Scoop

Yet another Woody Allen movie.

Normally I am not a fan of Woody Allen, now I'm not saying that I hate his movies, however I have never found a desire to watch any of them. There is just something about the continual neurotic babbling that I can only take for so long. However Scoop was the exception to the rule. I had seen a trailer for it months ago and decided I just had to give it a try. Of course it doesn't hurt that it has Hugh Jackman in it either! ;)

I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. However, any movie that starts off with a dead man trying to bribe the Grim Reaper into letting him off of the boat across the river Styx has a lot to live up to, and this movie, in my opinion, delivers.

Lets start at the beginning.

The movie begins with the death of the afore mentioned reporter Joe Strombel (played by Ian McShane). In the afterlife Joe receives a hot tip about the Tarot Card Killer and finds he must pass this information on for one last big scoop! Lucky for him he finds unsuspecting journalism student Sondra Pransky (Scarlett Johansson) and passes on the information. With the help of Sid Waterman (Woody Allen), a magician with a tendency for one liners, Sondra sets off to get the story.

The prime suspect in the case, according to Joe, is very charming Peter Lyman (Hugh Jackman). Things become quite interesting when Sondra finds herself very attractive to Peter and the antics ensue.

The charm of this movie is not just found in the story, but also in the banter between the characters. Although it may not spark total laughter, it is amusing in its naturalness.

Some of the best banter is between Sondra and Sid as they fumble their way through the investigation. Most of the best one liners come from Woody Allen himself. I must say that watching them you can almost believe there is a real friendship building between the two.

Woody Allen is in rare form in this movie, able to deliver his lines with an ease that makes them charming... in a neurotic New Yorker sort of way. He is far from the main character in this movie, but on occasion he does steal the scene.

I love Scarlett Johansson, but this part doesn't fit her as perfectly as it could, the fumbling nature of Sondra would almost be more suiting on some one a bit more “ditzy” for lack of a better word. However, despite that she does a wonderful job with the part, showing yet again she can be a totally brilliant comedic actress.

However, it is Hugh Jackman who shines in his part. Now I'm not saying this because I fancy him, but because he really does an excellent job. The charming part of Peter Lyman is a natural fit for Jackman, allowing him to make Sondra, and women everywhere, swoon with ease.

Over all, if you are looking for an amusing 96 minutes of your time, I suggest taking a moment to check out Scoop. If you like your mysteries humorous, and your romance a little dark, you should find something in this movie to enjoy.