Woody Allen movies have a reputation for being hit-or-miss features, sometimes you laugh to the point where you pass out, and others your watch hand gets more attention than the screen. Scoop, I guess, would then qualify as a bunt. He clipped it, and it got him to the base, but it just didn't go the distance we wanted to see. Please, let me explain.
Granted, the plot was as good as most people could ask for, compelling storyline, goofy but enjoyable characters, and a sharp wit to keep the audience chuckling (at the very least).
Here's the plot:
An aspiring writer, Sondra Pransky (Scarlett Johansson) is in London to get an interview with a film legend (Kevin McNally), only to sleep with him instead. Without an interview she returns to the home of her English friend Vivian (Romola Garai) and wonders what she'll do without her big story. That very same night she attends a magic show where none other than Sid Waterman (Woody Allen) under a hokey magician alias is putting on the show. As most would predict, Sondra is called up to participate in that old-fashioned "put-the-girl-in-the-box-and-don't-watch-as-she-disappears"; this is where the movie truly begins.
During her stay in the "magical" box she meets the ghost of Joe Strombel (Ian McShane) who died about 2 minutes into the movie (a.k.a. that day). Mr. Strombel tells her that he's learned from another dead person that none other than English playboy bachelor Peter Lyman (Hugh Jackman) is responsible for the series of killings around London known as the "Tarot Card Killer". Then he disappears.
Obviously confused as to what she should do with this new found phantom lead, she confides in Sid the magician (of all people) what happened to her inside the box. Now, after Sid gets through his stage of disbelief the two embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind Mr. Lyman's involvement in the murders (if any) and in the process can you guess what happens? Sondra falls for Mr. Lyman. Shocker!!
Alright while that may not be a shocker so much, what is a shocker, I guess, is the number of times we're led to doubt and redoubt who actually is behind this dastardly plot. All the coincidences in the world just keep piling up and then falling over. Woody Allen has constructed, as far as storylines go an excellent tale that will keep you entertained.
Sadly, storylines aren't everything. In movies, the talent (that's Hollywood lingo for stars and actors/actresses), need to perform as well as the story would demand. Sadly, this isn't entirely the case. Woody Allen's one-liners are easily the funniest part of movie, leading to the line "Would you quit telling people I sprung from your loins?" Unfortunately when he's not entertaining he's a bit too neurotic (yes, I know that's "his thing"), but he's too neurotic for this character, or look at it another way, it's just not his best performance, but hey it's pretty good.
Scarlett Johansson unfortunately has a rather rough time keeping up with Allen's wit and more often than not looks more like a blockhead than an equal partner. Her acting in Scoop is a little bit stodgy and staggered, and it seems she didn't quite have a complete grasp of the material. This doesn't stop her from being entertaining at times, so don't abandon all hope.
Hugh Jackman is as roguish as ever sporting a British accent (a.k.a. a modified version of his natural Australian) and did well to play a character that is at this point outside his limited portfolio, so good for him. He can't be a mutant motorcycle rider forever can he? The part of Joe Strombel was played excellently by Mr. McShane and he kept his part very fun to watch. Of especially fun viewings, is his scene on the "Boat of Death", he's great there. Kevin McNally (you may recognize him from Pirates of the Caribbean, his look hasn't changed much) has a nice three minute role and beyond that, I guess I'd say it was neat.
If you have a lazy afternoon, check this one out, or wait for the rental. Either way you won't be disappointed. You may even be happy. Who''s to say?
"Scoop" opens July 28, 2006 and is rated PG13. Comedy, Drama. Written and directed by Woody Allen. Starring Anthony Head, Hugh Jackman, Ian McShane, Romola Garai, Scarlett Johansson, Woody Allen.
