Movies

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 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.

Sondra Pransky (Scarlett Johansson) is an American journalism student. She gets pulled on stage to assist magician Sidney Waterman (Woody Allen). Only she gets the scoop of a lifetime from the newly dead Joe Strombel (Ian McShane) who escaped to tell her that wealthy Peter Lyman (Hugh Jackman) is the infamous Tarot Killer.Here's the thing. Johansson is way too hot. All the hem hawing and Woody Allen impersonation can't make her funny. The best that can be achieved with those glasses is super cuteness. She's no Sarah Silverman. And that's what's needed here. Johansson can keep up with Woody but she doesn't excel. This is a cute little Woody Allen movie. Having said this, who can say no to the super hot Johansson. Seeing Johansson mimic Woody in exchanges with Woody has it's own surreal appeal.