• In theaters July 28 2006
• Rated PG-13 for some sexual content
• RunTime: 96 min
• Website
• Matt's rating - 3.75 out of 5
• Cindy's rating - 4 out of 5

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Matt's Review

When a college newspaper writer (Scarlett Johansson) on vacation in London gets the scoop of the year from a dead journalist (Ian McShane) she teams up with a traveling magician (Woody Allen) to try and catch the Tarot Card killer who may or may not be a prominent aristocrat (Hugh Jackman). When her scooping turns into romance she has a tough time determining truth.

This is classic Woody Allen who strayed slightly in his last film (though it was brilliant) and is back in full anxiety overdrive. Even at 70 years old he is still as quick and witty as ever. Most of this film is Allenís verbal antics and he doesn't miss a beat. What this means of course is that if you are not a fan of Woody Allen this will be 96 minutes of torture. He plays the role almost as a standup routine. With each scene becoming a chance to spew streams of concern and commentary. Most of which is laugh out loud funny.

If Allen is the standup, Johansson is the straight girl. Gone is the dark brooding character in Allen's last film Match Point, here Scarlet plays a bubbly if not sometimes dorky college student who is on the verge of a huge story if she can keep her heart and head in gear. This was a fun side of Johansson that rarely gets seen. The young, wide eyed, almost goofy side. She played it convincingly and was in perfect rhythm with Allen. They acted as if they have been doing movies together for years.

I loved the way they kept the mystery simple. It played like a 50ís British caper. They didn't try and twist plots and confuse you with characters. They simply let the three main leads carry you through. And when it ended, it was over. Very stylish, very classy, very enjoyable.

Scoop is Rated PG-13 for some sexual content. The language is mild and the violence they talk about is never seen. Even the sexual content is suggested and obvious without the act playing out. Easily a film for anyone 12 and up. Granted most younger film goers may tire of Woody's words and may find it a bit older generation-ish. I give it 3.75 out of 5 cards. A truly fine film. With a look at Scoop, Iím Matt Mungle