THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 2, 1994 TAG: 9412020055
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E11 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TAMAR ANITAI, TEENOLOGY MOVIE CRITIC
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
WOODY ALLEN is back, gun in hand, for the recent explosion of his new movie, ``Bullets Over Broadway.''
Allen sets his latest work in the Big Apple's Broadway Theatre district, circa 1920. John Cusackis the neurotic, intellectual, young playwright with a hot script in the works. He hesitantly casts his show with both well-known and possibly rising stars.
Dianne Wiest, a fiery, bombastic diva, adds passion to the production. Tracey Ullman stars as a perky, flaky, but fun actress. And Jim Broadbent is a middle-aged actor whose stomach may be growing faster than his career.
But the show quickly falls into the wrong hands when the playwright casts chorus line girl Olive Neal, played by Jennifer Tilly. Olive is closely accompanied by her neanderthal bodyguard/henchman, Cheech, played by Chazz Palminteri.
The cast battles out its own conflicts and meanwhile, the script has troubles of its own. Each cast member has ideas about upgrading it. But ironically, only Cheech's ideas are logical, and he will make any sacrifice to defend and justify his work. While the playwright and Cheech rewrite the script, the mob tightens its grip on the play, resulting in a somewhat tragic, but hilarious production.
Allen's neurotic comedic style does not meet its potential here. Some of the comic elements needed more detail. However, each character's highly energetic, highly dysfunctional personality comes to life in a hilarious blend of humor and realism. This keeps the movie together.
Cusack as the playwright is every bit the ``Why me?'' Woody Allen character, plus more. His talent is obvious, his capabilities limitless. It was refreshing to see him as a central character instead of in his usual peripheral role.
Wiest brings down the house (and the curtain) as the bombastic, 10-times larger than life diva. Her inimitable style will leave you laughing even after the movie ends.
See ``Bullets Over Broadway,'' if not for its hilarious cast, then for its unpredictable story line. MEMO: ``Bullets over Broadway'' is rated R; those under 17 must be accompanied
by a parent or guardian. ILLUSTRATION: Photos
BRIAN HAMILL
Jack Warden, from left, Joe Viterelli, John Cusack and Jennifer
Tilly star in Woody Allen's ``Bullets Over Broadway.''
Tamar Anitai is a rising junior at First Colonial.
by CNB