BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment

Humaira Grant It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

Kaelan Mccaffrey Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

Rexanne It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny

TheLittleSongbird As someone who has really liked or loved most of what she's seen of Woody Allen's filmography(15 left to watch as of now)- he has done some disappointments but none to me have been terrible or unwatchable, more uneven than anything else-, Manhattan Murder Mystery is up there with his best, not quite in his top 5 but most definitely in the top 10. As always with Allen it's adroitly directed and beautifully made with a noir-ish feel that adds so much to the atmosphere and mystery. The music is energetic and haunting, adding much to the comedic and mystery aspects of the story. Love the old songs too, they have a very nostalgic quality and easy to recognise. The writing is hilarious and in distinctive Allen fashion- not quite among the best screenplays of all time but some of the lines here are some of the most quotable from any Woody Allen film- while also keeping the suspense to nail-biting effect. Manhattan Murder Mystery works brilliantly both as a comedy and mystery. The comedy never takes a heavy-handed approach- in fact a lot of it is quite light- and always amuses and the mystery aspect is even better, very Hitchcockian(there was a very Rear Window influence here) and intricate and with great atmosphere and suspense. A highlight is the ending with the mirror sequence paying homage to Lady in Shanghai, it really has to be one of the best ever endings of any of Allen's films and is also very visually striking. The characters as with many Woody Allen films are purposefully neurotic but also compelling in their realism and they all serve a point to the story, no superficiality in sight. Allen gets great performances from the cast and his own performance is excellent. He has believable chemistry with Diane Keaton who gives her absolute all to her most neurotic, bat-out-of-hell character yet. Anjelica Huston is strong as usual though she has given better performances in meatier roles and while Alan Alda gives a better performance in Crimes and Misdemeanors (a textbook example of how to play a weasel of a character well, brilliantly in his case) but he doesn't disappoint either. Overall, a brilliant film and one of Allen's best, a minor work this is not. 10/10 Bethany Cox

LeonLouisRicci The Movie that is most Famous for the Reuniting of Woody Allen and Diane Keaton. It lands somewhere in the Middle of the Comedian's Comedies. There are the usual number of Woody-isms and a rather Complex Murder Mystery that keeps things on the run.Showing more Neurosis than usual Woody fidgets relentlessly and babbles non-stop and for the uninitiated probably too much. There is some fine support from Alan Alda and Anjelica Huston for the Bickering Couple to play off and the Murder Mystery is ever present. Many Film Buff Homages that aren't the least bit subtle, the best being the crisp overlay of the Movie onto the Lady From Shanghai (1947).Allen doesn't hit this one out of the Park, but does manage a Stand-Up Double as some things work quite well and others seem a bit Forced for the usually Smooth Writer/Director. Fans will no doubt find it Rewarding and Entertaining, but for a new look in on the Career of Woody Allen, this one is not where to start.

gavin6942 A middle-aged couple (Woody Allen and Diane Keaton) suspects foul play when their neighbor's wife suddenly drops dead.You know, how many films can you do about loving New York starring Woody Allen and Diane Keaton? Apparently a fair amount, as this film is one more on the pile -- and it is a pile of winners. Sure, you have Zach Braff's film debut that probably never should have happened, but that is forgivable.Who killed the neighbor? Why? Did anyone kill her? And then, is she even dead? This truly is a mystery, with ample amounts of comedy thrown in. And, because it is Woody humor, it is brilliant with its blend of easy jokes and more intellectual jabs (such as the reference to invading Poland while listening to Wagner).

filmalamosa This movie started out great but after about an hour and a half (after a body is found) it deteriorates into garbage.Woody still managed to make me laugh from time to time but sorry a lot of this film was contrived and badly written and not like the Woody Allen I remember.These aging actors just can't convincingly pull off badly scripted marital jealousies and drama. Seriously at 57 (the age of Allen in film) he is wondering how often a couple should have sex? Only it is not supposed to be funny in that way.The worst part is the parody of a film noir murder mystery deteriorates into a frenetic unbelievable tired terrible last half hour. At least good film noir mysteries had captivating and somewhat believable stories this film did not. It is not funny it is nothing but boring and contrived. These aged reunions are usually a depressing flop and this was no exception.