Watch Manhattan Murder Mystery

"Manhattan Murder Mystery" is a 1993 comedy-mystery directed by Woody Allen, who also stars in the film alongside frequent collaborator Diane Keaton. The film follows a middle-aged couple named Larry and Carol Lipton (Allen and Keaton) who begin to suspect foul play when a neighbor suddenly dies of a heart condition. Convinced that the neighbor's death was actually a homicide, the couple embarks on a humorous and suspenseful investigation to uncover the truth.

The film opens with Larry and Carol, a long-married couple, feeling bored with their lives and searching for some excitement. When their neighbor suddenly dies in the middle of the night, Carol becomes convinced that the death was not natural and that foul play was involved. She spends the next several days investigating the death, much to Larry's chagrin. However, her enthusiasm is infectious, and soon Larry is drawn into the investigation as well. They enlist the help of their friends, Ted and Marcia, and together they begin to piece together clues and build a case.

The investigation takes them all over New York City, from trendy art galleries to seedy nightclubs. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including a private investigator, a bookie, and a mysterious woman named Helen. As the clues begin to pile up, the group becomes convinced that the neighbor's death was indeed a murder, and they set their sights on the most likely suspect.

Despite the serious subject matter, "Manhattan Murder Mystery" is a lighthearted and enjoyable film that showcases Allen and Keaton's comedic chemistry. Their banter and playful bickering provide many of the film's laughs, and the supporting cast of characters adds to the fun. The film also has a nostalgic feel, as it was shot in black and white and pays homage to the classic Hollywood mysteries of the 1940s.

One of the highlights of the film is the way that it subverts the typical mystery formula. In most mysteries, the hero is a detective with a specific set of skills and a knack for solving crimes. In this film, the heroes are everyday people with no investigative training or experience. They stumble their way through the investigation and make mistakes along the way, which only adds to the film's charm.

Another unique aspect of "Manhattan Murder Mystery" is its exploration of the theme of midlife crisis. Larry and Carol are both feeling a sense of ennui and dissatisfaction with their lives, and the investigation provides them with a sense of purpose and excitement. Their friends, Ted and Marcia, are similarly struggling with their own issues, and the investigation brings them together in unexpected ways.

Overall, "Manhattan Murder Mystery" is a fun and entertaining film that showcases Allen and Keaton's comedic talents. It is a witty and well-crafted mystery that is sure to delight fans of the genre, as well as fans of the two leads. With its clever plot, strong performances, and nostalgic feel, it is a film that is sure to stand the test of time.

Manhattan Murder Mystery is a 1993 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 71.