2008 Woodie Awards
Woody Allen's surprising newest comedy gives Scoop
By: Kayla Bryant
Issue date: 11/29/06 Section: Entertainment & Features
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Editor-in-Chief
In the journalism world, every good story begins with a good scoop. When an American journalism student gets inside information from a recently deceased reporter that uncovers the identity of a serial killer as a member of English royalty, things get crazy in Woody Allen's newest comedy, Scoop, starring Scarlett Johansson and Hugh Jackman.
Allen, the man with the keys to Hollywood, wrote, directed and acted a lead role in the film about the perfect man, the perfect crime and the perfect scoop. Johansson's character, Sondra Pransky, a would-be investigative reporter, joins Sid Waterman, a magician named Splendini played by Allen, in a wild goose chase to prove Jackman's character, the highly respected Peter Lyman, is the tarot card serial killer.
Scoop is a refreshing film that renews Allen's ability to bring in the laughs after flops like Melinda and Melinda and Anything Else (although Match Point was chilling enough to make an impact and give Allen a little more credit after such repeated failure).
Johansson's Pransky is obnoxious and lacking in social skills but somehow her geek-complex lures you into being on her side throughout the film. Jackman is suave and charming in his role, a far cry from Wolverine. Allen, along with whimsical and peppy music, keeps the plot of a serial killer on the loose comedic for the most part and surprisingly light-hearted for such dark undertones.
The movie also plays six degrees of separation with Jackman and Johansson starring side by side in The Prestige, and Johansson and Allen working together in Match Point, prior to Scoop. The three have an undeniable chemistry on-screen that works to bring the would-be corny plot into something that actually works.
For those ready for a comedy actually different from the American Pie-esque films that seem rampant in theaters as comedies, Scoop is the perfect choice.
Scoop is now out on DVD and is rated PG-13 for some sexual content.
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