Scoop

I used to think it admirable that Woody Allen could turn out almost a film per year strictly on his own terms, but I’m beginning to question the value of such sustained productivity. Maybe he should take a little longer, reach a little further. And he should definitely stop misusing Scarlett Johannson (here and in Match Point) and stop pairing himself with young lovelies. He has the ability to enlist superior performers, but apparently doesn’t give them adequate direction. Hugh Jackman, Ian McShane, and others are similarly wasted. Some of Woody’s own shtick is still wanly amusing, and the British settings convey some novelty, but we’ve basically seen this all before, better and sharper. I won’t bother to recapitulate the story, because it is utterly inconsequential. (2006, HBO, n.) *5* (MC-48.)