Scoop Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dead journalist from beyond the grave tells a ditsy journalism student that Wolverine is a serial killer, and Woody Allen tags along for the ride, mostly to complain and do bad magic tricks.

🍿 Scoop: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Death and a Tip

The film opens with the funeral of journalist Joe Strombel. As Strombel’s spirit crosses the River Styx, he learns from another recently deceased passenger that Peter Lyman, a wealthy aristocrat, is suspected of being the Tarot Card Killer, a serial murderer of prostitutes. Determined to break one last story, Strombel escapes from the Grim Reaper.

A Magician’s Show and a Ghostly Encounter

Sondra Pransky, an American journalism student in London, attends a magic show by Sidney Waterman, a.k.a. The Great Splendini. During a trick involving a ‘dematerializing’ box, Sondra is visited by Strombel’s ghost. He reveals his suspicions about Peter Lyman, urging Sondra to investigate.

Infiltration and Investigation

Sondra, with the reluctant help of Sid, decides to investigate Lyman. She uses Sid’s magic and deception skills to infiltrate Lyman’s social circle. Sondra pretends to be ‘Jade Spence’, the daughter of a wealthy oil tycoon (Sid’s persona). She attracts Lyman’s attention and begins a relationship, all while gathering information.

Doubts and Discoveries

As Sondra falls for Lyman, she begins to doubt his guilt. Sid, however, becomes more suspicious, especially after Sondra finds a deck of Tarot cards hidden in Lyman’s vault. Despite the lack of hard evidence, Sid encourages Sondra to publish a story implicating Lyman.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sondra Pransky (Scarlett Johansson): An American journalism student in London who receives a tip from a ghost and investigates a potential serial killer.
• Peter Lyman (Hugh Jackman): A wealthy and charming aristocrat suspected of being the Tarot Card Killer.
• Sidney Waterman (Woody Allen): A struggling stage magician who reluctantly assists Sondra in her investigation.
• Joe Strombel (Ian McShane): A deceased British journalist who returns as a ghost to deliver a tip about a serial killer.
• Jane Cook (Fenella Woolgar): A murder victim on her way to the afterlife, who informs Joe about Peter Lyman.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sid Waterman: “I was born into the Hebrew persuasion, but when I got older, I converted to narcissism.” – Sid makes this remark when asked about his religious beliefs, showcasing his self-centeredness.
• Joe Strombel: “A great reporter is never wrong.” – This highlights Joe’s obstinacy in pursuit of a story, even from beyond the grave.
• Sid Waterman: “From his point of view, we’re scum.” – Sid observes about they seem to Peter Lyman, highlighting the class difference and their disguise as wealthy people.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $17.3M
• Domestic Gross: $10.5M
• Worldwide Gross: $39.2M

💥 Scoop Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘Scoop’ isn’t going to win any awards, but I had a blast watching it! Scarlett Johansson is adorable as the awkward Sondra, and Hugh Jackman is effortlessly charming (even if he might be a murderer!). I loved the scenes where Woody Allen is just being Woody Allen – his stammering and complaining always crack me up. The plot is kind of silly, but it keeps you guessing, and honestly, sometimes you just need a lighthearted movie with a few laughs. Plus, seeing London through Woody Allen’s eyes is always a treat. I give it a solid recommendation for a fun movie night!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Woody Allen comedies”
  • “Those who enjoy lighthearted mysteries”
  • “Viewers who appreciate British humor and settings”
  • “Fans of Scarlett Johansson and Hugh Jackman”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Implied sex scenes”
  • “Murder and violence”
  • “Some suggestive dialogue”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “While ‘Scoop’ has moments of classic Woody Allen wit, it ultimately feels like a lesser work. Johansson is charming, but the plot meanders and lacks the sharp edge of his best films. It’s a pleasant enough distraction, but not a memorable one.
• Rolling Stone: “‘Scoop’ is a breezy, enjoyable romp through London with Allen’s trademark neurotic humor. Jackman shines as the charming suspect, and Johansson proves she can handle comedy as well as drama. Not groundbreaking, but definitely entertaining.
• Variety: “Woody Allen’s ‘Scoop’ is a slight but amusing diversion. The film coasts along on its clever premise and a good turn by Scarlett Johansson, but the overall result is somewhat forgettable.

Audience Reactions

Hugh Jackman’s charm and charisma really made the movie enjoyable, even if the plot was a bit far-fetched.: The performances were great, especially Hugh Jackman, and the humor was classic Woody Allen, even if it wasn’t his best work.

Scarlett Johansson’s comedic timing was surprisingly good, and she played the awkward American student perfectly.: The movie was a fun and light-hearted escape, perfect for a relaxing evening.

Overall Consensus: A light and amusing comedy with strong performances from the cast, but ultimately a minor entry in Woody Allen’s filmography.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Woody Allen tailored the lead character specifically for Scarlett Johansson, recognizing her comedic potential while working on ‘Match Point’.”
• “This is the second movie of Woody Allen filmed in London, along with ¨Match Point and Cassandra’s dream¨.”
• “It is the second shooting with his last muse, Scarlett Johansson, along with ¨Match Point and Vicky Cristina Barcelona¨, in production and recently filmed in Spain when filming by Allen always in US and New York specially.”

🖥️ How to Watch Scoop?

Scoop is currently available for streaming or purchase on several platforms. You can find it on Amazon Prime Video for purchase or rental. It’s also available on Apple TV for digital purchase. Check local listings for cable or streaming options that may include the film in their on-demand library.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Scoop, you might like these similar films:

• Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993): Both films involve amateur sleuths investigating a potential crime with comedic elements and Woody Allen’s signature style.
• Match Point (2005): Also starring Scarlett Johansson and set in London, this film explores themes of crime and morality, though with a darker, less comedic tone.
• Bullets Over Broadway (1994): Another Woody Allen comedy featuring crime elements and witty dialogue, showcasing Allen’s comedic writing and directing.

🛒 Scoop Related Products

• Woody Allen: A Documentary: A comprehensive look at Woody Allen’s life and career, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• London: A City in Film: A cinematic journey through London’s history and culture, exploring its iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
• Tarot Cards Deck with Guidebook: A complete tarot deck with an illustrated guidebook for beginners and experienced readers alike.
• Scoop [Blu-ray]: Experience Scoop as it should be seen, on Blu-Ray.

🎧 Soundtrack

Scoop features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Swan Lake Ballet Suite” – performed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
• “In the Hall of the Mountain King” – performed by Edvard Grieg

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Rufus Sewell Transforms into Prince Andrew | Scoop | Netflix

Ever wondered how actors transform into iconic real-life figures? This video takes you behind the scenes of “Scoop,” showing how Rufus Sewell transformed into Prince Andrew. From makeup to mannerisms, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the art of acting.

The Women Behind The Newsnight Interview | Scoop | Netflix

Curious about the real story behind “Scoop”? This video features interviews with the actresses who played the women who secured Prince Andrew’s infamous interview. It’s a fascinating blend of history, drama, and personal anecdotes.

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