
Woody Allen's latest film, Coup de Chance (2023), unfortunately falls short of the director's usual standards, rehashing a familiar template that has worn thin. Despite Allen's typically clever premise, the execution leaves much to be desired.

A Stale Love Triangle
The story revolves around Fanny, a young Parisian woman caught between her wealthy husband Jean and an old flame, Alain. While this love triangle setup has been a staple in Allen's repertoire, it feels particularly stale here. The film treads familiar ground, echoing themes from his earlier works like Crimes and Misdemeanors and Match Point, but without the same spark or insight.
Disappointing Performances
Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of Coup de Chance is the wooden performances from its cast. Despite the involvement of talented French actors, their delivery often feels stilted and unnatural, as if they're reading from a prompter rather than inhabiting their characters. This lack of authenticity severely undermines the film's emotional core.
A Mismatched Score
As with many of Allen's recent works, the film's score is a point of contention. The reliance on pre-existing jazz tracks, while a signature of Allen's style, feels particularly obnoxious and ill-fitted here. The absence of an original score written specifically for the film is a missed opportunity to enhance the narrative and emotional beats.
Pacing Problems
At a runtime of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, Coup de Chance still manages to feel overlong. The pacing is sluggish, and the story might have been better served as a short film. The narrative meanders, lacking the tight, focused storytelling that characterized Allen's best work.
A Tired Retread
While die-hard Woody Allen fans might find some redeeming qualities in Coup de Chance, it's hard to overlook its significant flaws. The film feels like a tired retread of Allen's previous works, lacking the wit and charm that made his earlier films so captivating. Despite its Parisian setting and French cast, the movie fails to bring anything fresh to Allen's cinematic oeuvre, instead serving as a reminder that even great directors can sometimes lose their touch.