Dont Drink the Water

Let me preface this review by saying that I have NEVER been a Woody Allen fan. I had seen some of his earlier movies and just never got into them. However, I got hold of a copy of "Manhattan Murder Mystery" with Diane Keaton, Alan Alda, Angelica Huston and, of course, Woody. I have just about worn it out because I've watched it over and over. I went to the video store and browsed through their Woody Allen titles and saw "Don't Drink the Water". I decided to give it a try since I like Dom Deloise, Julie Kavner and Michael J. Fox. Let me tell you, there are very few movies I see that make me truly laugh out loud - this one did. The entire premise of the movie is so funny. Woody takes his wife and daughter on a vacation to Russia (who goes to Russia for a vacation!?!), does the usual tourist routine, and ends up being chased by KGB agents because they think Woody and family are spies! Woody was taking pictures of the sunset and he must have photographed something that would make the agents think he was spying. Anyway, Woody and family take off running and go to the American Embassy in Russia to seek asylum. And believe me, the place is an asylum. Michael J. is the son of the Ambassador. The Ambassador has to return to Washington, D.C. and reluctantly leaves the embassy in Michael J.'s hands (Michael has been pretty much a screw-up all of his life) so his father doesn't trust him. As soon as Woody and family reach the embassy the fun begins. There is an Italian priest, played by Dom Deloise, who had to seek asylum at the embassy and has been there for years. He's really into magic tricks and thinks he's a real pro. The embassy chef cooks all kinds of exotic foods that drive Woody nuts (Woody is a New Jersey caterer) and Woody and the chef have an ongoing battle. The daughter falls for Michael J., the mother, Julie Kavner, ends up taking over the housekeeping at the embassy, a visiting Middle Eastern dignitary arrives and...just watch this movie! There is so much I can't begin to tell it all but trust me if you like just good old fashioned comedy you'll enjoy this. I highly recommend it - that's why I came to Amazon to find a copy because you can't find it at local video stores to buy. Every time I watch it I see something that sets me off laughing. If this movie does not make you laugh you have a serious problem with your funnybone!!

Don't Drink the Water is hysterical! I am a huge Woody Allen Fan and have seen nearly all of his movies. There are some movies by Woody that even I'm not that fond of BUT.....this is not one of them. This movie is entertaining and well cast. There is a lot going on and everytime I watch it I find something different that gets me going! Buy this movie and keep an eye on the subtleties. You won't be disappointed!

What kind of Woody Allen fan are you? Do you favor his heavy, drama-laden homages to Bergman? His film noir? His zany early comedies?

If you love the latter, you'll probably like this "lost" gem. A bit like "Manhattan Murder Mystery" which was resurrected years after it was written, "Don't Drink the Water" conjures the early days of Allen's career with zany comedy full of larger than life characters and over-the-top performances.

The cast is great, the script is too, the plot moves along nicely and in general I had great fun. Yes, it seems a bit claustrophobic at times and a bit stagey, but many of Allen's recent work has a similar feel regardless of the genre.

All in all it is an enjoyable farce that harkens back to the golden days of Allen's comic genius.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 23 reviews  3.6 out of 5 stars