Radio Days

Radio Days
A man reminisces about his youth, growing up in the 1930s and '40s in New York. We see and hear stories of himself, his parents, neighbours and friends and local celebrities. The common denominator in all the stories and in the overarching plot is the presence of the radio--it brought music, news, stories, escape, and comfort, made stars of everyday people, and was often the glue in families and relationships.
Mike Martins reviewedJune 11, 2025
⭐⭐⭐
Radio Days is a nostalgic, whimsical journey through the golden age of radio, brought to life by Woody Allen’s signature narration and storytelling style. The film captures a charming slice of Americana, blending humor, family dynamics, and cultural references with a touch of romanticism.
While the narration is one of the film’s strongest aspects — warm, reflective, and engaging — the movie as a whole feels like it’s missing a central emotional thread. Instead of a strong narrative arc, it drifts between vignettes that, while individually entertaining, don’t quite come together into something fully satisfying. It’s like tuning into a beautifully produced broadcast that you enjoy in the moment, but forget as soon as it’s over.
There’s no denying the film’s atmosphere and attention to detail, but it left me wanting a bit more depth or cohesion. Worth watching for the vintage charm and narration, but don’t expect a story that sticks with you.