Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993) :
Brief Review -
Diane Keaton's overexcited self-detective keeps the show running for Woody Allen. Woody and Diane had done many films in the past, and then Woody moved to Mia Farrow. After ending bonds with her, he again moved to Diane for a detective comedy, where there were no official detectives. Diane Keaton, aka Carol, is an over-enthusiastic woman who wants to solve a murder mystery. "Do you still find me attractive?" she asks Allen, and I asked myself, "Am I watching Husbands and Wives (1992) again?" No. It was Keaton instead, in a similar look though (LOL). Allen plays the same self-stored and self-centred guy who wants his wife to stop doing all this detective stuff. "I am your husband; I command you to stop this," says Allen. "A few years ago, you would have done it yourself. We solved a mystery, you know," he gets it back from his wife. After hinting at the past, the arguments are over after a while, and they team up to find the evidence. A hot author tries her luck for a date with him, but that's over before he could reply to anything. She also joins the mystery operation, and because she is a writer, you know her theories will be closer to the truth, and that's what happens. So, it's a fun film, but it's not hilarious or anything special. Those who have seen Woody's earlier gems in the same genre would agree, while others can find it fairly entertaining. For me, it was damn repetitive for Woody Allen's status and also for his filmography. He has done better and more versatile things before, so Manhattan Murder Mystery isn't really eligible for the "recommended" club. Allen, Keaton, Ala Alda, and Anjelica Huston make a fine acting unit. Woody Allen's writing is subpar, but his direction deserves your one-time viewing. I mean, how many black comedies do we have in the murder mystery genre?
RATING - 6/10*
By - #samthebestest.