Woody Allen's second British film starring Scarlett Johansson is a tasty treat. Allen seems more comfortable now in his role as aging mentor/sidekick rather than leading man. Happily, he's still got the magic down.
The relatively small cast of key players works well: Johansson is smart and sassy, Allen is as full of wisecracks as ever, Ian McShane is perfect as a ghostly reporter, and Hugh Jackman plays the embodiment of aristocratic privilege.
What comes across is how much fun Woody and cast seem to be having. Less ambitious in scope than Match Point, Scoop still manages to touch on social class and identity, magic, luck, fate, mystery, and style, and it's fun. A nice summer movie, indeed. This one was given a quicker and wider release than Match Point. I was surprised to see it playing at a nearby megaplex. There were about six people in the audience. Still, Scoop ought to be able to make a profit on its relatively small four million dollar budget. Scarlett and Woody have a good comic chemistry, and she seems considerably sharper than many of her age peers in the business.Today's Rune: The Blank Rune.
6 comments:
Don't think of death as being a handicap.--Woody Allen, in "Scoop"
Oh Erik, You always suggest the best things. I'd love to have gone with you to see Scoop!
Erik
Thanks for the review. This movie is now on the top of my list of must sees.
Erik,
Just finished watching Ian McShane in "Deadwood", Season 1. He is one hell of an actor.
Hey all, thanks for the comments! Yeah, Ian McShane is terrific, and Deadwood is truly the Wild West unexpurgated.
Cheers,
Erik
I have a hard time not feeling squeamish while watching Woody Allen speak, but Ian McShane is so amazing I might have to check it out anyway (oh, yeah, and Deadwood rocks).
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