Cursed Jade Scorpion is a film released in 2001, directed by Woody Allen. It is a comedy-mystery set in the 1940s, starring Allen himself along with Helen Hunt, Dan Aykroyd, and Charlize Theron, among others. The film revolves around a witty and clever insurance investigator named CW Briggs, played by Allen. His life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes the target of an elaborate hypnotic roofie scheme. The scheme is orchestrated by a cunning hypnotist who tricks Briggs into becoming a thief and stealing jewelry for her. The plot thickens when a rare and valuable jade scorpion becomes the center of attention.
The plot thickens when a rare and valuable jade scorpion becomes the center of attention. The scorpion is supposedly cursed, with the ability to control the actions of its wearer. As the story unfolds, Briggs finds himself caught in a web of intrigue and deception, not knowing who to trust.
Maisie Peters – The Good Witch
‘The Good Witch’ is an effervescent pop effort from stadium-sized upstart Maisie Peters, securing her star power and sparkling with girl-next-door charm. She blends glossy production, neatly penned narratives, easygoing metaphors and a characteristic knack for a hook with a tentative boldness that puts ‘The Good Witch’ a cut above her debut ‘You Signed Up For This’, and makes for a shining evocation of what it really feels like to come of age.
‘The Good Witch’ has two competing stars: its lyricism, and its starry sonics – each one could have a whole review written on its quality but more importantly, its perfect suitedness to the musical mission Maisie Peters sets out to achieve. Every facet of ‘The Good Witch’ is pitched perfectly alongside the others, making for a jewel of a pop record that throws prisms of technicolour fun onto every nearby surface. Zone out of Peters’s delightful, digestible musings that balance distinctly Gen Z quotidian alongside familiar metaphorical touchpoints – stare at the sky and listen. Earworm melodies abound, whether on the pulsing, party-ready likes of ‘Coming Of Age’ or ‘Lost The Breakup’, the moody atmospherics of ‘Therapy’, ‘Body Better’ or ‘Want You Back’.
Peters’s construction, whether on a ballad or a bop, is relentlessly pacey; she barrels through tales and trials and triumphs with a dreamy flow, completely addictive to hum along to and universally warm. There’s something nostalgic about it – but the sort of nostalgia that could only come from a 23 year old. Peters taps into the golden age of teenage pop-rock: think One Direction’s ‘Take Me Home’, think 2012, think Taylor Swift’s ‘Fearless’ if Taylor Swift was from Sussex instead of Nashville. Think a Disney Channel star’s first non-movie-affiliated album, but take that as a big compliment. Her stadium experience radiates; no one has ever sung about the superstar lifestyle in a way that so charmingly exchanges rock-and-roll braggadocio for bright-eyed ecstasy as Peters does on ‘The Band And I’, but each soaring bridge and belt on ‘The Good Witch’ proves her proportion and potential.
Baked into the songwriting of the record, though, are moments much closer to home. ‘RUN!” Peters yelps at us on a bubbly, driving shopping-list of red flags to avoid; on ‘Body Better’ she hazily laments familiar insecurities and self-comparisons, she embraces being “bat shit crazy” on ‘BSC’, the cheekily grinning, self-assured older sister to 2021 single ‘Psycho’ . And then there are the simply gorgeous, metaphor-laden love-to-heartbreak songs: ‘Wendy’, a pixie-dust coated ode longing for “magic and maybes” via the medium of Peter Pan and Neverland, or ‘Want You Back’, which joins the hallowed Olivia Rodrigo tradition of writing songs that sound a bit like Taylor Swift’s New Year’s Day and are absolutely lovely for it.
‘The Good Witch’ is a dazzling little record that is as entertaining to listen to as it sounds like it was for Peters to make. It’s fun without being frivolous or thoughtless, and packs as much talent as it does promise.
7/10
Words: Ims Taylor
Words: Ims Taylor
Cursed Jade Scorpion showcases Allen's signature style of witty dialogue and comedic timing. The film captures the essence of the 1940s through its costumes, set design, and music, recreating the noir genre with a humorous twist. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film offers an entertaining and light-hearted experience for fans of Woody Allen's work. The comedic chemistry between Allen and Hunt shines through, adding charm and levity to the story. Overall, Cursed Jade Scorpion is an enjoyable comedy-mystery that combines elements of romance, crime, and deception. It provides a glimpse into the artistry of Woody Allen's filmmaking, showcasing his ability to weave together humor and suspense into a captivating narrative..
Reviews for "Cursw Jade Scorpino Carving Techniques and Artistry"
- John - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Curse Jade Scorpino" but was sorely disappointed. The story was confusing and hard to follow, with poorly developed characters and a plot that seemed to go nowhere. The writing style was also lacking, with awkward sentences and a lack of descriptive language. Overall, I found this book to be a frustrating and unenjoyable read.
- Sarah - 1 star - I cannot express how much I disliked "Curse Jade Scorpino". The storyline was incredibly dull and predictable, with no surprises or twists. The main characters were shallow and unrelatable, and the dialogue was cringe-worthy at best. I found myself bored and constantly checking how much longer I had to endure this book. I would not recommend it to anyone.
- Mark - 2 stars - "Curse Jade Scorpino" was a major letdown for me. The pacing was all over the place, with slow and tedious sections followed by rushed and confusing moments. The world-building was also lacking, leaving me with many unanswered questions about the setting and magic system. While the concept had potential, the execution was lacking, and I was left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed by the end.