Cassandra's Dream

Woody Allen's sojourn in England was supposed to have stirred his creative juices, but the acclaimed filmmaker continues to recycle themes from earlier stateside films such as Crimes and Misdemeanors. His latest effort, a low-key black comedy, tries to mix murder and mirth—unsuccessfully, for the most part. Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell play working-class British brothers Ian and Terry Blaine, the former a modestly successful restaurateur and the latter an irresponsible gambler weighed down with debt. With Ian madly in love with ambitious, opportunistic sexpot Angela (Hayley Atwell) and Terry on the run from loan sharks, the brothers might consider doing almost anything for money—perhaps even killing a whistle-blowing business associate of their Uncle Howard (Tom Wilkinson). Although McGregor and Farrell are physically relatively convincing as blue-collar Brits, the pair lack any believable sibling chemistry, and Allen's dialogue doesn't really sound like authentic Cockney. Cassandra's Dream is not a complete wash, but it certainly adds fuel to the argument that the director has exhausted himself, creatively speaking. Optional. (E. Hulse)