Scoop (2006)

Scarlett Johansson
Hugh Jackman
Ian McShane
Woody Allen

Directed by Woody Allen

Plot: The prominent--and recently belated--U.K. journalist Joe Strombel is being mourned by his fellow colleagues. Meanwhile, even as he's frustratedly stuck in limbo, Joe remains committed to pursuing a hot tip, from beyond, on the identity of "the Tarot Card Killer," who's still at-large in London. But how can his legwork get done now that he's dead--the answer is simple: via the very much alive Sondra Pransky. An American journalism student, Sondra is visiting friends in London. While watching a stage performance by another American, magician Sid Waterman (a.k.a. Splendini), Sondra is shocked to find herself able to see and hear the belated journalist. From beyond, Joe gives her the scoop of a lifetime and urges her to pursue it. Sondra immediately starts chasing the big story, enlisting the aid of a very reluctant Sid. Her chase leads right to a handsome British aristocrat, Peter Lyman, with whom she falls head over heels. Soon, Sondra finds that the romance of her lifetime may very well be the dangerous scoop for which she is in hot pursuit.

Review: Over the years I have come to the conclusion that I just don’t like Woody Allen films. Do I think he is a bad writer/director, no, but I do think he is over rated. Everyone wants to work with him so what do I know. I had never heard of this film, but I love Hugh Jackman, so decided to give it a chance.

This movie is actually pretty entertaining. Scarlett Johansson gives a great performance. It’s not a hard role to pull off, but she does it great. She is nerdy, irritating, and sexy all at once. Hugh Jackman is good, but nothing really special. It’s not due to his performance, but more of the character. This is one of those characters almost anyone could play. Woody Allen, who normally irritates me, was the surprise in this film. His character was entertaining and funny in every scene he was in. This movie isn’t some groundbreaking Acadamy Award type film, but it is original. There is an aspect of the story that takes it away from being just the normal romantic comedy. This is part of a script that when you read you think that it will never work, if not done just right. It was pulled off nicely and worked right into the story flawlessly. Like Woody Allen or not this is a good movie.
 

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