Call us sentimentalists, but we loved Woody Allen’s latest movie, Midnight In Paris. The cinematography by Darius Khonndji was a celebration of the City of Light and highlighted landmarks like the Pont Alexandre III, Tuileries Gardens, the Eglise St. Entienne and more. There’s nothing to dislike about the soundtrack, which included classics by Cole Porter and a poignant recording by clarinetist Sidney Bechet, who performs Si Tu Vois Ma Mere with his signature vibrato.

Performances, particularly by actors Owen Wilson and Marion Cotillard, were captivating, not to mention the wonderful cameos by newcomer Lea Seydoux and the French president’s wife, Carla Bruni.

The characters’ timeless dilemmas—dissatisfaction with the present, thwarted aspirations—speak to everyone. The message: live fully in the present and follow your heart. Cliches? Perhaps…but it’s good to be reminded of old truths.