Protraph Lack of good storyline.

Ploydsge just watch it!

Robert Joyner The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Aspen Orson There is definitely an excellent idea hidden in the background of the film. Unfortunately, it's difficult to find it.

oOoBarracuda You have no idea how much it pains me to allege that Woody Allen has such a poorly directed film attributed to him, but, that is exactly what one can expect from Don't Drink the Water. The plot is listless, the camera constantly feels miles away from its subject and the film itself drags which is quite a feat when it's only 90 minutes. I know, it was only a television film but Woody is such a master I still expected more. I did enjoy the many nods to the Marx Brothers, and will always enjoy seeing Woody Allen in one of his films.

TheLittleSongbird 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

connorratliff When this film first aired on ABC in the mid 90s, it was a pleasant "extra." In addition to getting the regular film-a-year in theaters, Woody managed to shoot a made-for-TV picture that was funny and looked like it could have played in theaters. It has a strong cast, and a lot of funny lines. It wasn't a masterpiece, but it was a solid piece of light entertainment. Well... how times have changed. Allen's last few efforts have been his worst films ever (The Curse of the Jade Scorpion and Hollywood Ending), and it's starting to make seemingly effortless entertainments like Don't Drink The Water (or Small Time Crooks, for that matter) look richer in hindsight. If his next film was as good as DDTW, I'd be thrilled. If it's as dire as Hollywood Ending, it will continue a very sad decline of one of America's greatest filmmaking talents...Don't rent HOLLYWOOD ENDING. Rent Don't Drink The Water! It's funnier! And better!

evans-3 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.