Allen’s theater background shows in ‘What’s New Pussycat’ (1965)
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Allen tries for a romping debut as a film writer. But the loose editing leaves long gaps between laughs.
Comedy
Allen’s theater background shows in ‘What’s New Pussycat’ (1965)
Knight, Dangerfield ‘gopher’ broke in ‘Caddyshack’ (1980)
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): “Caddyshack” is driven by Knight and Dangerfield more so than Murray, Chase or the animatronic gopher.
Allen gets mileage out of one joke in ‘Zelig’ (1983)
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): This faux documentary is appealingly dry as the situations become more extreme for Allen’s title character.
Mediocre ‘Meatballs’ (1979) puts Murray on map
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): “Saturday Night Live’s” Murray carries this camp comedy, but even he can’t overcome the weak screenplay.
‘Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy’ (1982) an amusing riff
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Allen’s nod to Shakespeare is an enjoyably light take on ideas we’ve seen him explore before.
‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2’ (1986) a bonkers comedy
Frightening Friday (Movie review): This is a rare sequel in a different genre from the original. The switch from scares to laughs is not for the better.
‘Lost in Translation’ (2003) is exquisitely sad
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Director Sofia Coppola’s elite film wonderfully uses music, imagery and mood to create a magical Tokyo.
‘Manhattan’ (1979) another winner from Allen, Keaton
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): It’s not at the level of “Annie Hall,” but it’s nice to have Allen and Keaton back, sharing the spotlight with the city.
‘Sleepaway Camp’ sequels (1988-89) coast on momentum
Frightening Friday (Movie reviews): Bruce Springsteen’s sister takes over the lead role in sequels that lack the odd charm of the original.
‘Love and Death’ (1975) skewers Russian tragedies
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Allen’s “Love and Death” is accessible and funny even though it targets a genre that’s not mainstream.