Softwing Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??

Comwayon A Disappointing Continuation

Sarita Rafferty There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

Skyler Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

oOoBarracuda Often times I'm asked, usually by people who believe Woody Allen acted in his films for too long, why I better enjoy the films he has a role in over the films he doesn't. I can now point to The Curse of the Jade Scorpion as a prime example. I didn't love this film; like always, I have no problem with the fantasy elements intertwined with real world events, Woody Allen does a fantastic job of weaving real world and fantasy. Despite my lukewarm feeling to it, Woody Allen reveals himself to be not unlike the human chameleon he portrayed in his 1983 film, Zelig. Allen can so effortlessly put himself in any time period in any of his films and something about it will just work. Woody Allen can make himself work in any decade which makes it a consistent treat to see him pop up in his films. The 2001 film written and directed by Woody Allen saw him as an insurance investigator who can always catch a thief until he's hypnotized into becoming one. Also starring Helen Hunt, The Curse of the Jade Scorpion is another trek into comedy/fantasy/mystery land that Woody Allen is so proficient in.In New York in 1940, CW Briggs (Woody Allen) a veteran insurance investigator is having his life turned upside down as he is being challenged by an efficiency expert Betty Ann Fitzgerald, who started her position with the company 6 months prior. The two constantly butt heads as Betty Ann wants to implement drastic changes which rubs C.W. the wrong way, as he is reluctant to change. One evening after work, the office members go out for drinks and volunteer C.W. and Betty Ann to go on stage to be hypnotized by a performer. Despite both claiming to be unable to be hypnotized, they reluctantly go on stage and become entranced. The kicker is that they are both left under hypnosis and used in a robbery. While under hypnosis, C.W. is sent on a jewelry robbery that he has no recollection of. Meanwhile, sent back into hypnosis, Betty Ann assists in some robberies, as well. Following their instincts, the two are led to begin accusing each other of the crimes even though neither thinks the other has it in them to be a thief. It's always the Woody Allen films I like the least that I notice how funny they are. Maybe that's my own downfall in that I'm so invested in other areas of the Woody Allen films I enjoy that their comedy is secondary to me. Whatever the reason, I noticed all through watching The Curse of the Jade Scorpion that the script lands every joke it launches. Even the most subtle of jokes hit their mark through the entire film's run time. I was so impressed by the period detail achieved, the costumes, the dialogue, every aspect of the film felt like it was the 1940's. I missed Woody's black-rimmed bespeckled face, but his slimmer frames fit the tone of the film nicely. The Curse of the Jade Scorpion goes to show just how much is too Woody Allen, for me anyway, because I can always find something to appreciate in one of his films.

leonblackwood Review: This is another average movie from Woody Allen, about a man and woman who get  hypnotised to steal jewellery. The man works for a insurance company, who investigates claims, and the lady has been hired to save money for the company. The jokes weren't that funny and the storyline seemed far fetched. The whole movie was set around the 1940's and the director done well to portray the period well, but I couldn't take Woody Allen's annoying one liners which are typical from some of his earlier work. The chemistry between Helen Hunt and Allen was watchable and it was good to see Dan Akroyd as the head of the company, but the whole movie seemed to drag after a while and I must admit, I did struggle to stay awake. On the plus side, I liked the whole Woody Allen as a 1940's detective concept, but it was the storyline that let the movie down. Average!Round-Up: I'm still struggling to find Woody Allen's movies that funny, but I'm determined to find out why everyone wants to work with him. He does have a unique style of writing and his love for New York and troubled relationships, do work in some of his earlier projects, but I personally find his movies more entertaining when he isn't rambling on. I must admit, he always gets a brilliant cast and he does bring the best out of actors/actresses and his latest projects like the Blue Jasmine and Whatever Works were a great watch. It just seems like he lost his touch during the 90's. Anyway, I've still got quite a few Woody Allen movies on my rental list, so fingers crossed.Budget: $33million Worldwide Gross: $19million (Flop!)I recommend this movie to people who are into there Woody Allen movies about a man and woman who get hypnotised to rob expensive jewellery. 3\10

bd_gordon I am mostly familiar with Woody Allen's earlier work, such as the goof-ball comedies of the late '60's and early '70's. When he went cerebral, I lost interest... For 10 years, I've heard that "Curse of the Jade Scorpion" was considered by everyone - including Woody himself - his worse film, so I never bothered with it... One night last week, Netflix was showing it as a "Watch it Now" free offer, so I thought I'd at least give it a chance. I will tell you that I feel cheated all these years! I laughed through the entire film, and loved it so much that I bought the DVD! I've watched it several times with family and friends over a few occasions, and they loved it too! Perhaps it was released before it's time? I have no idea why it failed at the box office when it was released in 2001, nor can I understand why it was so disliked by the main critics of that time, but I honestly cannot find anything not to enjoy about this film: the story, the characters, the lavish 1940's sets and soundtrack... the chemistry between Allen and Hunt is believable, with witty, snappy dialog, and Woody is back as the underdog comedic hero again. I hope you give this movie a chance, it really has improved with age, and I am really happy I finally watched it.

lanzarishi While I doubt anyone will read this, as I am the 154th reviewer, I am writing out of respect for this great film. I truly love this film and feel it is one of my favorites as is half of Woody's entire catalog. No one gives me greater joy than Woody Allen (as far as actors and directors go). This film is so awesome in every way, the soundtrack, the actors (helen hunt and dan abroad especially), the jokes, well, everything basically. I have watched this well over 50 times and I am not lying! That Woody was miscast is an absolute crime to even say. No one could have done it better. Every facial expression, muffed line and jokes that he says are to perfection. His boyish charm is so natural as is his acting. It is non acting actually because it transcends acting - it is him, his essence. Woody is the real thing my friends that is why he is so popular and so loved. I have even come to love his films that do not star himself because I finally realized that all the actors have become him in his films. He is the Beatles of comedy movies. Helen Hunt and he are excellent together! In this day and age there is no loyalty towards teams like in the 60s or 70s (just like sports nowadays). Tony Roberts and Woody were in my opinion one of the best teams and it is a shame that Helen Hunt couldn't team up more with Woody. It is so hard for me to watch Mia Farrow in his past movies now. I tend to just pass up all his Mia movies these days. She bores me to tears! If Woody would ever do a sequel this is the movie to have a part 2! Do not miss this one!