Whatever Works is the new comedy written and directed by Woody Allen. Starring Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm, and the mind behind Seinfeld) as nihilistic Boris Yellnikoff, Whatever Works is the culmination of Woody Allen philosophy, uncertain affairs of the heart, and the coincidental workings of the universe. What I mean by that is, Whatever Works is what you’d get if Woody Allen decided one dreary evening that he wanted to write a ninety-two minute long episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Boris Yellnikoff is a failing suicidal who, like Mr. David’s character in Curb, seems to know exactly what not to say at just the right moments. Everybody despises his rude mannerisms and loathsome view of human nature and the world itself, especially the mothers of the twelve-year-old kids he lectures on the rules of chess in the middle of Manhattan’s urban parks. Through the occurrence of fate, as he puts it, Boris meets Melodie St. Ann Celestine (played by Rachel Evan Wood), a runaway youngster from the South. She doesn’t exactly change Boris’ perspectives on life, in fact Boris can’t stand her at first, but she does lead him to believe in second chances. I’ll stop here as not to ruin the rest of the movie.

The acting and script work together. Whatever Works is funny and if you are a Curb fan like myself, it’s worth the screening, if only for hearing Larry David scream during one of his panic attacks when he finds his night-light has gone missing. My only problem with Whatever Works is that Larry David isn’t playing Larry David. He’s playing Woody Allen and so much to the point where sometimes I found myself thinking, “When did Woody Allen start looking so much like Larry David and when is Diane Keaton going to show up for the reunion?”. It’s the words and mannerisms of Woody Allen spoken through the mouth of Larry David. With that said, don’t be afraid to watch this movie. It’s funny, smart and entertaining. It was like revisiting Manhattan or Annie Hall again for the first time. Overall, B+. – [DVD]

Comedy/Romance

Rated PG-13

DVD Release Date: 10/27/09

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