Small Time Crooks

Small Time Crooks is a delightful, comic romp filled with Woody Allen's characteristic wit and a stellar cast. This 2000 comedy sees Woody Allen play the leading role and direct, as he often does. Co-starring Tracey Ullman and Hugh Grant, this film focuses on a gang of hapless ex-convicts trying to pull off a major bank heist, stumbling upon unexpected consequences.

The film introduces us to Ray (Woody Allen), a less-than-brilliant former dishwasher repairer who can't seem to shake off his criminal instincts. Married to the slightly sharper Frenchy (Tracey Ullman), who dreams of a life more lavish than their humble surroundings, Ray harks back to his safe-cracking past and decides to orchestrate a bank heist, promising Frenchy the wealth she craves.

In an attempt to cover up their impending crime, Frenchy opens a cookie store as a front. The plan is simple enough: while Frenchy peddles her cookies, Ray, along with his similarly dim-witted friends, will tunnel from the basement of the shop to the bank next door. However, comic capers ensue when the group's collective incompetence jeopardizes their illegal endeavor.

As the story unfolds, a spectacular twist takes place. Instead of cashing in from the daring robbery, unconditional fame and fortune find Ray and Frenchy in an entirely unexpected fashion. Their small-time cookie shop unexpectedly becomes a citywide sensation— catapulting Frenchy and Ray into the upper echelons of society. In the midst of this newfound fame and fortune, though, the couple's dynamic is put to the test.

Hugh Grant enters the mix as an art dealer named David, who Frenchy hires to help polish their uncouth manners and fit into high society. Grant puts in a charismatic performance, full of the charming sophistication he's known for, causing a further strain between Ray and Frenchy with his snobbish and manipulative ways.

Small Time Crooks offers a sincere and comedic exploration of issues such as class division and the pursuit of wealth. Embodying the role of Ray, Allen offers his usual neurotic self, full of his straightforward, street-smart wisdom. Ullman, known for her comic timing, brilliantly portrays Frenchy's social aspirations and dissatisfaction with her humble background.

At its heart, Small Time Crooks is a portrait of a marriage, a relationship thrown into disarray by sudden prosperity. The chemistry between Allen and Ullman is palpable, with their contrasting personalities and aspirations often clashing and making for some genuinely hilarious and occasionally poignant moments. The supporting cast, including Michael Rapaport, Jon Lovitz, and Elaine May, gives the comedy depth and variety, each with their own fantastic moments.

Visually, the film retains Allen's fondness for New York City - though the untidy, working-class streets of Queens are a far cry from the romantic, upper-class Manhattan in his other films. The film is shot by Zhao Fei, who remarkably captures the grittiness of the neighbourhood, before contrasting it with the opulent penthouses and exclusive auction houses that Ray and Frenchy later inhabit.

Allen's script shines with his signature dry wit and brilliantly absurd situations. There are plenty of laughs to be had, not just from the oddly charming criminal hijinks, but also from the sardonic observations of wealth, class, and culture. With its screwball comedy and character-driven humor, Small Time Crooks represents Woody Allen's comedic filmmaking at its most accessible.

While the film doesn't possess the depth of some of Allen's more dramatic movies, Small Time Crooks has charm in spades. Here, the lessons learned are simpler and often cloaked in chuckles. The film suggests that not only crime doesn’t pay, but also that the pursuit of wealth is not an asylum from discontentment.

The magic of Small Time Crooks is in its simplicity. It's a charming, funny film, unpretentious and straightforwardly entertaining. It's guaranteed to make you smile, riding high on the performances of a talented ensemble cast, a well-paced plot and Woody Allen's ever-present knack for capturing human foibles and absurdities. Consider it a must-watch if you're a fan of Allen's work, or just in the mood for a quality comedy.