IT’S amazing that young filmmakers still try to make “Woody Allen movies.” Perhaps it’s because Allen means so much to neophyte helmers. This certainly seems to be the case with “Burning Annie,” a low-budget homage based on a screenplay by former “Annie Hall” junkie Zack Ordynans and directed by Van Flesher.
“Burning Annie” begins with Allen-style credits, followed by a knockoff of the opening scene in “Annie Hall.” More references to Allen’s 1977 Oscar winner follow, including a mention of the lead character’s fondness for masturbation.
He’s college student Max, the name Tony Roberts’ character in “Annie Hall” insists on calling Allen’s neurotic alter ego, Alvy Singer. Max (Gary Lundy of “Donnie Darko”) isn’t just fond of “Annie Hall,” he’s obsessed with it – although he dislikes “Manhattan.”
Max’s girlfriend, his Annie Hall, is a slender blonde named Julie. Sara Downing gives an earnest interpretation, but Jeanie Cheek, as Julie’s roommate Judy, seems more like the exuberant Diane Keaton, who, of course, played Annie Hall.
“Burning Annie” has funny moments, but it suffers from an overflow of characters. While “Annie Hall” concentrated on Alvy and Annie’s love life, the newer movie drags in Max and Julie’s friends, whose relationships just aren’t interesting.
Trivia: Allen gave his blessing to “Burning Annie” – although it took him two years to do so.
BURNING ANNIE Running time: 95 minutes. Not rated (nothing objectionable). At the Two Boots Pioneer, Avenue A and Third Street, East Village.