Small Time Crooks

Ray is a small time crook who drifts through late night schemes in New York with his wife Frenchy by his side. They hatch a plan to rob a bank, but the caper falls apart in comic fashion, leaving them with more mess than money and a trail of curious witnesses. Rather than crumble, they reinvent themselves by turning the failed job into a cover for a new, legitimate sounding business. Their unlikely enterprise draws in customers who care more about a clean turn of events than the crime that preceded it, and the couple discovers that luck is a slippery partner. Woody Allen threads witty dialogue and everyday neuroses into a breezy caper that charms rather than shocks. The film leans into the building blocks of a comedic partnership and the small scale New York life that makes the caper feel intimate.

Directed by Woody Allen, Small Time Crooks began as an original screenplay from the filmmaker rather than an adaptation. Released in 2000, the comedy pairs Allen with a strong ensemble and a New York setting that fans recognize.

Box office data place the film at about 29.9 million in revenue, a modest return against its 25 million budget. The numbers reflect a mid range performance for a late 90s to early 2000s Woody Allen release.

Among fans the film is remembered for its laid back vibe and the dynamic between Ray and Frenchy. The humor leans into midlife wishes and the irony of crime turning into a routine business rather than a big score.

Critics generally praised the film for its brisk pacing and sharp dialogue, while some noted that Allen keeps the tone light enough to soften the heist premise. Central themes include luck versus planning, the pull of easy money, and the quirks of a couple who survive together.