
Whatever Works
2009, Comedy/Romance, 1h 32m
168 Reviews 25,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Based upon a script written in the 1970s, Woody Allen's Whatever Works suffers from a lack of fresh ideas. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
Whatever Works Photos
Movie Info
After a failed suicide attempt, brilliant New York misanthrope Boris Yellnikoff (Larry David) forsakes his posh upper-class existence for meager accommodations in Chinatown. He meets his exact opposite in Melody (Evan Rachel Wood), a pageant queen from the Deep South who's long on sweetness but short on smarts. Surprisingly, Boris and Melody marry, but the sparks really fly when Melody's born-again Christian mother (Patricia Clarkson) arrives and finds liberation instead of damnation.
Cast & Crew
Larry David
Boris Yellnikoff
Boris Yellnikoff
Evan Rachel Wood
Melody
Melody
Patricia Clarkson
Marietta
Marietta
Ed Begley Jr.
John
John
Michael McKean
Joe
Joe
Henry Cavill
Randy James
Randy James
Critic Reviews for Whatever Works
Audience Reviews for Whatever Works
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Jan 09, 2014Larry David is the only reason I watched this film but I soon seen Woody Allens name and realised this was one of many films I hadn't seen. I hold Allens films in high standard and just love the comedy he creates through use of dialogue. This film has hilarious Larry David rants and the dream team of Allen and David fits the comedy moments. You get the sense that Allen created the film for himself in the lead but I think David plays the neurotic lead well. The film has an innocence that you can't ignore, I'm a little shocked at all the mixed reviews. 04-11-2017.Brendan N Super Reviewer
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Jun 22, 2013This film teaters on the fine line between interesting and strange. I may have a different outlook on this movie than other because I am a huge fan of Larry David, but overall the movie was just okay. It is a decent watch if you are in a cynical mood, but I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to see it. It has a few moments of intrigue and humor, but it is hardly worth anyone's time.Sanjay R Super Reviewer
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Jan 08, 2013Not bad, but something just doesn't click.Hugo S Super Reviewer
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Jul 11, 2012Sporadically humorous, but some of the acting is kind of sketchy, and there are a few too many familiar cliches involved in the love stories. I will admit I liked the themes involved and the misanthropic Larry David character.Dillon L Super Reviewer
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