Small Time Crooks [2000]

On the DVD: The DVD has Dolby sound, which brings out attractively a score made up of forgotten pop songs from the late-Swing Era; the anamorphic widescreen picture gives surprising crispness to what is, most of the time, a chamber piece.--Roz Kaveney

"Small 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 (operationally define as a film you watch once and determine that is enough). I also came to the conclusion, given Allen's tendency to work improvisationally, that all 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 finally 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, and John Lovitz. Still, "Small Time Crooks" does provide another example of Allen in an optimistic mood, albeit on a minor level.


Woody At His Best   September 28, 2001
6 out of 9 found this review helpful

Backed by a great cast including Tracy Ulman, comedy legend and genius Woody Allen gives us one of his funniest and most sparkling comedies in years. Sure, it's nothing profound and 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   May 16, 2001
Mr. D. Woods
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Considering Woody's forays into darker drama in the nineties and late eighties, Small Time Crooks is a surprisngly lighter affair. It has its faults, not least that it is a weaker version of Take The Money and Run. Hugh Grant also seems out of place, failing to get to grips with Woody's style.

However, for what it lacks in substance, Small Time Crooks makes up for with a sense of fun and frivolity. Tracey Ullman in particular is great, with Allen providing typically wry support, although Jon Lovitz and 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   April 23, 2001
2 out of 9 found this review helpful

I saw this one on a sunday and 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   March 20, 2001
Small Time Crooks is played purely for laughs. The film is low budget and only has a small number of characters. Of those, only Tracey Ullman, Hugh Grant and Allen himself are recognised film stars.

Based on an early draft of his first film, Take the Money and Run, Allen and 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 and 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 and 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 and a very enjoyable watch.