Magic in the Moonlight | Rotten Tomatoes

Magic in the Moonlight

PG-13

Released Jul 25, 2014

1 hr. 37 min.

Romance

Comedy

List

51%

191 Reviews

Tomatometer

45%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

In the 1920s, magician Stanley Crawford (Colin Firth) enjoys widespread acclaim as Chinese conjurer Wei Ling Soo, his stage persona. As arrogant as he is talented, Stanley despises claims by phony spiritualists that they can perform real magic. At the behest of his friend, Stanley travels to the Côte d'Azur mansion of the Catledge family to expose a young medium named Sophie (Emma Stone). However, Stanley is left surprised and shaken by evidence that Sophie's gifts may be real.

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Critics Consensus

While far from a failure, Magic in the Moonlight is too slight to stand with Woody Allen's finest work.

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Esteban S

I have always avoided these sorts of movies, deeming them cheesy. I am so glad I gave it a try anyway. Magic in the Moonlight is delightful. It successfully creates a lovely, pleasant tone and a warm atmosphere, with a soothing rhythm. It is set during an idyllic summer in Southern France during the 1920s. It is fair to say that both photography and reenactment accomplished their goals with flying colors. Characters are unique, in a simple and for moments basic sense. Nevertheless, they always get your attention. Emma Stone - whose smile and eyes have magic of their own - renders an enjoyable performance. It varies from exaggerated and hilarious to passionate when speaking her heart out. Your feelings are touched during the "observatory" scene, when Sophie and Stanley open the roof and contemplate the moon. Like if Woody Allen could have had a "mental Impression" of you. That's a magical moment during the film. The only drawback could be the core story and its final closure. It is far from a cliché, but don't expect to leave your couch questioning your life either. This film has been called "a masterstroke of enchantment." I am not quite sure the term "mastery" applies but "enchantment" is all over it for sure. As an extra point: even a non-native English speaker like me could follow its dialogues entirely from beginning to end. What a pleasure to watch and listen to a movie where people speak to be understood. Greatly satisfied.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/03/24

Full Review

Alec B

While I agree with a lot of the ideas Allen puts forth here (the Colin Firth character reminds me of myself a little too much), the smug and condescending way he communicates them to the audience is off putting. The romance isn't really earned either, ultimately a disappointing effort.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

11/10/23

Full Review

Alexsander F

Fellini falava que antes de tudo, um filme é um quadro. E esse filme do Woody Allen, é antes de tudo, um quadro para se apreciar. A historia pouco interessa. Mas à magia que o filme traz como no titulo, é insofismável.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/05/23

Full Review

Gareth v

Stone and Firth have some of the worst on-screen chemistry I have ever seen, in a movie that doesn't live up to it's title.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

06/20/23

Full Review

Angela C

Love this woody allen charming movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/27/23

Full Review

Audience Member

One illusionist that's pessimistic and annoying falling for another illusionist that's all doe-eyed and full of hope. Colin Firth's character is frustratingly rigid - but Woody Allen makes things move quickly.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

Full Review

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Woody Allen

Director

Colin Firth

Stanley

Emma Stone

Sophie

Marcia Gay Harden

Mrs. Baker

Hamish Linklater

Brice

Eileen Atkins

Aunt Vanessa

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

71%

56%

Café Society

41%

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50%

61%

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

The prolific filmmaker follows up last year's fantastic Blue Jasmine with a lackluster movie that's unfortunately not as enchanting as it sounds.

Rated: D+

Sep 2, 2017

Full Review

David Sims

The Atlantic

No kind of chemistry between the two ever arises, making their eventual romance, arrived at through pages of halting dialogue, feel particularly awkward.

Sep 22, 2016

Full Review

Kate Muir

Times (UK)

A rather lovely cast, including Colin Firth and Emma Stone, is wasted on a story so old-fashioned and repetitive that it feels like Oscar Wilde with a wit lobotomy.

Rated: 2/5

Sep 23, 2014

Full Review

Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

I found myself happily wrapped up in its setting, its humor, and its simplicity.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 23, 2022

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Magic in the Moonlight is a modestly romantic trifle. It’s concerned with location, location, location, and not much else.

Rated: 2.5/4

Aug 5, 2022

Full Review

Angus Batey

NME (New Musical Express)

Woody Allen's 46th film remains with you after the credits have rolled.

Rated: 3.5/5

May 18, 2021

Full Review

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Synopsis

In the 1920s, magician Stanley Crawford (Colin Firth) enjoys widespread acclaim as Chinese conjurer Wei Ling Soo, his stage persona. As arrogant as he is talented, Stanley despises claims by phony spiritualists that they can perform real magic. At the behest of his friend, Stanley travels to the Côte d'Azur mansion of the Catledge family to expose a young medium named Sophie (Emma Stone). However, Stanley is left surprised and shaken by evidence that Sophie's gifts may be real.

Director: Woody Allen
Executive Producer: Ron Chez
Screenwriter: Woody Allen
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: Dippermouth, Ske-Dat-De-Dat Productions, Perdido Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Smoking Throughout|A Brief Suggestive Comment)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 25, 2014, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 2, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $10.5M
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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