Manhattan Murder Mystery
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Movie Reviews of Manhattan Murder Mystery
Movie Review: What Woody Allen can do at his best.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the type of film that many people want from Woody Allen. It is fast-paced, with witty dialogue, and a creative plot that doesn't take itself too seriously. And there is more than just surface humor to engage the reflective viewer, e.g., the use of the camera as an agent of mystery (we are continually given shots from around the corner or through fences or down slightly lit hallways). Like the husband played by Woody Allen the viewer is drawn into the mystery slowly but surely, until participation and enjoyment is full-blown and rather insane. We don't quite know what we are watching or how to watch it (Hitchcock does Nancy Drew?) but feel that there is a genuine mystery to solve (who the heck are these people and why are they acting as they do?) and it is more and more gratifying to take each new step. There is no great pretention here as there is in "Crimes and Misdemeanors". Our expectations are never great since at each moment we feel that everyone can (and might) by their own efforts stop the pursuit and end the whole insanity that is unfolding; at least until the final moments when things have gone too far and events take over and everyone just holds on hoping and trying for the best. We still don't quite know what has happened at the end but we do feel pleasantly satisfied and feel that something meaningful has come our way. That result, I think, is what Woody Allen achieves when at his best and that is what happens here. Additionally, the wonderful use of NYC as the main setting is as good as in any of Allen's films; and the music inviting and cleverly used. These elements alone give reason enough to spend time (and time again) with this film.Movie Review: my favorite comedy!!
Summary: 5 Stars
What a wonderful film! Every time I revisit it, I am reminded of why I love Woody Allen films. This one is a classic: Allen scripts the most natural relationships and dialogue (full of one liners) that intertwines classic film motifs to really entertain and engage his audiences.
This acting pair is great: Diane Keaton is to Woody Allen as Grace Kelly is to Hitchcock. They are two comedic geniuses that truly seem to belong together (on screen that is). Alan Alda and Anjelica Huston are tremendous as supporting characters. They effortlessly blend with Keaton and Allen. And even a little Zach Braff for all those Scrub fans (he has a tiny part as Allen and Keaton's son).
The plot is this: A typical NY couple meets their neighbors late one night, and the next night she is dead. Carol for some reason, just does not believe it was from a heart attack, as they were told. Without much to go on, except for the support and guidance of Ted, a friend who just so happens to be newly divorced and looking a little too much in Carol's direction. Poor Larry just cannot see it, but will try to help his wife Carol in her escapades, just to save his marriage. Double Indemnity, The Lady from Shanghai, Unfaithfully Yours, Rear Window (Collector's Edition), and Vertigo (Universal Legacy Series) are all utilized in the film to give this comedic story some real mystery.
It is a wonderful film that will keep you laughing and guessing. I highly recommend it!
Movie Review: Comedy, Mystery, and Murder...Oh My!
Summary: 5 Stars
This was another one of Woody Allen's wonderful movies. I love how his character is so nervous all the time when he and his wife (played by the wonderful Diane Keaton) investigate is great. Allen plays Larry Lipton, a writer/publisher who just wants his and his wife's life to be normal. We soon meet his wife, Carol (Keaton), who is definitely more ambitious and more willing to take a risk. The supporting cast includes Alan Alda, Anjelica Huston, Ron Rifkin, and Joy Behar.
For the Liptons, things are just fine until they meet their neighbors, who seem very nice and welcoming. When they learn that the wife has 'died' of a heart attack, Carol becomes suspicious, especially when she learns that the wife had a heart disease, something she never told Carol. Larry dismisses this and wants her to leave it alone and let the husband grieve. Yet Carol thinks he is a little too up-beat after losing his wife of over 20 years. So naturally, Carol investigates along with her very good friend Ted (Alda). Larry slowly becomes jealous that the two of them are together all the time and thinks that if he doesn't become more ambitious, that his marriage is going to fall apart. So he decides to join his wife on solving this mystery. Together, the two encounter much more than they had planned on. The result is priceless. Their little one-liners to each other (Carol calling him a 'Fuddy-Duddy,' reminding me of Annie Hall saying 'La de da...') are great.
If you're a Woody Allen fan, this is a must see movie. If you're not a Woody Allen fan, you may not enjoy it. But if you have never seen any of his movies and don't know much about him, rent this and see if you like it!
Movie Review: Manhattan Shines for Manhattan Murder Mystery!
Summary: 5 Stars
First and foremost, this is a Woody Allen film. So, you say -- "SO WHAT? Of course I know that!" There are many people I know that detest Woody Allen films (for what reason I have never discovered), and go out and try to see a "NON Woody Allen" Woody Allen film. Then always cry and whine that it didn't like it. This film is a little different, in that I have watched this with anti-Woody Allen types -- and YES, they DO like it! So onto the review. As you may already know, Manhattan is often just as much a character in Woody Allen films as the human characters. This is certainly no exception. The opening aerial scenes showing the Brooklyn Bridge, and the impressive night view of Madison Square Garden are a great setting to start the film. As the film progresses, we see Larry (Woody Allen) and wife Carol go to the famous "21 Club," Larry and sexy Marcia (portrayed brilliantly by Anjelica Huston) dine and play cards at the Cafe Des Artistes. It is very hard not to simply sidetrack the story for the great scenery.
Let's talk about chemistry! The chemistry between Allen and Keaton, is truly top-notch in this film (as well as Annie Hall, another favorite), holding the story together nicely. Supporting cast members, namely Alan Alda and Anjelica Huston add a great twist to the story.
The homage to vintage mystery is evident in this film, and adds to its appeal. Witty dialogue, excellent character development, bustling backdrop of Manhattan, and the "murder mystery" make this an intelligent, fun and stylish mystery-comedy. It is fun to watch the first time, the second time, and many subsequent viewings.
Movie Review: If you want a happy movie, go see Manhattan Murder Mystery.
Summary: 5 Stars
The reunion of Keaton and Allen as a married couple, Larry and Carol Lipton, trying to figure out if their new next door neighbor has committed murder of his wife is their last film together, and IMO, the funniest. Angelica Houston and Alan Alda provide additional comic relief as friends helping the couple solve the mystery. For me, Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993) is the most delightful and enjoyable of all Allen's films and I never laugh as much and hard as when I re-watch this comedy/whodunit. I have been Allen's fan for many years and I've seen every movie he's made. MMM may not be considered his masterpiece but it is very high on my list of all time favorite films, and one of the most beloved comedies ever. It is so clever and funny that I would take it with me to any deserted island, and if I felt lonely and down, I'd watch the scene in the hotel's lift, and the Allen's face when he delivers one of his funniest lines ever, "Claustrophobia and a dead body - this is a neurotic's jackpot!" I believe Manhattan Murder Mystery has more witty and hilarious dialogs and one-liners than any of Allen's films, and I enjoy every one of them. Allen claims to have "indulged" himself with this movie in which he referred openly to such classics of cinema as Double Indemnity, Rear Window, and The Lady from Shanghi. The third time collaboration of Allen and Marshall Brickman in writing the script ("Annie Hall", "Manhattan") proved to be brilliant. The result is uniquely Allenesque - breezy, joyous, and absolutely fabulous.