Curse of the Jade Scorpion, The

Some things never change in Woody Allen movies, such as the now-60something filmmaker romancing a female co-star much younger than himself.

If that's not bad enough, Allen's comedic skills seem to be deserting him. His films since 1995's "Mighty Aphrodite" have been increasingly labored — especially his latest, "The Curse of the Jade Scorpion."

That's not to imply that this '40s-period screwball comedy is unwatchable. In fact, a mediocre Woody Allen comedy is still funnier than at least 50 percent of what passes for movie comedy these days.

But when you consider what Allen is capable of at his best, "Scorpion" is definitely something of a disappointment. There are filmmaking gaffes that range from the chemistry-free pairing of the two leads (Allen and Helen Hunt) to the leisurely (or perhaps yawn-inducing) pacing.

In addition to his writing and directing duties, Allen stars as C.W. Briggs, the top investigator for the North Coast Insurance and Fidelity Co. However, the company's new efficiency expert, Betty Ann Fitzgerald (Hunt), has begun calling some of his unique investigation methods into question, including his enlisting lowlifes and known criminals as sources of information.

Betty Ann also wants to contract out some of the firm's investigations, leading to a bitter verbal feud between the two co-workers. But beneath it all, the two are actually smitten with each other — something that's brought out by a hypnotist (David Ogden Stiers).

The stage performer also uses post-hypnotic suggestion to get C.W. to rob several of the company's wealthy clients. Once he realizes the truth, C.W. tries in vain to convince his friends and co-workers that he's not guilty. Interestingly, Betty Ann seems to be taken with this new, "changed" C.W.

In addition to Allen's uninspired direction, no one really seems to have a firm grasp on their characters (in some cases, the cast seems to be doing cold-readings). Worst of all, Allen's trademark stuttered delivery is at its most annoying here.

And even though Hunt does class up the film a bit, the only real star may be cinematographer Zhao Fei (Allen's collaborator on "Small Time Crooks" and "Sweet and Lowdown"), who photographs Allen in such a way that he doesn't look quite so old.

"The Curse of the Jade Scorpion" is rated PG-13 for sexual banter and double-entendres, as well as scattered use of mild profanities. Running time: 103 minutes.

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