The 3-in-1 “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” is a bright-looking comedy, which not only benefits from an outstandingly attractive cast, but also from a fresh, mesmerizing setting, offered by the city of Barcelona and its out of this world Antonio Gaudí architecture. Woody Allen brought all the attention-grabbing and dazzling appearances together. Javier Bardem’s good looks and charm, Scarlett Johansson’s loveliness, Rebecca Hall’s purity and, of course, Penelope Cruz’s exquisiteness seem even more astonishing as Barcelona’s dreamy sights catch the viewer’s eye by hook or by crook.

The movie breaths in and out summer-ish flavors disguised in a golden beam which gives the impression of a faraway fairy tale caught in contemporary daylight and traditions.

Although there’s no prince or princess, no witch or demonic power, there’s a beautiful quartet, whose modern-days story is sardonically presented to us by a voice-over narrator (Christopher Evan Welch), whom we never get to see.

Vicky, played by Rebecca Hall, a sagacious American soon due to tie the knot, is spending her summer in Spain, together with her spontaneous sensualist friend, Cristina, impersonated by Scarlett Johansson. Nonetheless, their quiet vacation becomes more than bold when they meet Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem), a gorgeous and charismatic painter, who invites them to Oviedo to spend the weekend with him. Intrigued or not, romanced or not, head-over-heels maybe, the two young women accept and make the trip. No, a triangle is just not enough for Woody Allen. The renowned director brings into play Penelope Cruz as María Elena, Juan Antonio’s ex-wife, who he describes as being so fervent that she “stuck a knife in my chest.”

From now on, discretely, in rather unexpected and bewildering ways, the three women become members of various love triangles including the good-looking painter.

Woody Allen’s point? Following your impulses and instincts may be a hell lot more complicated than basing your thoughts on reason. However, you can just take the movie as it is, since it needs no hidden message to prove graciousness.