This movie had that kind of Allen spirit that you come to expect. I thought it could've been one of his best, but unfortunately there is one thing that ruins the whole picture for me....Diane Keaton. She may be the single worst actor I've ever seen. She says absolutely nonsensical quips, always interrupting, stuttering, looking and acting completely too focused-unnatural. It's quite obvious that she, and everyone, is having to improvise certain parts of their lines, and she just cannot in any way, shape or form pull it off. To such a degree that it's completely distracting and off-putting in every scene she's in. Once you notice just how awkward and unnatural she acts/sounds, you'll never look at it the same. And it single handily ruined the movie for me. Now the plot is also a bit thin which I normally wouldn't fault on it's own, but it instead mainly relied on the back and forth of Allen and Keaton, which as you can imagine, was completely unbearable at times. And the camera work at certain parts (not the zooms, I quite liked those) was a bit odd, again staying far away, relying on the whole group or characters to be in shot while they stumble around trying to get hired at a 3rd rate improve club. But there's still some enjoyment to be had with this picture. Perhaps in Allen wasn't starting in it it'd be a 3, but I'm always so intrigued by him while he's on screen.

I remember seeing "Manhattan Murder Mystery" in the theater back in 1993 and enjoying it (it's a great crowd movie); I saw it again today after about 20 years and it still holds up very well. It starts out as only mildly funny, but it gets progressively funnier, and can make you laugh out loud a number of times. The mystery plot is solid as well - this must be one of Woody Allen's strongest films plot-wise. And in the context of a lightweight comedy-murder mystery, Allen sneaks in an examination of a marital relationship, homages to some of his classic film favorites, and his profound love for New York. He also gives generous portions of the comedy to the other actors, Diane Keaton, Alan Alda, and Angelica Huston. As usual, Allen and Keaton make such a great team on the screen that you have to wonder why they haven't worked together again since 1993 - maybe even as the same characters from this film! *** out of 4.

I must admit that I'm very surprised this little movie enjoyed such favorable reviews. Admittedly, a movie budgeted at $13.5 million puts it into a top bracket, but the money seems to have been spent mainly on the cast and on greasing hands for all the NYC location shots. And of course, although reviewers loved this movie, it was far from a success with picturegoers. Even accounting for TV and video sales, it would have been lucky to break even. Shot in a freewheeling style on actual Manhattan locations, it re-teams Woody with Diane Keaton. Also along for the ride are Alan Alda and Anjelica Huston, plus an overweight Jerry Adler as the mysterious Mr. House. I'll readily admit that if you're not expecting too much from the movie, it's quite enjoyable, but it's a long way from Allen at his early best or even the Allen of Shadows and Fog, made only two years earlier! True, the on-screen Allen character is still intact, but he seems to lack the on-screen charisma of even a Broadway Danny Rose. Now he's just an irritatingly over-argumentative little guy who has to be talked into everything until he eventually gives in! Available on an excellent Columbia/Tristar DVD.

This movie started out great but after about an hour and a half (after a body is found) it deteriorates into garbage.Woody still managed to make me laugh from time to time but sorry a lot of this film was contrived and badly written and not like the Woody Allen I remember.These aging actors just can't convincingly pull off badly scripted marital jealousies and drama. Seriously at 57 (the age of Allen in film) he is wondering how often a couple should have sex? Only it is not supposed to be funny in that way.The worst part is the parody of a film noir murder mystery deteriorates into a frenetic unbelievable tired terrible last half hour. At least good film noir mysteries had captivating and somewhat believable stories this film did not. It is not funny it is nothing but boring and contrived. These aged reunions are usually a depressing flop and this was no exception.