Scoop with Scarlett Johansson: A Review of Woody Allen's Latest Film

This is both a joy and a disappointment in the grand opus of Woody Allen, particularly with respect to its forerunner, the highly successful departure from the auteur's norm, "Match Point." Disappointment because it doesn't follow that terrific mystery thriller in style nor discipline; joy because in its reversion to standard Allen fare, it features and expands upon the naturalistic talents of one Scarlett Johansson.

In his comments off screen, Allen extols the virtues of his latest screen partner. What I personally like so much about what she does here is the modest workmanlike approach, the honesty, the reaching into new requirements with almost every picture she makes, nailing it, moving on, and without pretensions. She's aware of what she's got, makes no fuss over it, and uses it in the best interests of whatever she's in. So, Woody, move over. She's not just your heroine.

What Allen apparently saw in her during their last film was an effortless ability to engage, to explore, and to deliver with straight honesty . He mines her talent here for all the comedic timing she possesses, which is both considerable and striking. If she were at the beginning of her career, you might say this performance will open new doors but, as surprising as she is, her malleability is already well established. Maybe the only thing she hasn't done is play opposite the traditional Woody Allen personna. Until now.

They're a pair all right. She's Sondra Pransky, a student who once wanted to be a dental assistant and now wants nothing more than to become a journalist. He's Sid Waterman, aka Splendini, about as poor a magician who ever was allowed on a stage. Both are Americans in London, she staying with a friend, he plying his act, the grand finale of which consists of taking a member of the audience, playing that person with repartee that's as withered with age as he is, and putting them in a wardrobe-sized box ostensibly to rearrange their molecules. To prove the success of it, he opens the door and the
person has disappeared.

Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson and Woody Allen in the comedy movie, "Scoop."

Credit: Focus Features

Copyright: Focus Features