A full moon shines on a cobblestone street in a rainy city. Inside a bar, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald swing dance while Gertrude Stein critiques Picasso and Dali across the street. The city is Paris and the year is 1920 and a 21st-century screenwriter has transported himself back in time. This is the main plot of Midnight in Paris, the latest movie by the legendary Woody Allen.

Allen directs the film in his signature idiosyncratic style, crafting a piece that is simultaneously lighthearted and humorous. Gil (Owen Wilson) is a Hollywood screenwriter who's in the process of completing his first novel. He turns to idols of the past for guidance. As a result, he journeys to Paris with his fiancée (Rachel McAdams) in search of inspiration from the city and artists he admires. The magic of the city grants his wish. While his fiancée drinks and parties the night away, Gil wanders the streets, but when the clock strikes midnight, the aspiring novelist finds himself in the era of his fantasy.

While dancing to the music of Cole Porter, Gil discusses romance with Ernest Hemingway, then meets the quirky Adrianna, a flapper who ultimately teaches Gil the true definition of a Golden Age and that magic can be found anywhere.

Midnight in Paris is delightfully entertaining and doesn't focus on esoteric elements of existence many recent films have honed in on. I entered the theater expecting another stereotypical Woody Allen film and left quoting characters and laughing.

Charlotte Smart is a junior at Santa Fe Secondary School. You can reach her at charchar@cybermesa.com.