One of Allen's Best

Rating: 10/10 (24 March 2000)

Woody Allen's Sweet and Lowdown is a well done effort. It looks at serious issues in a funny matter (but this is not a comedy) which Woody knows how to do terrifically. Also, his love for the 30's and jazz bring out the best in this film
Though the acting is good, the character Emmett Ray, played by Sean Penn (in a well-deserved Oscar Nom) us not very likable. Emmett Ray (as we find out) is a fictional character (though planned out as a real one) who is the 2nd greatest guitarist ever. He is also narcisistic, self-indulged, and odd. At least Penn plays him to the best. But this teaming up of Allen with Penn is a great one and the film itself was likable.