Mighty Aphrodite (1995)

This is a fine writing and storytelling by Woody Allen. It's actually clever and humorous, despite situations that could be serious. This movie goes in more of a light-hearted approach. With a bit of fate and ironic circumstances thrown in, that works well as a whole. Even if some of the humorous parts, rely on dense characters a bit too much. When it comes to the ironic direction of the characters. Woody Allen plays this husband that is with a controlling wife that decides to adopt a baby. Later Woody Allen looks for his son's real mother, because of ulterior motives. And ends up controlling her, even if in his case he is doing it with mostly good intentions. But the ironic, clever, dense humors is blended in well and fits together with the story as a whole. Although it does get a bit self-indulgent at times. Mainly do to the fact that Woody Allen's character in this being the only rational or at least the smart one for the most part. While everyone around him is either naive or dense. Besides his self-conscious and imaginary sidekick. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this flick and how it all played out. One of Woody Allen's good works. The term "the curiosity killed the cat" is a positive thing when it comes to this. And also one the best part about this movie is Mira Sorvino who just owns the role as Linda Ash. 7.6/10

This is a modern fable, that is narrated and commented by a Greek chorus.Sportswriter Lenny Weinrib ends up adopting a boy, Max, with his wife Amanda.In a few years they start facing some problems in their marriage, and Lenny wants to know about Max' real mother.To his surprise she turns out to be a hooker/porn actress.He gets close to her as a client, but all he does is talk with her.At first, anyway.Mighty Aphrodite (1995) is a Woody Allen film, where he also plays the lead.And he does it with the Woody-like style.And, like in any Allen movie, the rest of the actors are A-list.Helena Bonham Carter is terrific as Amanda Sloan Weinrib.Mira Sorvino is pretty fantastic as Linda Ash.Michael Rapaport is great as her dumb date Kevin.Then there are superb people, like F. Murray Abraham as Greek Chorus Leader.Olympia Dukakis is Jocasta.David Ogden Stiers plays Laius.Jack Warden is the blind prophet, Tiresias.Danielle Ferland plays Cassandra.Peter Weller plays Jerry Bender.Donald Symington is Amanda's Father.Claire Bloom, who turned 80 earlier this year, is Amanda's Mother.Tony Sirico plays the part of Boxing Trainer.Paul Giamatti is seen as Extras Guild Researcher.This is quite amusing Woody Allen experience.It's quite hilarious when Linda uses that language known from her films with Lenny.And when Lenny talks with the Greek chorus people.For Woody Allen fans this movie gives what they expect from the man.And that is a comedy with some wit.

Mighty Aphrodite is Woody Allen in a good mood; nice, considerate, thoughtful and completely engaging and delightful to watch. Taking major themes from Greek tragedies such as troubles of relationships and parenthood, Allen constructs here a tale that spins a story with its roots in Ancient Greek theater while maintaining his vintage Manhattan style.In true Greek form, Allen plays a writer who adopts a son with his wife and after finding out how gifted the boy is begins to track down his parents. He soon comes across the mother, a prostitute and porn star named Linda Ash who is sensitive, quick-witted, very charming and extremely attractive. It is in these scenes that we quickly realize two things: Mira Sorvino is a delightful actress and her casting was a thing of genius, and Woody Allen continues to prove his hold on the title as best comedic screenwriter in American cinema. His dialogue is so clever and quirky, the characters wildly screwball yet utterly charming; he is a one of a kind. He also shows his ability as a director, utilizing these scenes to build on more comedic opportunities as well as show his philosophy of how life often throws unbelievable curveballs.All throughout this delightful story, a Greek chorus pops up routinely to comment and enlarge the story and explain more on what Allen is trying to say. F. Murray Abraham is terrific as the sarcastic leader and the whole chorus has some great lines and the choreography is wonderful. Some will criticize this move, thinking it stops the flow of the film. In terms of Allen's career, I found it refreshing to see that at this point in his career, he found a new way to hook an audience as well as continue to tell an interesting and entertaining story. I also must comment on the final 10 minutes, which is equal parts tragedy, comedy, irony and understanding. Life is a mysterious fig, and Woody Allen knows the best way to understand it is to laugh at its mysteries.

This is a very enjoyable film that takes its premises from Greek tragedy; that is to say, the gods are really in charge. They are the apotheosis of happenstance. The mixture of good intentions and fundamental humanity are portrayed here. We all want the best as does Woody's character. Mara Sorvino proved to be quite a wonderful choice for the seemingly scatterbrained, but very wise other woman. The chorus is hilarious with its askance a commentary. It all plays out, and without giving anything away, manages to trick the mere mortals. Woody's sense of humor is at work all along as he gives up himself in the presence of a strong woman. Not a major film, but well worth seeing.