Early Woody Allen At His Best

Rating: 10/10 (20 May 2000)

I consider this hysterical movie to be part of Woody's transitional phase when he was going from silly, light slapstick like the fantastic Sleeper and the wonderful Take The Money And Run to darker, more though-provoking fair. With wonderful music, and cinematography that makes the atmosphere, Woody shows why he is the most brilliant comic actor/writer/director since Charlie Chaplin. The story of a coward during the Russian Revolution named Boris Greshenko who accidentally becomes a war-hero is filled with laughs. The amazing thing about Allen films like this is that the jokes just keep coming rapid-fire one after another after another. This can also be seen in Woody's stand up performances, as he doesn't give the punchline and stop--he keeps going. This signature style is what makes him so funny. If you don't have some huge grudge against Woody Allen, go out and see this movie!! It's beautiful, thought provoking, and hilarious.