Metacritic reviews

Mr. Allen's most securely serious and funny film to date.

In this risky, riveting film, our most prolific and provocative moviemaker uses his wit to touch a nerve. Crimes and Misdemeansors is so funny it hurts.

In the world of this film, conventional piety is overturned and we see into the soul of a human monster.

Flagrantly flawed but never less than fascinating film that does indeed blend the funny Woody and the serious Woody.

It is his best and most courageous work to date. [13 Nov 1989, p. 22]

At times the joints in the movie's carpentry are strained, at times the mood swings jarring. [16 Oct 1989, p. 82]

Fine ensemble acting (Alda and Huston are outstanding), evocative composition and design, intelligent writing, and spritely musical score.

Alda is perfect casting as a successful TV comedy producer, whose pompous attitude and easy romantic victories with women (including Farrow) exasperate Allen.

Whiny, quirky and urbane.

None of the characters or ideas is allowed to develop beyond its cardboard profile.