Small Time Crooks

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Small Time Crooks ★★ ½ 2000 (PG)

Ex-con dishwasher Allen and his manicurist wife Ullman decide to become rich by robbing a New York City bank. Problem is, they team up with three bumblers (Lovitz, Rapaport, Darrow) to pull off the heist. As a result of the mishaps, the couple accidentally gains fame and fortune only to find it doesn't suit them at all. Grant is a well-bred snob trying to teach the lower classes some couth. Ullman, as usual, is endearing, while Allen is hard to fathom as a blue-collar guy turned crook. Hailed by some as Allen's triumphant return to his comedy stylings of old, the comedy in “Small Time Crooks” actually just seems old and tired. 94m/C VHS, DVD. Woody Allen, Tracey Ullman, Hugh Grant, Jon Lovitz, Michael Rapaport, Elaine May, Tony Darrow, Elaine Stritch, George Grizzard; D: Woody Allen; W: Woody Allen; C: Fei Zhao. Natl. Soc. Film Critics '00: Support. Actress (May).