Post by PTAhole on Dec 4, 2006 18:50:48 GMT -5
SCOOP
Written and directed by Woody Allen
Starring
Scarlett Johansson, Hugh Jackman, and Woody Allen
Written and directed by Woody Allen
Starring
Scarlett Johansson, Hugh Jackman, and Woody Allen
Woody Allen had a long period throughout the 1990's and early 00's where he seemed to be in a rut. Rarely turning out any great films that recall his most productive period (What's Up, Tiger Lilly-Crimes and Misdemeanors) and creating a lot of mediocre fare such as The Curse of the Jade Scorpion and Anything Else. However, with the arrival of Melinda and Melinda in 2004, Woody seemed to take a turn. The next year, he released Match Point, his best film in years, and people began to anticipate Woody's next film again.
Scoop follows Sondra Pransky, a young American journalist (Johansson) in London who gets a tip from a dead newsman (Ian McShane) about the infamous Tarot Card Killer. The supposed killer is a very well known social figure named Peter Lyman (Jackman). To help uncover Lyman, Sondra enlists the help of Sid Waterman (Allen), a magician visiting London. Sondra winds up falling in love with Peter, which causes problems for everyone involved.
Many critics ravaged Scoop when it was first released, however, as is the case with many films, I found myself going against the commonly held opinion. The movie isn't without it's problems. Johansson gives one of her worst performances in recent memory, and there are a few too many jokes that fall flat, but the film is just too playful and fun to resist. It reminds me of the more comedic Hitchcock films. It truly convinces you that Peter isn't the Tarot Card Killer on a few occasions. Despite my earlier comment, the film is funny. Woody provides a few laughs in every scene he's in.
While Scoop isn't top-notch Woody, it is a very fun way to spend some time, and obviously a must for Allen's fans.
9/10
