By Mauricio Minotta
Story
Although he breaks no new ground, Allen masterfully milks the laughs out
of every situation as the movie transforms from crime caper to
rags-to-riches farce to screwball romance. Don't expect the brooding
(and humorless) introspection of "Deconstructing Harry" here. This is a
light, broad comedy that promises nothing but a good time. Rejecting the
sentimentality that bogs down most comedies, Allen freely and savagely
mocks the lead characters as they try to blend into New York society.
Acting
One of a handful of actors (Jack Nicholson is another) who can play
alternating shades of the same character and make it look easy, Allen
here does what he does best. Add Ullman, Hugh Grant, Elaine May and Jon
Lovitz, and you have a wildly humorous cast pulling off great material.
May is exceptional as Ullman's low-watt cousin, guaranteeing a laugh in
every scene she's in. Could a supporting Oscar nod be in the offing?
Direction
Like clockwork, Allen delivers a film every year. Sometimes it's a
disaster ("Deconstructing Harry"), sometimes it all comes together ...
and this is one of those times. Allen is the master at assembling and
directing exceptional casts, creating characters that reflect us at our
most neurotic, and making us laugh. "Small Time Crooks" plays to all of
Allen's strengths and reminds us what going to the cineplex is all
about.