With virtually no chemistry between any of the actors/ characters, plus generally horrible delivery of the script, makes this unsatisfying from beginning to end. Performances seem much more like a 1st or 2nd run-through, rather than screen-ready by the actors but especially the director (Allen). The script itself is also stilted, made worse by the absence of nuance & timing in the performances. It's like the worst of community theatre, where everyone is waiting to say their lines, and not listening to or engaging with each other, not playing in the full context of the story.
Humor is lost in forced attempts at it.
With all the talent in virtually every role, and the great look, it's rightfully reviewed - including by Allen himself, as the worst of his films.
It's also a challenge to see Allen unconvincingly playing a character who would have to be 2 or 3 decades younger.
EDIT: everything above is valid, BUT, with a little more time, I realize the movie stayed with me. It's got a charm to its stylized manner. This is a great example of suspending disbelief, because of course, it's fiction. But, it's also an example of suspending expectations - expectations for a 'normal' movie, a typical Woody Allen film, etc. Taken 'as is', "The Curse of the Jade Scorpion" offers some light comedy with a great (though not optimized) cast, great looking cinema, and a touch of fun. It's worth watching.
Humor is lost in forced attempts at it.
With all the talent in virtually every role, and the great look, it's rightfully reviewed - including by Allen himself, as the worst of his films.
It's also a challenge to see Allen unconvincingly playing a character who would have to be 2 or 3 decades younger.
EDIT: everything above is valid, BUT, with a little more time, I realize the movie stayed with me. It's got a charm to its stylized manner. This is a great example of suspending disbelief, because of course, it's fiction. But, it's also an example of suspending expectations - expectations for a 'normal' movie, a typical Woody Allen film, etc. Taken 'as is', "The Curse of the Jade Scorpion" offers some light comedy with a great (though not optimized) cast, great looking cinema, and a touch of fun. It's worth watching.