Review: Although this movie wasn't written and directed by Woody Allen, it still has the same concept as lot of his movies. It's basically about a couple who are celebrating there 16th wedding anniversary and while they are out shopping, Allen's character admits to finishing an affair the day before. After threatening divorce, his wife also admits to an affair so the long relationship is in turmoil whilst still shopping in the mall. Woody Allen has definitely got something for this troubled relationship concept, even when he hasn't written or directed the film himself. I did enjoy the chemistry between both of the characters and there banter was amusing in parts but the storyline was a bit silly for me. For such a loving couple, I don't know why they chose to tell each other such a deep secret in the mall, especially with a dinner planned for later on that day. Anyway, it's a silly romantic comedy which is mostly based in the mall, hence the title, which goes a bit over the top after a while. Round-Up: Well, I have now completed my Woody Allen season and it really does feel like I have watched a really long film based around troubled relationships and infidelity, with a New York backdrop. None of his earlier projects are anywhere near Blue Jasmine, which is also based around a troubled relationship but it's Cate Blanchett that made that movie brilliant. Most of the movies with Mia Farrow were quite dull but the films with Diane Keaton were much better. He's not the most versatile writers/directors and his comedy is warped and not that humorous but I'm sure that he entertains a certain type of audience, which I'm certainly not a part of. Budget: $3million Worldwide Gross: $10millionI recommend this movie to people who are into there Woody Allen movies about a couple who are celebrating there 16th anniversary and admit to infidelity whilst shopping in a mall. 3/10

Everyone's making a big deal about Woody's ponytail (which does look ridiculous); but the most unbelievable aspect of his character is his age. At one point in the film, he says he would not get married at 24 and the couple are celebrating their 16th anniversary. If my math is correct, that would make him 40 and he was 54 when the film was released - and looks older than that. Plus, since Midler is 9 years younger; that would mean she was 15 when they married. Just saying... Also, this mall is supposed to be in Beverly Hills (like the Beverly Center) but it offers ballroom dancing and restaurants specializing in caviar. All of this, plus the artificial dialogue, bugs me and makes the movie very unrealistic.

Scenes from a Mall (1991)** (out of 4) Extremely disappointing comedy has Woody Allen and Bette Midler playing a couple who decide to celebrate their 16th wedding anniversary with a trip to the mall. Things are going pretty well until the husband admits that he just got done the previous day with a seven-month affair and this is where various secrets start to come out. SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE this ain't. There's no question that this movie doesn't work but the real mystery is why it doesn't. I've watched SCENES FROM A MALL a couple times not because it's entertaining but because it's just so strange to see such talent involved in a film that should have been so much better yet it never even reaches a mediocre level. Both Allen and Midler are very good actors who have no issues playing comedy yet they're really letdown by the screenplay, which is a complete mess. We start off with some good introductions to the characters and there are a few funny moments with the two trying to find time to have sex. The scenes at the busy mall start off well enough but there's still something missing from them. What's missing is any sort of laugh but I'm going to guess that writer-director Paul Mazursky just figured people would be "in" on the joke that malls are crowded. Other "in" jokes include three black guys rapping for no apparent reason and then we get a mime that is constantly showing up where the couple are fighting. Mimes are very annoying in my opinion but they can be put to good use at times. Just check out Mel Brooks' SILENT MOVIE for one example. The mime here adds nothing to the story and the attempt at humor falls flat on its face. Another problem with the screenplay is that it really doesn't go anywhere. The "secret" gets let out, they fight, they make up and then another secret follows and we go through the entire thing again before yet another secret comes out. Everything is so predictable that you can start watching the movie anywhere and still understand what you've missed and what's coming up. Allen and Midler are working in an overdrive because it's obvious they're trying hard to make the material work but there's simply nothing there. SCENES FROM A MALL should have been at least mildly entertaining but sadly it's a flop that's only entertainment value is seeing everything that went wrong with it.

Woody Allen and Bette Midler play an affluent married couple with teenage children. He is a lawyer, she a celebrated psychiatrist with a bestselling book. The two stars cover about 80% of the picture either talking to each other, an unseen person on the phone or themselves. They could not appear any more selfish, superficial than perceived here.On their 16th wedding anniversary (with big plans for a celebration) both confess to the other their affairs. Halfway into the film, I wanted them to get a damn divorce and get it over with. These two quickly turn from annoying to totally unbearable. Only one thing would be worse than watching this nonsense: Being one of the two characters. Sad! Allen and Middler are Superstars who need not waste their talents on such stupid material. Are they selling out, or why would they do this to their solid fan base? Please, don't offend my intelligence like this ever again!