Scoop (2006) - 7 stars out of 10

Scoop (2006) - 7 stars out of 10

"Scoop" isn't Woody Allen's finest, but that is actually a compliment to all of his other work!  I really enjoyed this film, from the script to the characters to the acting.  It isn't the BEST script or the BEST characters that we have seen from Woody, but they are still wonderfully unique and memorable.  Scarlett Johansson is great as this geekily attractive journalist, though I feel as if there was some untapped potential for a "My Fair Lady" transformation of confidence and presence.  In the end, her character is essentially the same as when she started.  Nonetheless, she is still fun to watch as she unravels this mystery.  Hugh Jackman is a smooth operator as usual but the real treat of this film is Woody as "The Great Splendini," a  quirky magician with a Brookline accent.  "And I mean that with all due respect."  The story is predictable but the script and delivery of lines gives it a fresh feel.  This isn't my favorite mystery film... but that Woody Allen brand of humor makes it worth watching.