I can only surmise that the people who enjoy it are just happy to see actors they are fond with on the screen again. It's not because its americans Its not because its black and white. It's not because its modern.
It's just poorly acted and poorly directed.
I'm a fan of Joss Whedon, and of several of the actors - then again, 'Much Ado' is my favourite of Shakespeare's plays. What follows is, of course, simply my opinion. Alexis Denisof was miscast - he didn't seem comfortable as Benedict at all, in fact I think the best performance was Sean Maher as an understated Don John! The black and white thing seemed unnecessary and considering the subject matter making it modern was a mistake - by our modern standards what Hero was accused of was not enough to destroy her and her father, forcing Elizabethan standards on 21st century people was uncomfortable and made me feel more angry than usual at Claudio (did love the unrequited emotion of Borachio - that felt like a nice touch and explains why he folds so easily at the end) - also having such standards makes the sexual relationship Benedict and Beatrice had (all Joss Whedon) albeit (I assume) briefly, more sordid than it must have been intended (and gives Benedict the lie when he says he knows Beatrice is virtuous) - it's either/or, it can't be both. I love Nathan Fillion and his Dogsberry was nice, though I think not as good as Michael Keaton's in Branagh's version...again, I found the modern day watchmen a little bit of a poor fit, if that makes sense.
In short, while I'm always happy to watch this play and it's not terrible, I agree it lacks lustre, especially compared to Branagh's film version.
by our modern standards what Hero was accused of was not enough to destroy her and her father, forcing Elizabethan standards on 21st century people was uncomfortable and made me feel more angry than usual at Claudio
But it's not cheating on her fiancé that's the main issue, it's that she wasn't 'virtuous', she's not a virgin - the point is made that she has done this many times, which is why Beatrice says that while she didn't share her bed that night she had for the year previously. And even if it was simply about her cheating the night before her wedding, which I agree IS pretty unforgivable, the consequences would not have been the same, it would not have destroyed her, it wouldn't have led to her father hoping she was dead, nor would it have led to her father's potential undoing either.
shareit wouldn't have led to her father hoping she was dead,
nor would it have led to her father's potential undoing either.
Perhaps, but I think you're reaching, this was set in a specific culture, OUR western culture, not one where honour killings (for example) are considered de rigour. All I did was give my impression,I don't think it's a bad film, just not as good as it could have been, it missed the mark slightly for me, that's all.
sharePerhaps, but I think you're reaching, this was set in a specific culture, OUR western culture, not one where honour killings (for example) are considered de rigour.
All I did was give my impression,I don't think it's a bad film, just not as good as it could have been, it missed the mark slightly for me, that's all.
PreachCaleb: Your no-information-content reviews are pretty unforgivable. You have not provided any cogent reason for your negative reviews on this film, even when provided with examples of how to do so.
shareI recommend reading classes for you. If you take them, you'll be able to see I have no negative reviews of this film and actually loved it.
Can't stop the signal.
not at all awful....rather brilliant IMHO
share