Someone somewhere said that Woody Allen's new film, Scoop, is likely to be of little interest to anyone but tarot enthusiasts. Well, that person obviously didn't actually see the film before making that comment because, for one thing, tarot is a decidedly minor character in this story.

The plot, such that it is, revolves around a young journalism student (Scarlett Johannson) who is given the scoop of her life when the ghost of a veteran reporter visits her in the middle of a cheap disappearting act being performed by hack stage magician, Splendini (Woody Allen). He gives her the name of the Tarot Card Killer, a notorious serial killer, who just happens to be the son of a Lord, and tells her to go break the story.

Sound silly? It is. But it is my personal belief that not all movies have to be plot-driven in order to be good. And despite what a few reviewers have had to say about this film, it is. Good. And funny as all hell.

Funny like you walk out wanting to tell your friends its best lines. Funny like you're walking down the street and remember a moment and start laughing like an idiot. - Mick LaSalle, Movie Critic, San Francisco Chronicle

I'll say! This is one of those movies that you have to see at least twice because you were so busy laughing the first time you missed some of the lines. Like these:

I was born into the Hebrew persuasion, but when I got older I converted to Narcissism.

You may be dead, but that's no reason to be disillusioned.

Hugh Jackman, as the suspect and love interest, is given little more to do than to stand around and kiss Scarlett Johannson, which was perfectly fine with me. I'll take eye candy like Hugh Jackman any time.

Now, let me go check to see when the next show time is.

Posted by Angela-Eloise at 11:01 AM