Crimes and Misdemeanors (2008 #88)
I may be peculiar in that Match Point is my favorite Woody Allen film. With its adultery related plot, Crimes and Misdemeanors is a natural comparison piece within Allen's filmography. Allen may not be the lead actor here (with Landau and Alda it can be a bit tough to know where the focus is) but I'm wondering if he is what holds back much of his other stuff. He's certainly delivered a number of good films that are interesting and funny, but they are so wrapped in a certain attitude that just doesn't connect. This is something that Match Point, by getting Allen and New York out of the picture, didn't face and it allowed it to just focus on an incredibly appealing narrative.
An example of Allen's touch here is when his character is talking to his sister about her date. It isn't especially relevant but it gives Allen a chance to be Allen. And I guess the plot development here seems less logical or emotionally justified. The stakes are less immediate. Also this story is more layered...that might sound like a good thing but I feel like jumping between these two main storylines it makes each a little less powerful than having a keener focus, the primary characters can be developed that much better. I don't know, that Match Point is better is something that couldn't be clearer in my mind.
Nuke-U-Lar joke hindsight ftw!