Sean Penn('s) performances are master classes in the art of character development.
83
Portland OregonianShawn Levy
Portland OregonianShawn Levy
Amazing as Penn is, Morton is his equal, creating a complete personality out of gestures, glances and unadorned bits of actorly business.
80
Washington PostDesson Thomson
Washington PostDesson Thomson
Penn's performance is the movie's ultimate grace note. As funny and ingenious as Allen's films can get, they are rarely known for depth of character.
80
Dallas ObserverAndy Klein
Dallas ObserverAndy Klein
It is engaging, touching, and frequently funny. Maybe because his hero is inarticulate and his heroine is mute, Allen relies far more than usual on physical comedy than on the verbal jokes that are his strongest comic suit.
75
New York Daily NewsJack Mathews
New York Daily NewsJack Mathews
Penn hasn't attempted much comedy since "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," but he's masterful here.
75
San Francisco ChronicleEdward Guthmann
San Francisco ChronicleEdward Guthmann
The best reason in years to reconsider (Woody Allen).
70
NewsweekDavid Ansen
NewsweekDavid Ansen
Doesn't add up to any big deal. But it's a likable, lively little ditty -- one theme, some clever variations -- that never wears out its welcome.
67
Seattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam Arnold
Seattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam Arnold
A real showcase for Penn, who seems to positively delight in playing a slimy, hateful character that most stars would not go near.
50
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Penn's excellent acting doesn't raise his character above the level of familiar clichés about woman-chasing jazzmen.