I'm so glad I didn't know what Midnight In Paris was about before seeing it. If you don't want to know what the film is about, you may want to stop reading this review. I'll tread lightly, but it would be very difficult to write about this picture without revealing a major plot point. Midnight in Paris is sort of like Back to the Future--by way of Woody Allen. In this joyful little movie, Owen Wilson (in one of the best performances of his career) plays a bored screenwriter who, while very respected for what he does, decides he wants to channel his energy into writing a novel instead. Upon visiting Paris with his shrill finance (played by the gorgeous Rachel McAdams), he begins to question their relationship.

One evening while walking the streets of the city, he finds himself whisked back to the 1920's--the very era at the heart of the book he's writing. While there, he mingles with his artistic heroes of yesteryear (brilliantly played by the likes of Corey Stoll, Tom Hiddleston, Adrien Brody, Kathy Bates, David Lowe, Sonia Rolland, and Marcial Di Fonzo Bo) and becomes smitten with an undeniably charming socialite (played by Marion Cotillard). This is a Woody Allen film through and through, and while this prolific film-maker is not everyone's cup of tea, I've been a huge admirer for as long as I can remember. Midnight In Paris is Allen's best work since 2005's Match Point. It isn't nearly as serious as that outstanding movie, but it is just as skillfully made. This is simply a magical movie experience and it won me over almost immediately.

Midnight In Paris isn't one of those time travel films that tries to over explain. There is no complicated explanation for how Wilson travels back in time, and truth be told, an explanation isn't really necessary. That would be like questioning the magic at the heart of a film like Field of Dreams. You just have to be willing to go with it, and that's exactly with it I did. There were a couple of aspects to Midnight In Paris that rubbed me the wrong way. I couldn't stand Rachel McAdams' shrill Inez, but I applaud the actress for playing against type, and quite obviously, her irritating demeanor is by design. I also felt that the end of the movie was a little too conveniently pat.

Overall though, these are minor quibbles as Midnight In Paris emerges as one of the most enjoyable films of the summer. Its also a gorgeous love letter to the city that gave it its name. I wanted to board a flight to Paris as soon as the movie was over. On a final note, its fitting that Midnight In Paris opened the same weekend as Super 8 because this too is a terrific look at nostalgia (albeit a more insightful one). This is a wonderful film.