MovieChat Forums > Scoop (2006) Discussion > Utter Garbage

Utter Garbage

posted 16 years ago by neilprivate
71 replies | jump to latest

This movie has no single redeeming feature, believe me I tried hard to find one. The direction is abysmal, the acting atrocious, the script infantile and the plot is straight out of the Scooby Doo reject pile.

I can't recommend avoiding this too strongly. Woody is seriously past his sell by date and this film will leave a foul and very permanent stain on the careers of all involved.

There can be no excuses for crappola like this, not even the Police Academy series found rock bottom with such aplomb. Little wonder then that Woody stuggles to raise money to shoot in his beloved hometown... on this performance he'll be very lucky if they let him back in at all.

6.8/10 this currently stands at, I can't believe that's the genuine average from 18,000 real viewers. Methinks perhaps most who have voted highly haven't actually seen the film, or worse, they're just 14 year old fans of Scarlett applauding blindly.

[–] Greenteeth 16 years ago

I didn't think it was garbage, but it was weak. The writing was thin, Jackman's character wasn't fleshed out at all, and at times it seemed that the lines weren't read correctly. It just struck me as a project that was hastily thrown together.

[–] gmoneystyles 15 years ago

Just because you're woody and command a huge network of filmschool fanboys doesn't mean your crap is good. In fact, it stinks. you suck it woody, woody you suck it.

[–] INeedUnguent 15 years ago

Just adding my 2 cents: I was surprised that it was so amateurish...both the script and Woody's acting. Johansson was miscast. Jackman's part was underdeveloped, though I thought he gave a delicately understated performance. Totally mediocre film. I know actors jump at the chance to work with Allen, but these actors were not well served. Too bad.

Oh dear, you men do get into such a state about 'the midlands', don't you?

[–] 15 years ago

[deleted]

[–] death_of_the_endless 15 years ago

I enjoyed it, and it's a lot better than most so called comedies getting released these days. And it clearly hasn't left much of stain on the careers of those involved, has it? Anyway I gave it 7/10 and I have seen the film and I'm not a 14 year old Scarlett fan, so perhaps rethink your theory there pal.

You lived what anybody gets, Bernie. You got a lifetime.

[–] chris-rogers2 15 years ago

I found it unwatchable. I detest Allen and only watched it because of Johansson and Romla Garai, who finally got a chance to do her own accent and be in a contemporary film.

The 'plot' - and I use the term loosely - was as bad in reality as it sounded (college writer sees dead journalist who hints that English toff might be a serial killer - WTF??), Allen's 'acting' was schtick which made me choke and Johansson - who saved Match Point - was terrible.

This never got released in the UK - thank *beep*

[–] Torrible_2013 15 years ago

I thought the show was ok. The constant banter between Allen and Scarlett kept me engrossed somewhat. I thought it was hilarious how Allen pointed out that Scarlett gave up her body so easily before obtaining a single shred of admissible evidence

Tribute to Bruce Lee's Master Ip Man
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7SV3XMAdyk&fmt=18

[–] rfniligxkx 15 years ago

The constant banter between Allen and Scarlett kept me engrossed somewhat.

There was a lot of funny dialogue, but I think it kind of got lost in the poor delivery by both Allen and Johansson. In this case Woody should've let someone else step into his shoes. And as far as Scarlett goes, well, she's just a lousy actress.

But what I liked about this movie (beside the aforementioned humour) are the gorgeous locations and the choice of music too.

[–] true9999 15 years ago

neilprivare is correct in his assessment of this movie.

I gave it a 3 and I really think that is too high. The most interesting part of the movie was the dead people on a ship with the Grim Reaper. There was a missed opportunity there. In fact, the movie should've been about that voyage and the interaction of the characters on board.

I think Woody just wanted to hang with Scarlett as someone said earlier. There really is no other good reason to have made this movie. It certainly lacked the social commentary one often finds in Woody Allen's movies.

Just a truly awful movie.

[–] luxmissus 14 years ago

I never expected Woody Allen to do an utterly forgettable movie, but boy this is it. I know Allen, Johannsen and Jackman are all capable actors so it must have been the writing and directing.

I kept expecting it to get better, but it didn't. It was a nothing film. Sad.

[–] steve-2127 15 years ago

It is entertaining and fun. It has old fashioned qualities like a story and charm.
Ok i had finally accepted Woody was going down hill, so this was a surprise. Reminded me of Curse of the Jade Scorpion- charm and stories from another era.
Doesn't compare with his best but shows that average Woody has more invention, wit and charm than most of what Hollywood produces

[–] spotlightne 15 years ago

I totally agree with the OP. I have found Woody's films to be totally unwatchable for the last 30 years. It's true, they're invariably infantile, self-undulgent and stupid.

[–] akeshishian17969 15 years ago

If you haven't been able to watch them how do you know what they've been like?

[–] jouzinka 15 years ago

I thought this movie was pretty entertaining. I most enjoyed Scarlett's performance, she was just fabulous! It didn't aspire very high, but it was a nicely spent two hours. A lot of subtlety that you had to watch out for, but I agree that the dialogues of Scarlett and Woody had some pretty fun parts in them. Hugh was this time only a decoration, but hell-of-a-one to look at.

I guess I enjoyed it because I kinda prefer witty funny conversation over the gags of Police Academy, but to each his own... =:)

If the Gods want to punish you, they answer your prayers.