I'm not one to challenge the argument that Woody Allen's films in the past decade ("Match Point" excepted) have been well below the standards of his work in the 1970s and 80s. I don't believe, however, that all of his films since, say, "Mighty Aphrodite" in 1995, have been worthless. There was quite a bit I liked about "Celebrity" (1998), even if I was the only one, and there's likewise much to enjoy in "Small Time Crooks."
This film was marketed as a throwback to Allen's zany, screwball comedies of the early 70s, like "Bananas" or "Sleeper." But it actually may surprise you as a much more substantive film than you are expecting, thanks almost exclusively to Tracy Ullman's marvelous performance as Allen's brassy, rough-edged wife, who unexpectedly finds herself ensconced in a high-class (or at least extremely wealthy) lifestyle. She is hilarious when called upon to be, but she also brings a lot of depth and compassion to a role that could easily have been nothing more than a broad caricature. After years of making do without his best recurring leading lady, Diane Keaton, Allen has finally found a worthy successor.
Grade: B+
This film was marketed as a throwback to Allen's zany, screwball comedies of the early 70s, like "Bananas" or "Sleeper." But it actually may surprise you as a much more substantive film than you are expecting, thanks almost exclusively to Tracy Ullman's marvelous performance as Allen's brassy, rough-edged wife, who unexpectedly finds herself ensconced in a high-class (or at least extremely wealthy) lifestyle. She is hilarious when called upon to be, but she also brings a lot of depth and compassion to a role that could easily have been nothing more than a broad caricature. After years of making do without his best recurring leading lady, Diane Keaton, Allen has finally found a worthy successor.
Grade: B+