The acting in Woody Allen’s latest offering is fantastic. Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell are completely believable and engaging as brothers that go to extreme lengths to find solutions to their money woes. Claire Higgins is brilliant as their mom, and Sally Hawkins is great as Kate.

Despite their high-powered performances, however, the film inexcusably lacks any energy or purpose. There are very few laughs peppered throughout, and the story doesn’t go anywhere. The plot is a confusing, contrived jumble of forced dialogue that cannot be saved despite the cast’s best efforts.

Grade: D

Cassandra’s Dream releases in select theaters Jan. 18.