Small Time Crooks (2000)

Woody Allen just keeps cranking them out. How many films has the man done? He does at least one a year. He's been at it forever, over 30 years now. In fact, in 34 years he has directed 33 films. This not to mention his acting and his writing of books and plays and his music. And he shows no signs of slowing down. Unfortunately, the work has gotten less and less important as his career has progressed. "Small Time Crooks" travels territory that Allen has shown us before, more humorously and more astutely in "Take the Money and Run," but also in other works throughout his career.

Still, it's hard to deny the amusing charm of the film. Allen calls upon "The Bickerson's," "The Honeymooners," "Born Yesterday," and TV tabloid news as well as his own catalogue, among other things, to tell the story of a small time crook and schemer named Ray who teams up with some other low-lifes to rob a bank. Allen makes all of this work with his own nebbish charm. It is certainly nothing new but that's okay.

And Allen has great help in his effort as well. Tracy Ullman may not break any new ground here but her chemistry with Allen is wonderful. We really grow to like her and Allen as a couple. Sure, Ullman hams it up most of the time, and the wardrobe and set designers use her to full advantage, but it all fits so nicely in the film. As does Jon Lovitz and Michael Rappaport. Again, nothing new but charming. The only real revelation here is Hugh Grant who proves that charm isn't all that it may seem. We don't end up hating him but he does play just enough against type to make this crackle a bit.

And, finally, sadly, Elaine May just seems old. She plays a numskull, no doubt, but it is just so shocking to see her looking so old and haggard. Allen doesn't give her much to work with and she doesn't do much with what he does offer. At least her character's resolution fits very nicely into the film's plot.

Allen takes the film on a bit of an interesting twist plotwise, but I don't want to give too much away. His characters end up in a interesting place and Allen does make stuff happen consistently throughout the film to keep us involved. It just seems like we've seen this before.

Cinematically, the film has some really nice moments. A rooftop sequence with Allen and Ullman early in the film is just beautiful. The opening segment, a continuous shot that goes on for 5 minutes or so, is well crafted and well choreographed. And, as mentioned before, the sets and costumes are wild and amusing. Part of the film's plot has to do with Ullman's gauche taste and it is really played out to full advantage here. This is one of the few films I've seen lately where the property master deserved high kudos. Likewise to the costume director. One of Ullman's costumes was so horrendous and so subtle at the same time that it took me at least 15 seconds to notice it, and then I was cracking up.

Look, "Small Time Crooks" isn't a masterpiece. But it is amusing. Woody Allen is more interesting and entertaining on a bad day that most of the hacks out there who call themselves filmmakers. This isn't a bad day for Allen, just a typical one.

Note:

Also with George Grizzard and Elaine Stritch.

Allen uses his trademark credits sequences and Dixieland jazz band songs for the film. Surprisingly, he finishes the end credits with "Tequila" by The Champs.

In 2000, Allen also released "Sweet and Lowdown" as well as playing the lead in "Picking Up the Pieces," a comedy for Alfonso Arau where he plays a deranged killer who slays wife Sharon Stone. He also appeared in "Company Men" and "Light Keeps Me Company." Allen's next extracurricular outing is supposed to be for the Farrelly Brothers in a comedy about Siamese Twins called "Stuck on You," due in 2001.

Report Card

Script: B-

Acting: B+

Cinematography\Lighting: A+

Special Effects\Make Up: A+

Music: D+

Final Grade: B-