Woody Allen has directed many films in his long, and lustrous career, 49 to be exact. And in that career, the man has made a lot of amazing movies, some Oscar winners.

He has made bad ones as well, but many of his most recent films have gotten stuck in the zone between amazing and bad. “Magic in the Moonlight” (Rated PG-13; 97 min) is stuck in this “just ok” zone.

“Magic in the Moonlight” is a romantic comedy directed by Allen (Annie Hall, Midnight in Paris) and stars Emma Stone and Colin Firth.

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The film follows a famous English magician. In his past time, the magician goes around, acting as a psychic, trying to con people. When asked by a friend to look at a specific swindler, the magician finds himself falling in love and questioning everything he believes in.

Films like this are very difficult to talk about.

As said before, Allen has made a lot of ok films lately. There are a few exceptions, but it seems between every “Midnight in Paris” come a lot of “Magic in the Moonlight.”

And what can be said about a film that is just ok? You cannot demonize it for its countless flaws nor can you praise it for clicking on every level. In many ways, the film has all of the marks of a good Woody Allen film.

It is all there, interesting plot, fantastic dialogue and transfixing characters. But in a way, it is not.

It is almost like Allen is a student and a deadline has snuck up on him too quick. He is far too talented for his work to be bad, but it is noticeable that things are missing.

Stephen, played by Firth, is a flawed, dynamic character. At times you want to strangle him for being so stubborn, but marvel at his eccentricity. And while things are shown about him through expository dialogue, the need to know more about him is constant.

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On the other hand, not enough is shown about Sophie, played by Stone. One would want something more than the simple minded, mysterious swindler that the movie shows. There is a need to know more about Sophie, but not in a good way.

The movie is continually giving very little of what could be a great meal. Eventually, it becomes annoying when you do not get more, and are left with a bad taste.

Allen is amazing at bringing out terrific performances in actors, even when it is not his best work. “Magic in the Moonlight” is no different.

At times, it seems like Firth’s character is only interesting because he is playing him, like no one else in the world could play him. This is a bit foolish since the script comes from an Oscar winner, but Firth is just that good at times.

Stone is also wonderful in this film. While her character tends to be the least interesting in the film, Stone has a way of grabbing your interest. She takes something that could be forgettable, and makes you remember. Even if it is just for a little bit.

If you are looking for something that will entertain you and serve as an interesting romantic comedy, it will not hurt to give “Magic in the Moonlight” a chance.

Stars: 3

Jacob Pierce can be reached [email protected], on Twitter @JacobPierce_DE or at 536-3311 ext. 273.