Playful murder mystery

Scoop, Woody Allen's latest comedy, is a romantic murder mystery that is occasionally funny and charming.

The film is a lighter version of last year's Match Point, which was also shot in London and features beautiful women, a murder and handsome British aristocrats.

If Match Point was Allen's attempt to regain credibility as a filmmaker after a string of disappointing films, Scoop is a purely playful exercise. It is a minor genre film that allows Allen to relax and show us his funny side again without being too cynical, sarcastic or serious.

Scarlett Johansson, who also starred in Match Point, plays Sondra, an American journalism student in London. She comes across the ghost of a deceased journalist (Ian McShane) in a magician's trick closet. The awkward magician is played by Allen.

The ghost tips Sondra off about the identity of a secret serial killer - Peter Lyman, the son of an aristocratic family. Eager to make her first big break in journalism, Sondra befriends Peter, who is charmed by this beautiful young woman.

During her investigation, Sondra falls helplessly in love with this rich and good-looking young man who may or may not be the killer. Meanwhile, the serial killer strikes again and Sid worries that Sondra, blinded by love, may become the next victim.