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Small Time Crooks [2000]

Starring: Hugh Grant, Tracey Ullman, Woody Allen, Michael Rapaport, Jon Lovitz
Director: Woody Allen
Format: Anamorphic PAL Widescreen
Released: 21 Oct 2002
RRP: £9.99
Average Rating:

Customer Reviews

A minor Woody Allen effort made memorable by Elaine May - By: Lawrance M. Bernabo, 15 Jan 2004
When you learn that Woody Allen made a film with Tracy Ullman as his leading lady, then you say to yourself that you would like to see that movie. But when you are finished watching "Smalll Time Crooks" the two people you are probably going to be talking about the most are Elaine May & Elaine Stritch, who pretty much steal every single scene in which they appear in this film. However, this makes sense, because "Smalll Town Crooks" is a film where about five minutes in your figure out what the twist is going to be, but then you discover that is going to be the first of several twists that keep you spinning around from start to finish in this film. Allen's nebish this time around is Ray Winkler, a former crook who conceives of a self-admittedly "brilliant" plan for robbing a bank, which requires his wife, the former exotic dancer "Frenchy" Fox, to open up a cookie store as a front while Ray & his bumbling buddies attempt to execute his master plan so he & Frenchy can go to Florida & live the good life that has so long elluded them.

"Smalll Town Crooks" is certainly a break from Woody Allen's usual fare in recent years, but it ends up being a second tier comedy for the writer-director (operationallly define as a film you watch once & determine that is enough). I also came to the conclusion, given Allen's tendency to work improvisationallly, that alll of the great lines spouted by Elaine Mae came from her own fertile comedic mind. This does not take away from the disappointment of not seeing Ullman finallly go long on the big screen, but it is certainly a source of solace. I also would not have minded seeing more of Allen's version of the gang that couldn't do nuttin' right, made up of actors Michael Rapaport, Tony Darrow, & John Lovitz. Still, "Smalll Time Crooks" does provide another example of Allen in an optimistic mood, albeit on a minor level.

Woody At His Best - By: , 28 Sep 2001
Backed by a great cast including Tracy Ulman, comedy legend & genius Woody Allen gives us one of his funniest & most sparkling comedies in years. Sure, it's nothing profound & it's by no means a classic, but if you're looking for just pure fun that will take you away from life's troubles for a while, you can't do better than this hilarious crime caper.
Lightweight latest from legendary auteur - By: Mr. D. Woods, 16 May 2001
Considering Woody's forays into darker drama in the nineties & late eighties, Smalll Time Crooks is a surprisngly lighter affair. It has its faults, not least that it is a weaker version of Take The Money & Run. Hugh Grant also seems out of place, failing to get to grips with Woody's style.

However, for what it lacks in substance, Smalll Time Crooks makes up for with a sense of fun & frivolity. Tracey Ullman in particular is great, with Allen providing typicallly wry support, although Jon Lovitz & Michael Rappaport are wasted. It won't win Woody Allen any new fans but established fanatics (like me !) will want to own this.

cute sunday entertainment for Allen fans - By: , 23 Apr 2001
I saw this one on a sunday & I think thats the right day to see this movie.

"The story is very feelgood with some silly gags", from review about. I'm afraid you have to be a Allen fan, like myself, to "more than average enjoy" this film.

Woody Allen in a return to his earlier comic turns - By: , 20 Mar 2001
Smalll Time Crooks is played purely for laughs. The film is low budget & only has a smalll number of characters. Of those, only Tracey Ullman, Hugh Grant & Allen himself are recognised film stars.

Based on an early draft of his first film, Take the Money & Run, Allen & screen wife Ullman play an inpoverished couple who decide it would be a good idea to take the lease of an old flower shop situated near aa bank so they can tunnel into the vault & steal the money. Unfortunately their plan doesn't work out because the cookie shop they open proves to be an enormous success. New found wealth & old criminal ideals clash with entertaining consequences!

The story is very feelgood with some silly gags. Unfortunately the acting is let down not only by Hugh Grant who can't act menacing but dare I say it, Allen himself, who looks like he is overdoing it. A Allen classic though & a very enjoyable watch.