Sweet And Lowdown (1999) [VHS]

Samantha Morton and Sean Penn are fantastic- as are the supporting cast- including the bemused copa-club owner from 'Goodfellas'. Penn's acting against the mute character of Hattie is wonderful- this, along with the music and period detail, makes this the best film Woody has made in ages.

Too many of his recent films have been sloppy, half-amusing attempts at recapturing the 'early, funny period'. Though we had 'indulgences'- such as 'Everyone Says I Love You' (the 90's equivalent of 'A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy')and the pseudo-'La Dolce Vita' of 'Celebrity' (a bitter nadir, following on from the spleenventing remake of 'Stardust Memories', 'Deconstructing Harry' (a lazy film that reworked old short stories and aspects of 'Another Woman').

The dialogue is just pefect here, not too funny, but funny enough. Along with 'Husbands & Wives' and 'Bullets Over Broadway', this is a highlight of Allen's lacklustre offerings in the last decade or so. I think this is such a good film, that it would appeal to those not Woody-fixated. A modern classic.

Whilst the story and the characters are more than sufficient to hold the viewers attention, the music - arranged and directed by Dick Hyman - is phenomenal. I had a broad beam on my face the whole way through.

Others have said it and I can't improve, only repeat. Woody Allen has achieved an unparelleled authenicity unmatched by his contemporary film making peers.

Hyman's arrangements, encompassing Howard Alden's guitar parts, make for a sympathetic and nostalgic return trip to an era of unquestionably great music. Whilst Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli's contribution is limited to just the one number (Mystery Pacific), the overall feel of this jaunty and uplifting soundtrack is overwhelmingly Reinhardt - which is appropriate - given actor Sean Penn's character in the film is that of the "world's second greatest ever guitar player" (of the period). There is however nothing whatsoever second rate about the performances on this accompanying soundtrack. Classics including Just A Gigolo, I'll See You In My Dreams, Sweet Georgia Brown, and It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) are transformed into Django styled ditties, that have rarely - if ever before - been recorded with such magnificent clarity. A terrific dinner party album, this soundtrack is, like the film itself, a winner in every way.