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Written by McClatchy-Tribune
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Wednesday, 26 July 2006 |
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‘Scoop’
Three stars [out of 4]
Scarlett Johansson, Hugh Jackman, Woody Allen and Ian McShane
PG-13 (sexual references, mild violence), 1 hr. 36 mins.
Woody Allen’s “Scoop” is a comfortable old shoe.
It reflects the filmmaker’s proprietary love for his female characters, his adoration of old movies, his new affection for London and his fascination with the American psyche, including his own.
It all adds up to a cozy fit. It never matches “Match Point,” Allen’s 2005 salute to foggy London nights, but it’s a charmer all the same. This time, Woody’s out to challenge neither the audience nor himself. He simply wants to supply us with a good time. And he does.
Scarlett Johansson plays Sondra Pransky, an American journalism student vacationing in London. She comically discovers a major suspect in a rash of London slayings committed by the Tarot Card Killer. Aiding her efforts is the ghost of master journalist Joe Strombel (Ian McShane, “Deadwood’s” nasty Al Swearengen). Attempting to aid her, not always successfully, is non-master Brooklyn magician Sid Waterman (Allen).
Sondra’s prime suspect is aristocratic, amiable Peter Lyman (Hugh Jackman). Strong circumstantial evidence points to Peter, but his natural charm makes him as unlikely a murderer as Cary Grant in “Charade.” Inevitably, he and Sondra become romantically involved.
Like Allen’s most memorable female protagonists, Sondra shows emotional growth. At first she seems too much a prototype of the breathless “girl reporter” stereotype. But it’s fun watching her evolve into a resourceful, assured young woman.
Some may dismiss “Scoop” as “minor Woody Allen” because it doesn’t traffic in major psychological probes. But it makes you smile. And that’s not such a minor accomplishment. | Only registered users can write comments.
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