Burning Annie
As befits a film in thrall to the work of Woody Allen, Burning Annie toes the line between enjoyably glib and too clever by half. Set within a single week, the plot follows a wise-cracking, Annie Hall-obsessed college radio host (Gary Lundy) who tries mightily to adapt the pre-Soon Yee teachings of the Woodman to his own romantic life. Director Van Flesher takes an intriguingly plastic approach to the script, transitioning between flashbacks, monologues, and heartfelt romantic musings with genuine flair. For all of the experimentation, however, the movie is perhaps at its strongest when the characters are just slouched around on couches, kvetching about minor stuff. Occasionally too-hip warts and all, this is perhaps the best examination of rudderless, self-aware college ennui since Kicking and Screaming. No, not the Will Ferrell one.
By Andrew Wright
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