Scoop

this is an hilarious comedy-mystery in which a recently deceased journalist (ian mcShane) returns from the dead to find someone to whom he can impart vital information about the possible identity of a serial killer. He happens to connect with an earnest young american student of journalism (Scarlett Johansson) in the middle of taking part in the act of a stage magician, the Great Splendini, (Woody Allen). From then on the film just gets funnier and funnier as Johansson persuades allen to help her investigate the suspect, posh Englishman Peter Lyman (Hugh Jackman). from the moment allen walks on stage as the Great Splendini he had me in fits of laughter, and when he has to pretend to be Johansson's father he's just sublime. This is a wonderfully funny film from beginning to end.

Just a lovely lighthearted yet "murder" movie, which is a whole lot of fun but also has a serious edge. The actors are extremely good and the whole thing is very well done. I would recommend to anyone that loves Woody's movies! A classy feature.

This Woody Allen flick went almost a decade before finally getting a DVD release here in the UK - in some ways I can see why, it's far from his best work but as a fan I still found much to enjoy in this one.Allen takes a starring role this time out which adds an element to proceedings as we likely won't see that much more of him on screen. He plays a stage magician who teams up with Scarlett Johansson's amateur journalist after they get a tip off as to the identity of a notorious serial killer who's bumping off London prostitutes. This tip off comes from beyond the grave in the form of a deceased journalist (just go with it).Allen brings his usual fast patter with the odd corking one liner hitting home while Johansson plays nicely off him - they have a pretty decent, amusing, odd couple dynamic. Hugh Jackman gives us his best Hugh Grant impression as the possible murderer while a raft of familiar faces from British TV and film fill in the background.In terms of Allen's previous work it's similar in tone to Manhattan Murder Mystery for example with a dash of the fantastic from the likes of Midnight in Paris or The Purple Rose of Cairo. Each of those films are superior to this one of course but it's still worth a go. The plot is interesting enough and perhaps most importantly it is genuinely funny for the most part - bringing a fair few chuckles and the odd big laugh. Recommended for fans, cautiously recommended for everyone else.

First off a word of warning about the particular DVD I purchased Scoop. I received a Region 1 product that cannot be played on standard European Region 2 devices. And this is in no way indicated in the product description. I cannot be sure if the description is wrong or if the seller simply made a mistake when dispatching the item. I've contaceted the seller who were quick to refund. As DVD revriews usually appear for all versions of a film, I've rated this purely on the merits of the film, which I've seen before and like, but would advise buyers to opt for a different version from the one I ordered (see product link above).Now to the film itself. This is a bit of fluffy escapism - an unlikely romance with a murder mystery thrown in. Or is it the other way around? I don't think it matters, this is not a film that wants to be taken overly seriously. It's a bit of fun and light entertainment. And there is nothing wrong with that.A recently dead star reporter (Ian McShane) contacts an earnest young student journalist (Scarlett Johansson) and reveals to her that a young and rich aristocrat with political ambitions (Hugh Jackman) is a wanted serial killer, urging her to investigate the story and land the big scoop. With the help of an ageing stage magician (Woody Allen), she sets out on the task. Complications (and romance) ensue.It's a highly unlikely story, but if you're willing to go with it, it's actually quite enjoyable. You have to put up with Allen in front of the camera, but you are rewarded with a very enjoyable performance from Johansson. Jackman works well as her young millionaire love interest. He hasn't really a lot to do, but what he does he does well and he does look gorgeous. However, it is Ian McShane who steals every scene with his few short moments of screen time. The film is well cast with many familiar faces from British film and TV in supporting roles (Charles Dance has a very nice small part as newpaper editor). Apart from Allen whom I don't highly rate as an actor, all turn in solid performances. Nice little film for a rainy Sunday afternoon. Don't expect too much and you should enjoy it well enough.

Scoop was fantastic - my favourite Woody Allen film and I always love Hugh Jackman

Sadly Woody Allen decided to return to playing a lead role in this film which is not a great idea these days as his brand of awkward over-acting-bumbling-putz is way past it's used by date and just makes my skin crawl. Unfortunately Scarlett Johansen has also succumbed to the same fate other actors have when playing opposite Woody, or in his films, of trying to emulate his style which never works and weakens the film.Overall a waste of time, and disappointing, as it's a great cast...oh well.