Movie Review: Small Time Crooks

Story: More admissions - I like Woody Allen. I have always liked Woody Allen. He makes me laugh and sometimes makes me think. I don't give a hoot about his personal life. And so - written and directed by Woody Allen, what we have is basically a bunch of poor, stupid schlumps, who accidentally hit it big, get filthy rich, lose it all and still retain their sense of self (sort of). There are actually three stories and some of the characters just seem to fade away, but I didn't care. Along the way we meet some charming, funny characters, are treated to some great vignettes and periodic belly laughs. Will your life change by seeing this film? Certainly not, but you will get a couple of laughs.

Acting: I don't think Woody Allen ever acts. He remains Woody Allen and even with those overt familiar gestures, stutters and expected behavior I found him very funny. Tracy Ullman is always wonderful and she was terrific as Frenchy Fox Winkler, Woody's wife. Hugh Grant, the all time great pfumpfering stammerer is outdone by Woody Allen in this department and his incessant blinking seems to have abated but he is still the same Hugh Grant (again as an art dealer). Elaine May is pure gold and needs to return to film. Jon Lovitz, Michael Rappaport and Tony Darrow are all wonderful as the three bungling ex-cons.

Pets: Two standard poodles are seen from afar.

Visual Art: We have high art (a short tour of the Met) and wonderfully tacky decor and tsotchkes are worth the price of admission.

Soundtrack: Usual Woody

Theater Audience: Shockingly crowded (not someone sitting in front of you crowded) but for a 2 in the afternoon show on a Monday afternoon, I was amazed. Clearly the 9 to 5 standard work day went out the window with the Beta Max. About 50% of the audience were the retired types (some with audio aides that whir a bit), 49% thirty-somethings (mostly guys) and me. Clearly Woody has a following that has depth.

Sappy Factor: 2

Quirky Meter: 2

Oscar Worthy: No

Length: The usual perfect 95 minutes for a Woody Allen film.

LOBO HOWLS: 6