If Sidewalks is still a pretty hard film to laugh at, that's not because it stirs horrific memories. The laughs don't come easily because the humor often feels forced.
Sidewalks of New York (2001)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:91
Fresh:51
Rotten:40
Average Rating:5.5/10
Consensus: Though well-acted, Sidewalks of New York generally comes off as a second-rate Woody Allen film. The characters seem self-absorbed, the problems trite.
Theatrical Release:Nov 21, 2001 Limited
Box Office: $2,120,491
Synopsis: An intricate web of relationships is examined by Ed Burns (THE BROTHERS McMULLEN, SHE'S THE ONE) in SIDEWALKS OF NEW YORK. Burns, who also wrote and produced the film, stars as Tommy Reilly, a boy... An intricate web of relationships is examined by Ed Burns (THE BROTHERS McMULLEN, SHE'S THE ONE) in SIDEWALKS OF NEW YORK. Burns, who also wrote and produced the film, stars as Tommy Reilly, a boy from Queens turned successful Manhattanite. After being kicked out of the apartment he shared with his girlfriend, he is back in the dating scene. When he meets a divorced schoolteacher (Rosario Dawson), the connections between the additional main characters in the ensemble--played by Stanley Tucci, Heather Graham, Brittany Murphy, and David Krumholz--are identified slowly but surely: a divorced couple, an adulterous married man and his mistress, and a doubting wife. Burns' look at relationships leaves no stone unturned as the main characters and their friends discuss their love lives. Filmed throughout New York City, the characters' stories are spliced together by their own personal monologues in documentary-style scenes. Well-delivered, witty, and humorous banter that is reminiscent of the works of Woody Allen keeps the story moving, as does the shooting technique of following behind the characters with the camera. Tucci, in particular, delivers a standout performance as a two-timing, lecherous dentist. [More]
Starring: Stanley Tucci, Edward Burns, Rosario Dawson, Heather Graham
Starring: Stanley Tucci, Edward Burns, Rosario Dawson, Heather Graham, David Krumholtz, Dennis Farina, Leah Gray
Director: Edward Burns
Director: Edward Burns
Screenwriter: Edward Burns
Producer: Margot Bridger, Edward Burns, Rick Yorn, Cathy Schulman
Studio: Paramount Classics
Get This Movie
Reviews for Sidewalks of New York
It's hard enough for Allen to make a great movie these days. The last thing we need is a second-rate talent aping him.
The psychobabble never reaches Allen-esque levels; an overriding innocence and optimism corrals the dialogue and redeems even the older, more complicated psyches in the ensemble.
The film uncovers no hidden truths about relationships except one: Romantic comedies don't have to be profound when they are as appealing as this one.
As a romantic comedy on your film menu, Sidewalks of New York holds the romance and serves comedy on the side.
Make no mistake, [Burn's] damn good at his singular craft, adept at building and oiling this particular machine. And it runs as smoothly as ever -- the plentiful laughs arrive right on cue, as do the occasional moments of near-poignancy.
It is nice that Sidewalks reflects a younger, multiethnic New York, one in which not everybody is wealthy and middle-aged or older as Allen's New York increasingly was. But diversity is no substitute for quality.
Though the writing doesn't work, you have to give Burns credit for shrewd direction.
The acting must be superb in a film that attempts to recreate real life, and it doesn't disappoint.
Leaving this film you're thinking less of the characters or the issues raised than of the numerous shots of the World Trade Center, which can be seen in the background of several scenes.
These are base, ugly people whose mating habits are both dreary and unrealistic.
Wants to be a realistic, Woody Allenesque look at the way New Yorkers date now ... but the whole thing is like a sheet of plastic veneer on particleboard.
"Sidewalks of New York" writer-director Edward Burns has managed to find the five or six least engaging people in New York to waste 107 minutes on.
My own instinct tells me that Sidewalks of New York doesn't work and doesn't go anywhere, but there are a few talented performers on display.
Sidewalks of New York is a love letter to a city and a populace that deserve it.
What's good about the film is tritely good, and what's weak ... is show-biz tacky.
A pretty good chick flick for chicks, which is why it might very well be a good date movie.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 95% 95% | Star Trek |
| 14% 14% | The Ugly Truth |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 86% 86% | A Christmas Tale |
| 60% 60% | Paper Heart |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Around The Network
- Sidewalks of New York at Rotten Tomatoes
- Sidewalks of New York at IGN
- Sidewalks of New York at AskMen
Fresh Links
Featured

MSN Movies offers a little background on the success of Disney Animation.

TIME takes a look back at the history of vampires on film.

Techland examines the visual splendor of Peter Jackson's upcoming film.

AOL put together a list of 10 recent news items that would be perfect as TV Movies.

Hollywood.com's C. Robert Cargill explores how remakes and reboots have warped our thinking.
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!



Top Critic


