Small Time Crooks

2000 Comedy

Thirty-one years after Take the Money and Run, Woody Allen returns to a life of crime in this broad comedy. Allen plays Ray Winkler, a low-brow con man who is married to Frenchy (Tracy Ullman), a former stripper. Ray and his buddies concoct a scheme to rob a bank by digging a tunnel from a defunct pizza place next door; as a cover, Frenchy opens a cookie shop in the storefront while Ray and company dig in the back. Ray's burglary is a failure, but Frenchy's cookies are a rousing success, and within a year the store has spawned a nationwide franchise that makes the Winklers rich. However, while Ray wants to move to Miami and bask in the sun, nouveau riche Frenchy now aspires to join high society, with posh art dealer David (Hugh Grant) as her guide. Written and directed by Allen and shot in New York City, Small Time Crooks features one of Allen's trademark strong supporting casts, including Michael Rapaport, Elaine Stritch, Jon Lovitz, and Elaine May. more..

Director: Woody Allen

Starring: Woody Allen, Tracey Ullman,Michael Rapaport, Tony Darrow, Jon Lovitz

Reviews

  • A delicious comedy that starts out promisingly as a pleasant gag comedy but then turns unexpectedly into a bright social satire.

    Edward Guthmann - The San Francisco Chronicle

    27 April 2013

  • The plot is lively and the dialogue packs many good laughs.

    David Sterritt - Christian Science Monitor

    27 April 2013

  • The Woodman has recovered his common touch. On him, it looks good.

    Peter Travers - Rolling Stone

    27 April 2013

  • Dumb as they (allegedly) are, the characters in Small Time Crooks are smarter, edgier and more original than the dreary crowd in so many new comedies.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    27 April 2013

  • Though this is a tough movie to dislike, it plays more like a second draft than a final product.

    Mike Clark - USA Today

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Funniest Actress in a Motion Picture (Leading Role)

    American Comedy Awards (2001)

     
  • Best Supporting Actress

    Chlotrudis Awards (2001)

     
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy/Musical

    Golden Globes (2001)

     
  • Best Supporting Actress

    National Society of Film Critics Awards (2001)

  • Best Supporting Actress

    Online Film Critics Society Awards (2001)