matthall
08-07-2006, 01:27 PM
Scoop-Official Review Thread
Many say Woody Allen is washed up and on his way out, stating he hasn't made a good film in the past ten years. With "Melinda and Melinda," "Match Point," and now "Scoop," Allen has proven he is still one of the most versatile and exciting filmakers working today.
It should be stated that I am an avid Woody Allen fan and am admittedly biased. When I got the chance to see his latest at Michael Moore's Traverse City Film Festival as the closing night film before its national release I jumped at the opportunity.
The Plot is as follows: A young college journalist (Johansson) lands the biggest scoop of the century from a spirit that arose while she was a volunteer in a magic trick - the identity of Britain's "Tarot Card Killer". She rushes off with the magician (Allen) to spy on the suspect and land her story. The only problem is, she begins to fall for the subject of her expose.
This is familiar territory for Allen, it is a light-hearted romp in the lines of Manhatten Murder Mystery, and is every bit as fun.
The jokes abound in this charmer, while some fall flat, most are pretty amusing. And I assure you, any time the ''Swan Lake" theme sounds, you know something outlandish is about to happen.
Scarlett Johansson is very charming, playing against type, in fact she basically plays a youn hot female version of Woody Allen himself. Allen is as good as ever, though his stammering does get a bit tiring in the few parts that focus on him. Hugh Jackman is surprisingly enjoyable, and Ian Mcshane stole every scene he was in.
I will not reveal whom the Tarot Card Killer is, but while it really isn't that hard to see coming, it is not really the point, and it is enjoyable when in the way the reveal the killer's identity. The crowd really enjoyed the film as well.
The film was by no means perfect, but it is a step up from some of Woody Allen's latest. He shows that he is good as what he does with "Scoop" and seems to be improving.
*Side Note- I saw this as the closing film at the Traverse City FIlm Festival that was founded by Michael Moore, which he made home in my home town. He had the State Theater restored for the festival which was an old movie palace that was a great experience to be a part of.
8/10-Film rating
10/10 -The overall experience was the best movie going experience I have ever had, in the old movie palace theater, introduced by Michael Moore, and with all of the attendee's dressed up and buzzing with enjoyment.
Many say Woody Allen is washed up and on his way out, stating he hasn't made a good film in the past ten years. With "Melinda and Melinda," "Match Point," and now "Scoop," Allen has proven he is still one of the most versatile and exciting filmakers working today.
It should be stated that I am an avid Woody Allen fan and am admittedly biased. When I got the chance to see his latest at Michael Moore's Traverse City Film Festival as the closing night film before its national release I jumped at the opportunity.
The Plot is as follows: A young college journalist (Johansson) lands the biggest scoop of the century from a spirit that arose while she was a volunteer in a magic trick - the identity of Britain's "Tarot Card Killer". She rushes off with the magician (Allen) to spy on the suspect and land her story. The only problem is, she begins to fall for the subject of her expose.
This is familiar territory for Allen, it is a light-hearted romp in the lines of Manhatten Murder Mystery, and is every bit as fun.
The jokes abound in this charmer, while some fall flat, most are pretty amusing. And I assure you, any time the ''Swan Lake" theme sounds, you know something outlandish is about to happen.
Scarlett Johansson is very charming, playing against type, in fact she basically plays a youn hot female version of Woody Allen himself. Allen is as good as ever, though his stammering does get a bit tiring in the few parts that focus on him. Hugh Jackman is surprisingly enjoyable, and Ian Mcshane stole every scene he was in.
I will not reveal whom the Tarot Card Killer is, but while it really isn't that hard to see coming, it is not really the point, and it is enjoyable when in the way the reveal the killer's identity. The crowd really enjoyed the film as well.
The film was by no means perfect, but it is a step up from some of Woody Allen's latest. He shows that he is good as what he does with "Scoop" and seems to be improving.
*Side Note- I saw this as the closing film at the Traverse City FIlm Festival that was founded by Michael Moore, which he made home in my home town. He had the State Theater restored for the festival which was an old movie palace that was a great experience to be a part of.
8/10-Film rating
10/10 -The overall experience was the best movie going experience I have ever had, in the old movie palace theater, introduced by Michael Moore, and with all of the attendee's dressed up and buzzing with enjoyment.