Allen at his Best

Rating: 9/10 (8 March 2002)

There seems to be kind of a dividing line between those Woody Allen fans whose favorite Allen film is Manhattan and those who prefer Annie Hall.
I've seen Manhattan many times (it's one of my all-time favorite films) and only recently saw Annie Hall for the first time.
These two films are of course quite similar, so basically the members of both groups mentioned above like the same thing.
Manhattan is probably a bit more positive and less edgy. But also not _quite_ as funny as Annie Hall which really contains some of the most memorable Allen comedy ever. If you like his witty, sarcastic humor, full of references and innuendo, then this film is for you.
Many things have been written here about the filmmaking box of tricks that Allen put to generous use for this piece. And yes, the tricks work. Despite the film's age they come across as fresh and inventive - because they make sense and were used cleverly and not just for the sake of gimmickery.
OK. I think I still like Manhattan better. Which makes Annie Hall a 9/10.