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      Bullets Over Broadway

      R Released Oct 21, 1994 1 hr. 39 min. Comedy List
      95% 60 Reviews Tomatometer 83% 10,000+ Ratings Audience Score Struggling 1920s playwright David Shayne (John Cusack), having failed to secure financing for his latest work, reluctantly makes a deal with mob boss Nick Valenti (Joe Viterelli) : a Broadway debut with the chance to direct, as long as Nick's flibbertigibbet girlfriend, Olive (Jennifer Tilly), plays one of the lead roles. As Olive and star Helen Sinclair (Dianne Wiest) attempt to upstage each other, Olive's gangland bodyguard Cheech (Chazz Palminteri) starts suggesting changes to David's script. Read More Read Less Watch on Peacock Stream Now

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      Bullets Over Broadway

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      Critics Consensus

      A gleefully entertaining backstage comedy, Bullets Over Broadway features some of Woody Allen's sharpest, most inspired late-period writing and direction.

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      Audience Reviews

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      John L This film sparkles with all the flavours and fun and joy that makes it worthwhile going to the movies! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/02/24 Full Review Jeff M Pure cinematic joy! As far as I'm concerned, this riotous comedy belongs on the top tier of Allen's filmography. Despite enthusiastic reviews and successful awards consideration, it still feels like one of his most underappreciated achievements. It's so hard to write capsule reviews about motion pictures like this because there's an overwhelming desire to wax rhapsodic about every precious moment. There's a small handful of movies during which I find something new to appreciate every single time. This is one of those rare examples. The cast is sheer heaven, each member having their own moments to shine and generously allowing those around them to shine just as brightly. That being said, Wiest is the film's greatest treasure, and hers is one of the best Supporting Actress wins of all time. It's a timeless performance that is a joy to behold. I also want to recognize Tracey Ullman as one of the members of the acting troupe - she is stupendous and achingly funny. And then there's Jim Broadbent as an actor with huge appetites in multiple areas of his life. And Jennifer Tilly breathing new life into the familiar role of the talentless floozie with dreams of stardom. The list goes on and on... It's shrewdly written, beautifully filmed and contains probably the best production values of any movie Allen has ever made. The time period is beautifully captured, and the period music is perfect. I love every single moment of this movie and is among my favorite re-watchables of all time. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/22/24 Full Review James B Ultimately, Allen is again trying to justify his own morality, albeit in the most cynical and hilarious way. Like in Crimes and Misdemeanors, there are two crimes being committed here, the more important of which involves artistic integrity. Don't speak! Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 04/21/23 Full Review dave s While it probably isn't up there with some of Woody Allen's most iconic and revered movies, Bullets Over Broadway may be one of his most flat-out entertaining films. Set in 1920's New York, David Shayne (John Cusack) is a playwright whose first play of significance is being funded by a local mobster…on the condition that the mobster's wildly untalented girlfriend is given a role. Despite it being light and fluffy, it is also filled with Allen's trademark smart dialogue. The cast is expansive (Diane Wiest, Jack Warden, Jennifer Tilly, Rob Reiner, Chazz Palminterri, to name a few), as one would expect in an Allen film, the time period details are fantastic, and Allen's direction is typically excellent, featuring more than its fair share of creative blocking and lengthy takes. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review ed m Very funny movie. Whole cast is great. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 12/01/22 Full Review crustina d excellent film. one of the best WA movies made (which in his case falls in his top 30 best). wonderful performances all around, great story, nothing could be more entertaining. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Critics Reviews

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      David Ansen Newsweek The joy of this bouncy, brainy Allen outing is how effortlessly he meshes his serious, clearly personal conundrums with the giddy formulas of backstage farce. Feb 21, 2018 Full Review Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Rated: A- Sep 7, 2011 Full Review Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader The performances, however, are very enjoyable, with first honors going to Chazz Palminteri and Dianne Wiest. Aug 12, 2008 Full Review Mal Vincent The Virginian-Pilot This, at best, is second-rate, unimportant Woody Allen. It tries much too hard and delivers only the obvious. Rated: 2.5/4 Mar 1, 2022 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy One of Woody's best. Rated: 3.5/4 Jan 15, 2022 Full Review Jeffrey M. Anderson Combustible Celluloid One of Woody Allen's flat-out funniest movies. Sep 18, 2014 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis Struggling 1920s playwright David Shayne (John Cusack), having failed to secure financing for his latest work, reluctantly makes a deal with mob boss Nick Valenti (Joe Viterelli) : a Broadway debut with the chance to direct, as long as Nick's flibbertigibbet girlfriend, Olive (Jennifer Tilly), plays one of the lead roles. As Olive and star Helen Sinclair (Dianne Wiest) attempt to upstage each other, Olive's gangland bodyguard Cheech (Chazz Palminteri) starts suggesting changes to David's script.
      Director
      Woody Allen
      Executive Producer
      J.E. Beaucaire, Jean Doumanian
      Screenwriter
      Woody Allen, Douglas McGrath
      Distributor
      Laurenfilm S.A., Miramax Films
      Production Co
      Miramax Films, Magnolia Pictures, Sweetland Films
      Rating
      R
      Genre
      Comedy
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Oct 21, 1994, Wide
      Release Date (DVD)
      Jun 5, 2007
      Box Office (Gross USA)
      $11.4M
      Sound Mix
      Surround, Mono
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