Broadway Danny Rose - 7 stars out of 10

Broadway Danny Rose - 7 stars out of 10

"Broadway Danny Rose" uses an interesting storytelling technique but misses its mark.  Woody Allen must have called in a few favors for this tribute to entertainers of the 40's and 50's.  The story is told in the context of a group of classic entertainers (including Milton Berle, Sandy Baron, etc.) sitting around a table in a New York deli and reminiscing.  They quickly come to a story about Danny Rose, the talent agent who would represent some of the worst acts in New York City (my favorite of which being the ballon animal artists).  Danny gets lucky when his washed up singer Lou Canova regains popularity, followed by a convoluted  soap opera-ish plot involving Canova's mistress, the mob, and a beaten up ventriloquist with a stutter.  As is the case with all of Woody's films, the characters are outstanding.  Each one has a lot of depth, even the smallest roles.  Nick Apollo Forte's voice has a fantastic 50's feel in the role of Lou Canova.  I really enjoyed Mia Farrow as the rough-around-the-edges Tina, particularly right after seeing "Radio Days" because you wouldn't even believe that she is the same actress.  And of course Woody is awesome in the titular role, bringing his candid style and unique brand of humor to the role.  This film can't even compare with "Midnight in Paris" or "Radio Days," but it's a great chance to experience the dynamic characters written by Woody Allen.