Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing_720p(480P)

source: Much Ado About Nothing

Kenneth Branaugh and Emma Thompson had to carry most of the weight in this one. They're delightful - very good, in fact, and Denzel Washington holds up his end well, but the overall production is clumsy and ponderous. The interesting acting bits stick out like sore thumbs with no connection to each other. The music is obtrusive and unappealing, there is way too much slow motion for no particular reason, a lot of meaningless boring 'business', and the color is murky (this was video tape, though).

The casting is AMAZING in this movie. The music is FLAWLESS and the energy is BEAUTIFUL! For anyone who has a problem with colorblind casting, let me just say... it's fiction, hunny! Let's applaud how far we've come, and recognize we still have a ways to go. Remember when only men were allowed to play stage characters and regularly played women for CENTURIES?! Progress is good, bby! Change, adaptation, and representation is literally vital in ART! And that's what this movie is. This movie is ART. Shakespeare literally wrote for the masses, so don't be acting all exclusive now! Everyone in this film brought their own unique experiences and energy. Keanu was in FINE form. Denzel's acting in this movie was a literal gift to the world, and Emma and Kenneth were hilarious and heartwarming. Don't watch this if you hate Shakespeare. Don't watch this movie if you hate JOY. And absolutely don't watch this movie if you hate spicy brooding Keanu Reeves and adorably witty Emma Thompson.

The film is as much a testament to Kenneth Branagh as it is to Shakespeare. The latter essentially started the romantic comedy genre with this play, and the former proves yet again with this film how he is the master of translating these stage plays into marvelous cinematic experiences. Branagh celebrates the spirit of this comedy with unabashed joy that works even with all of its cheesiness.

Awarded for it's long one-take dancing scene n the end, "Much ado about nothing" brings you a moment of light, beautiful thoughts about love... The sunny set of buildings located in the lovely countryside fields of Verona invites you to a stage were the actors are very well cast, the writing is a masterpiece, and the music is fitting. Benedick, Beatrice and the others are wonderful to look at and listen to and sums the movie up to one of the best Shakespeare movies of all time.

This could very well be my favorite movie. The cast is almost perfect - lead by grand old man Richard Briars, who in my opinion is the most brilliant actor in this movie. He is closely followed by Branagh, Thompson, Washington and Keaton. Only Keanu Reeves is disappointing (as always - sorry to say so, but there is nothing at all beneath the surface). But the greatest tribute to Briars who is England's great character actor. The setting of Tuscany is bright and merry and creates the perfect background for the actors. Please note that hilarious score who brings out joy, champagne and the sun of the South. Especially the main theme is wonderful in its majestic glory - it always makes me feel like a brave knight returning from a shakespearian battle! Branagh who directed has a lucky hand with this one, and the Bard created a wonderful script. I could go on praising this movie, and I would wish that movie would go on forever!

This was one of those Shakespeare plays that I knew by title and reference but had never read or saw performed, so it was a pure delight to see Branagh bring this work to life. Branagh's and Thompson's performances are so perfect that their speech flows from them in a completely believable manner. I loved their characters and couldn't wait to hear their dialogue. Denzel Washington's performance begins very stiffly but he does warm up to the character with time and his delivery improves, but never to the point of credibility. Keanu is NOT the problem in this film -- Michael Keaton is! His performance is so full of idiosyncratic ticks and gestures that I could hardly follow his dialogue -- a wasted casting if you ask me. The scenery and Tuscany setting are an additional tour-de-force and enhance the visual beauty of the film. I highly recommend it to both lovers of Shakespeare and those that want to get to know his work.

This is a Kenneth Branagh production, and when he does a movie you can expect the Shakespearian tradition to be upheld to the letter. This production was wonderful, great cast, and Kenneth seemed to help them understand their characters with great force. This is the mark of a great director and a master in his craft. I finally was able to see the meaning of expression behind Shakespeare plays that I was not able to achieve simply by reading the plays. Wonderful, simply wonderful. The quality of his work and the care of detail the Kenneth places on his work make his productions simply remarkable and I hope to see many more of his productions soon. I saw his Hamlet and knew that I must see this as well.