man of the world artist Juan Antonio takes a fancy to the ladies and before you know it the pair becomes fast friends.

Sex is definitely on Antonio’s mind and the girls become part of a bit of summertime lust. As if that wasn’t enough to increase heartbeats a third woman enters into the cozy arrangement – Antonio’s former flame Maria Elena. Caution is thrown to the wind as the threesome gets even more convoluted in this bed hopping tale that is really all tease and little sin.

Woody Allen here succeeds in creating a real erotic atmosphere minus the sex. Instead there is some great character development as the ins and outs of relationships are explored with smashing results. Latin hunk Oscar winning Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men) has more than his hands full juggling what looks like a harem of eligible women with varying degrees of success.