Match Point ... Allen Scores

Woody Allen’s new film “Match Point” marks his incredible return to the pantheon of modern filmmakers.

After a string of comedic misses in the last decade, Allen has relocated to London and set his sights on reinventing conventional drama.

For some Woody Allen loyalists, “Match Point” appears to be an atypical picture. However, the style and approach is authentic Allen.

The film opens with a terrific monologue delivered by a former tennis pro and the central character, Chris Wilton, performed with subdued intensity by Jonathan Rhys Meyers.

Meyers’ character highlights the central theme of the work; in tennis, like life, luck determines which side of the net the ball falls.

Wilton is a man who would evidently rather “live lucky” than well. After taking a job at a ritzy tennis club, Chris meets a wealthy businessman named Tom Hewett with similar interests and an affluent family. Seeing this friendship as a chance for opulence, Wilton seizes the opportunity and begins a relationship with Hewett’s dainty sister Chloe. Conflict arises when Chris meets Tom’s seductive fiance, Nola, played by gorgeous Scarlett Johansson.

An American actress struggling to find work in London, Nola becomes a wanton fantasy for Chris.

Each character is layered and meticulous in their actions and motivations. Allen weaves them intricately throughout the story, allowing them to crash and collide until they must pick up the pieces.

Each person involved has an innate character flaw that would, in a world without luck, lead to his or her demise.

Nola’s dependency upon men only becomes clear as her affairs unravel. Wilton’s desire to live richly becomes a dilemma when he gets involved in extramarital relations.

Allen sees luck as a driving force in life, and proves it with “Match Point.”

Without a doubt, this film is a flawless example of Allen’s talent as a writer and a director. The film recently acquired four Golden Globe nominations, including Best Picture Drama, Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress for Scarlett Johansson.

Although the film walked away without a prize, it certainly deserved its place among the best films of last year.

Woody Allen films are often overlooked simply because he churns them out so quickly -- often releasing two films a year. People seem to forget that despite the mass quantity, Allen’s films are generally of high quality. By placing his unique style and skill in a drama such as “Match Point,” Woody Allen has revitalized an entire genre.