Allen stopped putting himself in his movies a few years back, and with good results. Unfortunately, he has told his actors to imitate him to such a degree that any comedic talents they might possess become lost. In fairness this might be on the actors, but I think I have to fault Woody. Anyway Melinda is a deadpan flick with two--maybe three giggles in it, and that's it. Except for Melinda herself, every other character is pretty selfish to the point of being cardboard and predictable. I could hear Allen's words coming from them, you know those Woody Allen zingers that were funny ten years ago, but which today are well-- old. Is it possible to become derivative of yourself? I think Allen is there. I wasn't squirming in my seat to get out of the theater, but Melinda was a chore to sit through.