Scoop

Scoop (2006) starring Woody Allen, Scarlett Johansson, Hugh Jackman, Ian McShane. Written and directed by Woody Allen. A recently deceased reporter (McShane) comes back as a ghost to tell college journalism student Sondra Pransky (Johansson) about a serial killer. She recruits a magician who calls himself the Great Splendini (Allen) to help her pursue the suspected killer, Peter Lyman (Jackman). Naturally, Sondra falls in love with Peter, and someone else soon confesses to the serial killings. But -- the plot thickens. This movie is pretty typical Woody Allen fare from recent years. There are a few funny moments, but the plot has holes you could drive a truck through, and it's generally only mildly satisfying fare. It seems mainly designed as a vehicle for Johansson, who Allen clearly has a thing for, but no harm is done. The subtitles included with the movie are pretty good. Grade: B