Not that the 1969 film was terrible, for me it was not quite as bad as said to be, but while there were bright spots it was an average film overall. This second version does have some claustrophobic-feeling camera work and the ending does feel too neat but it is the much better version of the two. The production and costume design are done beautifully, which despite the camera work makes it a more appealing film visually. The editing here actually compliments the timing of the gags rather than hinders it. Allen's films nearly always have great soundtracks and this soundtrack doesn't disappoint at all, it's fresher-sounding and far more mellow and is in a style that I much prefer, it's also more fitting. The dialogue is smart and hilarious as well as intelligently structured, it's sharper, more witty and has much more bite(all three of which were missing in the earlier version) that sounds more like Allen's writing style. The pacing is zippier, with the film just flying by, and much more farce-like, like it was always intended to be, instead of taking the premise too seriously. The characters are indeed broad which is never a bad thing for farce and they are more interesting and likable even if deliberately neurotic. Allen's directing is just fine, and his performance does show genuine and more consistent comic timing, neurotic sure(not unusual for Allen) but not in a too samey way. Julie Kavner shows great chemistry with him and she matches him in comic timing, she's also one of the most strong-willed Allen female characters-which was refreshing-and a more interesting character than Estelle Parssons'. Michael J.Fox is actually charming and funny and never too much of a dunce(yes even for a character where that trait is called for), while Dom DeLuise provides much entertainment in how hilariously bad his magic tricks are while more restrained than he could be. Edward Hermann is inspired casting though could have been seen more. Mayim Bialik is not quite as effective as everyone else and a little plain but she is more than serviceable still. Overall, it may not be among Allen's best and is one of his weaker outings of the 90s(with only Shadows and Fog, still a decent film, and Celebrity, which to me is one of Allen's overall weakest, rated lower) but it is a lot of fun and fares much better than the 1969 film. 7.5/10 Bethany Cox

Woody Allen and company provide nearly non-stop laughs in this hilarious TV-movie version of his play, "Don't Drink the Water," done in 1994. Allen plays Walter Hollander, a New Jersey caterer who is accused of being a spy and seeks asylum in the local American embassy with his wife (Julie Kavner) and daughter (Mayim Bialik). The embassy already houses a priest (Dom Deluise) who, in the six years of domicile, has been practicing magic tricks. He doesn't have the hang of any of them yet. Also, the embassy is expecting a visit from an emir who shows up with attendants and 12 wives. The ambassador (Josef Summer) is in Washington and has left the place in the non-capable hands of his son (Michael J. Fox) who, when he took over the Brazilian embassy, had them importing coffee. Edward Herrmann is the assistant, Kilroy. After a nasty bang on the head, he thinks he's both Wright Brothers. There are state police and soon protesters outside. It's a set-up for disaster.Everyone is fabulous in this chaotic film, and there are plenty of bits besides the failed magic tricks that provide laughs aplenty. One of the funniest occurs when Allen demands real food like boiled chicken, and the chef announces he's serving rabbit. He's holding the priest's rabbit that he uses for his magic tricks, and a chase ensues. Kavner as Marion is a riot as she irons, vacuums, and spars with Allen, who is in top form. When Allen announces he can't wear silk because it aggravates his skin - he has the thighs of a princess, according to his doctor - it's priceless.I highly recommend this movie for people who just want to be entertained and laugh their heads off. It's not deep, it's not relevant, it's not vulgar, it's the kind of comedy that used to be done - crazy, funny, with great characters. Good for what ails you.

This little known TV movie is really a bit of nostalgia for those Woody Allen fans who yearn for the good old days, and a 1970s Woody type performance. Like a train pulling out of the station, "Don't drink the Water" gets funnier as it goes along. The casting is good, with Dom DeLuise a standout as a magician, without any tricks that work. Woody is in top form, playing a character much like he did in "Take the Money and Run", or "Bananas". My only fault is the unsteady camera which at times is enough to cause dizzy spells, and the claustrophobic feel of the movie, since really this is a filmed play. What you get is a 1994 version of a 1970s Woody Allen performance. Expect lots of one liners, some of which don't always work, but plenty are hilarious, and that's all that matters. - MERK

For those who are familiar with Allen's work, this TV adaptation of the play will be no surprise: it's funny, well-timed and far superior to the miserable Jackie Gleason version (done before Woody had the clout to insist on filming it himself). TV regulars Michael J. Fox and Mayim Bialik play to their strengths (although I would have preferred Cusack and Danes, or other Woody regulars - I can't imagine these two were his first choice), and Allen and Kavner pick up where Oedipus Wrecks lets off. Not fantastic, but what do you want? It's TV.