My first genuine introduction to Woody Allen came in 1996 when I saw his romantic comedy Everyone Says I Love You that featured multiple star cast. My opinion on that film was rather unenthusiastic and couldn't quite determine the cause behind this writer, director and actor's success. But as an audience member, I am always prepared to give a director another chance. I rented 'Annie Hall' and found it irresistible. It was an incredible romantic comedy about a New York comedian who falls in love with Annie Hall. Then came Mighty Aphrodite, Manhattan Murder Mystery, New York Stories and PDI DreamWorks Antz in which he only played the leading character.

In 2000, Allen signed a three picture deal with DreamWorks after his most successful feature film Small Time Crooks. Last year, he wrote and directed The Curse of Jade Scorpion which was certainly a simple comedy but didn't click with me or anyone else I know. However, this year's Hollywood Ending is probably his funniest movie in years.

The film is about a Hollywood filmmaker, Val Waxman played by Woody Allen, once was big in 1970s and 80s, gets a last shot at scoring big after being degraded to directing TV commercials. But his luck find its way to disaster after he gets blind a day before the shooting begins.

A perfect mockery at Hollywood productions, you will appreciate this film certainly more if you know about the industry and/or a film student. But that doesn't mean you won't like it otherwise. At the Toronto screening on Monday, April 29th, 90% of the audience found the film entertaining and comical and I am sure few percentage of those were aware of the film world.

I loved this film on a whole and the elements that I found extremely unconventional for Woody Allen movie were the long shots and less cuts. There were at least a dozen scenes where a scene is shot from one camera and lasts for over 2 minute. Personally, I love long shots because not only they are effective but also reveal the talent the director, the crew and the cast have of staying on for a long time. Very well done.

Unlike The Curse of Jade Scorpion, the performances in Hollywood Ending were executed right on the dot. As always, Woody Allen was himself, Tea Leoni surprised me with her natural acting and Treat Williams delivered an accurate portrayal of a Hollywood Executive.

On the supporting roles side, Debra Messing who previously worked with Woody Allen on Celebrity played an ordinary girl worried about her fame and looks than anything else on the world. I wasn't very pleased by Mark Rydell and George Hamilton performances but they were certainly a good addition.

There were several enchanting moments in the film but I enjoyed the scenes of the Chinese Cinematographer communicating to Woody Allen through a translator. These days several filmmakers are hiring foreign cinematographers, especially from Asian Continent and Woody Allen made sure that he tackles that part of the industry as well. Some Asian folks might take offense to it but I assure them if you go in with an open mind, you won't be disappointed. Besides, Allen mocked several other groups including French, Canadians and Israelis, so the Asian folks were not the sole target.

I am glad to see Woody Allen back in action and will recommend this movie to everyone who is looking for a nice story and fun. Yes it certainly has problems as it goes off track several times but rest of the story and comedy saves it. Having Spider Man coming out the same day will play in its favor as many fans won't be able to get tickets and probably end up seeing Hollywood Ending as well as non Spider Man fans. Do yourself a favor, check this movie out this weekend.