Review of Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993) by Nick M — 20 Mar 2005

[color=black]Much to discuss, as I certainly haven't updated in a while. Anyways, here it goes:[/color].

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[color=black]"Crimes and Misdemeanors," a film I saw about two weeks ago, shares the spot with "Manhattan" as Woody's best film. It's more than just a story about human morals and decisions (in the vain of Bergman, I suppose), but it is also a genuine religious allegory that works on so many levels. Allen is supported by the perfect cast--including Martin Landau in a performance he should have won an Oscar for (although he did end up winning one in 1994 for "Ed Wood"), Alan Alda, Anjelica Huston, Mia Farrow, Sam Waterson (as a blind Rabbi) and the late Jerry Orbach. This is a masterwork in every sense of the word.[/color].

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[color=black]Another Woody film I saw recently is "Manhattan Murder Mystery," a light mystery-comedy starring Diane Keaton, Alda, Huston and the Woodster. It's not exactly an important movie, but it's entertaining and relaxed. There are great performances, though, and there's even a brief scene featuring a young Zach Braff as a preppy college student.[/color].

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[color=black]"Strangers on a Train" is considered one of Hitch's "little" masterpieces--not as well known as "Rear Window" or as complex as "Vertigo." It's very good, but I can't say that it had a profound affect on me. The various subtexts to the film (perversity, homosexuality, sociopaths) are interesting enough, but the film just doesn't feel tight. Granted, it's still quite good.[/color].

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[color=black]"Millions" is quite a stretch for the usually adult-oriented director Danny Boyle--it's a sentimental tale of two young lads who come across a great deal of cash purely by chance. The film is visually stunning and beautifully shot, but the real greatness comes from the film's two young leads. I can say, without a doubt, that "Millions" features the best child acting I have ever seen. The film deals with the morals and ethics of the two very different boys (the older is manipulative and greedy, the younger is spiritually receptive and idealistic), but somehow gets to strange in its third act. Overall, a very well done film and certainly the best of 2005 so far.[/color].

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[color=black]A[/color][color=black]nd finally, "The Incredibles," a film I never really got around to seeing in theatres last year, was the most fun I've had watching a movie in quite some time. There are enough raves about the film to supply some information, so I won't even start. I'll just say that Mr. Brad Bird has created an instant classic in this very deserving Oscar winner. A new personal favorite.[/color].

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[color=black]"Crimes": A, "Murder": B+, "Train": B, "Millions": A-, "Incredibles": A[/color].