Wolff rating: NOT BAD
Plot summary: Neurotic writer has to go to upstate New York to get honors from his alma mater, but can't find anyone to go with him.
Biased, pithy comments: A combination of clever vignettes based on Allen's (and others') writings held loosely together by what can't really be called a plot, this film is a disjointed look at one man's psyche. Unfortunately, it's Woody Allen's psyche (most of the time), and what we see when we peel back the layers to reveal the character is that, well, he's a womanizing jerk. Trapped by his overwe'ening sexual desire and his inability to make a real relationship, we see him relive the worst moments of his relationships through his fictional characters. Although this is no ``Bullets Over Broadway,'' Allen can still tell jokes like no one else---his trip to Hell and just a few throwaway one-liners are side-splittingly funny, as is the shouted match between his therapist/wife and himself while a patient is in the room. At the same time, the audience can't help but be mostly repulsed by Harry (or Allen himself, depending on whether or not the movie is viewed as mostly autobiographical), making it at times a queasy viewing experience. So, as an Allen movie it certainly isn't where I'd start, but it's funnier than a lot of dick-joke suffused comedies coming out of Hollywood. All-star cast is fun to watch; Alley is my favorite character, I think.
Other Notes: I'd say this film, which contained almost no overt nudity, is pretty much not for kids due to its painful misogyny, but that's probably up to parents to decide.
How many times I have seen it: x1
Starring: Woody Allen, Kirstie Alley, Bob Balaban, Richard Benjamin, Elizabeth Shue, Amy Irving, Billy Crystal.
Directed by: Woody Allen