Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Witty Woody Allen film about marriage and maybe murder.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Manhattan Murder Mystery
What's the Story?
Carol Lipton (Diane Keaton) is convinced there's something amiss about her genial neighbor, a recent widower who perhaps isn't as upset as he should be about his wife's passing. As she snoops for clues, dragging her reluctant husband Larry (Woody Allen) along for the ride, she slowly comes to the realization that her neighbor just might be a killer. Their pals Ted and Marcia (Alan Alda and Angelica Huston) join in the caper that starts off as a fun lark, but soon becomes deadly serious.
Is It Any Good?
MANHATTAN MURDER MYSTERY is one of director Allen's better films in a long career filled with hits and misses. The mystery at the center is fun, satisfying, and surprising, and the audience will enjoy uncovering the truth nearly as much as the four characters.
But that's only part of the story. Like many of Allen's movies, the story is a partly a vehicle to show off the characters, and to see how they relate to each other. And there's no more delightful Woody Allen movie pairing than him and Keaton to take on the roles of the long-married Liptons, who love each other and are comfortable with each other, but a little bored, too. The murder investigation is just the thing to infuse some needed zing into their relationship. And we, as viewers, are lucky to come along for the ride.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the messages in this movie. Is this a movie about honesty? About relationships?
How does this film compare to other Woody Allen comedies?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 18, 1993
- On DVD or streaming : December 15, 1998
- Cast : Alan Alda , Anjelica Huston , Diane Keaton , Woody Allen
- Director : Woody Allen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : March 14, 2020
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