3. Scoop (2006)
With the success of Match Point, Woody chose to keep a number of elements for his next feature. Scarlett Johansson returns to the second Allen film to be set in London in a row. Scoop is a traditional caper comedy with misdirection, chases and lots and lots of jokes. The ghost of a recently deceased investigative reporter, Joe Strombel (Ian McShane) appears to budding journalist Sondra Pransky (Johansson) as she takes part in a magic trick. He gives her the scoop of the title, the identity of the 'Tarot card serial killer', which she then has to investigate with bumbling magician The Great Splendini (Allen) in tow. As in 'Match Point', Allen steps back from the male lead and casts a younger, more handsome, actor. (Hugh Jackman) On screen Allen finds his place as a bumbling comic relief rather than at centre stage and for this film and that fits perfectly. His banter with Johansson is a huge highlight. Yet again this film nods to Allens past but reveals new avenues at the same time. It is not perfect but it is solidly made Allen fun with enough young blood to make it fresh and vibrant.