Bullets Over Broadway (1994)

The critic calls it Allen's fizziest piece in years and a merciless satire on the pretensions of theatre folk. They single out the fiercely competitive caricatures from Tilly and Wiest for praise while noting some clichés and clumsy staging but ultimately recommend seeing it.

The critic praises the rapid-fire gags and the interplay between the gangster and theater worlds in this 1920s-set comedy, highlighting strong ensemble performances especially from Dianne Wiest as the vampish leading lady.

The review calls it a delightful diversion with a remarkable ensemble and brilliant gags, noting the vivid period atmosphere and witty dialogue as a charming addition to Allen's canon, though it lacks the depth of his best work.

The critic finds the film a lively theatrical and gangster satire that riffs on the nature of artistry, with Cheech as the true artist among poseurs. He praises the over-the-top performances, especially Dianne Wiest as Helen Sinclair and Jennifer Tilly as Olive.

The critic praises the film's clever twist involving a gangster's bodyguard who improves the play, turning a routine backstage comedy into something funnier and tougher. He highlights the strong ensemble cast, especially Chazz Palminteri's performance, and the dark humor about art and morality.

The critic calls the film a bright, energetic, side-splitting comedy with vital matters on its mind, exactly the kind of sharp-edged farce Allen does best. She singles out the wild card of the gangster Cheech for making the story more than a routine comedy.

The critic describes the film as a clever Cyrano twist on a backstage comedy mixed with gangster elements that keeps improving and will please Allen's fans. He singles out Chazz Palminteri's delightful performance as the hit man who secretly contributes to the play.