Review

Review Date: 31-July-06
Spoiler Rating: Low
Juju Judgment: Juicy

Scoop (2006)

Allen plays past "Match Point," proves he still knows comedy

The Jujube Press
July 31, 2006

Noted filmmaker Woody Allen has followed up his career-resurrecting drama "Match Point" with "Scoop," a new comedy starring Scarlett Johansson, Hugh Jackman, and the writer/director himself. The movie represents a successful return to form for Allen and solidifies his working relationship with the British film industry. Set in London, "Scoop" follows the antics of an American college student (Johansson) who thinks she has found a great way to launch a journalism career when she's contacted by a ghost (Ian McShane) bearing newsworthy secrets. This ghost, a former ace reporter, alerts Johansson to the possible identity of the Tarot Card Killer, who has murdered several prostitutes over the past eight months and left behind no clues. Aided by a hapless New York magician (Allen), the girl insinuates herself into the life of the aristocratic suspect (Jackman) but falls for him before she can establish his guilt or innocence. The inept sleuthing of the Yanks abroad constitutes the bulk of the movie's plot and humor.

Like London, Johansson is taking her second star turn in an Allen film, and the results are mixed. She appears to adjust to comedy before our eyes, sometimes stilted and sometimes hitting her stride. Fortunately, her characteristic beauty and charisma don't suffer from the fluctuations of her delivery, and she seems to enjoy herself throughout. The equally lovely Jackman is well suited for the part of male tempter, and Allen brings revived charm to his longstanding schtick as a chattering nebbish. He gets most of the big laughs in "Scoop," sensibly forgoing a romantic role for a paternal one.

Though not especially inventive or uproarious, the movie offers a pleasant diversion and a welcome break from the louder films of summer. It also confirms that Allen still has the inside dirt on how to make people laugh.

Copyright © 2006 The Jujube (M. I. Kim). All rights reserved.