Scoop

Reading a wide variety of "Scoop" reviews over the past few days, I walked into the theater prepared for a subpar outing from Woody. Happily, I couldn't have been more wrong. Granted, Woody the performer is slowing down a touch or two, but Woody the writer/director is in fine form - and found a credible way to integrate his 70-year old self into the story. Judging from the laughter and guffaws, the audience ate up Allen's one-liners and dialogue in a way that I haven't seen in several years.

In a movie landscape dominated by software-approved story arcs, twentysomething tastes and assembly-line formula fare for kiddies, it's a source of both satisfaction and inspiration to see Allen pursuing his highly personal and still-rewarding path.

I thought this was a wonderful way to spend time on a too hot summer weekend, sitting in the air conditioned theater and watching a light-hearted comedy. The plot is simplistic, but the dialogue is witty and the characters are likable (even the well bread suspected serial killer). While some may be disappointed when they realize this is not Match Point 2: Risk Addiction, I thought it was proof that Woody Allen is still fully in control of the style many of us have grown to love.

This was the most I'd laughed at one of Woody's comedies in years (dare I say a decade?). While I've never been impressed with Scarlet Johanson, in this she managed to tone down her "sexy" image and jumped right into a average, but spirited young woman.

This may not be the crown jewel of his career, but it was wittier than "Devil Wears Prada" and more interesting than "Superman" a great comedy to go see with friends.

Admittedly on first viewing I didn't care for Scoop, finding it weirdly plotted and not very funny. Seeing it again as part of a Woody Allen film marathon and being much more used to his style(that I wasn't at the time on first viewing must have a lot to do with not caring for it in the first place), Scoop was far better than initially remembered. It is a long way from Allen's best films, see Annie Hall, Manhattan, Crimes and Misdemeanours, Hannah and her Sisters and Husbands and Wives to see him at his best, but it is better than Cassandra's Dream and To Rome with Love. Scoop is not without imperfections, the story is very far-fetched at times with some convolutions and scenes that don't add to very much, Hugh Jackman is very underused and Scarlett Johansson looks uncomfortable, she's much better in Match Point. Scoop is photographed with style and atmosphere and there is great use of locations. The classical music score is a good fit and will be a delight for any classical music fan, while Allen's directing is as adroit as ever. Allen's writing has been much more insightful and thought-provoking, but the script is still very clever and funny(and in distinctive Woody Allen style), Allen and Ian McShane have the best lines, and while the story is not completely successful the blend of comedy and mystery has enough moments where it works(it has been done far better before though, notably Crimes and Misdemeanours). Allen is hilarious and witty- knowing exactly how to say and time his lines- though with a character that had a danger of falling into the trap of mugging. Ian McShane is wonderfully mysterious and says his lines, and as said before he has the best of them alongside Allen, in a sardonically sly fashion, you just wish he had more screen time. And while Hugh Jackman is underused when you do see him he is dashing and charismatic. All in all, it is easy to see why people won't like Scoop, initially I didn't but on re-watch while problematic it was much better than expected considering the rep it has among a fair few people that consider it as one of Allen's worst. 7/10 Bethany Cox

I went to the movie theater this afternoon expecting to be underwhelmed by Scoop. Happily, the film exceeded expectations, at least a little bit. It's nothing heavy, nothing deep -- and not anywhere as good as any number of real Allen masterpieces -- but it's also completely enjoyable as a light, bantering comedy. There's something kind of simple and sweet about it. "Cute" was the word I heard from people in the audience as they were walking out after the show. It doesn't feel like Allen set out to create a masterpiece here, it feels like he wanted to make a little comedy and have fun doing it. Compared to just about everything Hollywood is producing, Allen's stuff has a tendency to charm. Even the fluffy stuff. These days it's just refreshing to go to a movie made by an actual human being.

Allen combines his two favourite things - murder and magic here. Best of all, he also acts, and has good repartee with the young actress. Jackman also perfect as Playboy billionaire. There's a good ghost too.