Much Ado About Nothing (Oxford School Shakespeare Series)

Rating:
Summary: Was there ever such a witty film?
Review: I have seen this film a few times now, and I still marvel each time at the sheer wittiness of it. I don't think I've ever seen such clever tongue-in-cheek humor. Also, it's a wonder story overall, and restores one's faith in love. Michael Keaton is wonderful in his role. And not to mention, the physical scenery of the film is stunning!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful adaptation of one of Shakespeare's best comedies
Review: Branagh excels at adapting Shakespeare in a way that is both relevant and interesting to today's audiences, and he succeeds at doing that very well in this film. The performances given by he and Emma Thompson as Beatrice and Benedick are excellent, as is the rest of the cast--with the exception of Keanu Reeves, who must be placed on ignore. The scenery is beautiful, as well as the costumes. A wonderful movie!

Rating:
Summary: Achieved Perfection
Review: I'm hard to please and this movie pleases me over and over again. Keanu Reeves was an excellent cast job for "the villian", Emma Thompson made an excellent retortful Beatrice (she should have won and oscar), Kenneth Branagh did a wonderful job acting and directing and who can forget Cladio and Hero? Denzel Washington also did a wonderful job on acting. The movie very well portrayed Shakespeare, it was achieved perfection. I especially loved Benedict's soliquy on love. And who could ever forget about the song Men are Deceivers Ever? (Aren't they though) Watch the movie, the play is much more lively through the video than performed or read.

Rating:
Summary: Shakespeare at his best
Review: This is probably the best play by Shakespeare I have ever read. It's funny, romantic, and classy. I loved the movie. I was first introduced to the play when I watched the film, and I loved it so much, I decided to buy the book. Now I read it whenever I can. Shakespeare isn't all tragedy and murder. He can be funny too.

Rating:
Summary: One Page Book... a Poster
Review: The layout of this poster, and the inclusion of the entire text of the play (readable, even!) make this, indeed, a work of art.

Rating:
Summary: 'Man is a giddy thing'---and this movie made me giddy!
Review: For an English major, Shakespeare is treated like a Bible, and any adaptation of a play scrutinized to death. This version of Shakespeare's classic comedy however is very cleverly done and highly entertaining. The scenery and music are incredible. I was hooked from the opening sequence, with the men riding into town in slow motion. The rest of the film is a brilliant mix of comedy, drama, and villainy. I love to watch the war of words between Benedick and Beatrice (you just know those two are made for each other!) and I cringe when Hero is rejected on her wedding day when her honor is questioned. During that scene, I just want to reach right through the television and slap the men for being so silly and mean. The cast is excellent to-- a steady international cast who vary in age and culture. I really am not convinced that Keanu Reeves was the best choice to play the villainous Don John, but the rest of the cast is superb, especially Michael Keaton as the clownish Dogberry. This movie makes me want to laugh and cry everytime I see it. I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys a romantic comedy where the romance is not overly sappy and dull.

Rating:
Summary: Why Keanu Reeves?
Review: It would have been 5 stars, but good lord, KEANU REEVES! I cheered when he saids that unforgettable line, "I am not of many words..." Then don't talk! If he had understood a word of what he was saying, I think he may have been better. Aside from his incredibly disheartening performance, everyone else was wonderful! One of the best Shakespeare moviees I have ever seen! The music is truly memorable and adds to the Shakespearean experience. Another plus for Kenneth Brannagh!

Rating:
Summary: Sigh no more ladies, sigh no more.
Review: I give this movie 10 STARS! The casing was perfect! The story was perfect! I could marry shakespear for creating such a perfect work of art!(well maybe not, but....) Benedict was so adorable, and beatrice was such a softie at heart, and yet, claudio was annoying in a cute sort of way, hero was so sweet and I've watch this show thousands of times, and will continue to watch in forever more! and be hay bonnie bonnie!

Rating:
Summary: Captivating, Light, and Well Done!
Review: The acting was good, the play was kept lively, and the speech flowed. It was a very well-done movie of one of Shakespeare's greatest plays. I would highly recomend it to anyone. For thoes who found the words long and/or the language difficult to understand...that's King James English. The language in which Shakepeare wrote, there's nothing anybody can do about it. However, the cast did a great job of delivery (I know from experiance that Shakespreare is especially challanging to preform). A great movie and even better on DVD!

Rating:
Summary: Great Fun!
Review: Wonderful in the theater and on video. Though I've heard others disparaging the multi-cultural casting, I myself enjoyed the whole ensemble. Also, unlike other more narrow-minded viewers, I thoroughly enjoyed Keanu Reeves as the melancholy Don John - I think the film owes much of its sensuality to him and Denzel Washington.