Rating: 
Summary: BEST ADAPTATION...
Review: No one is a bigger Kenneth Brangah fan than I am, but this version of Hamlet (which aired on the Odyssey channel a year ago) far surpasses his grandiose attempt, and is simply the best I have seen, better than Oliver and Gibson and all those others (but still watch 'Discovering Hamlet' if you have a chance...great behind the scenes of a young Kenneth's stage version). But back to this film....it is a wonderful adaptation of the greatest play about modern man ever written, a good solid cutting which, unlike Kenneth's film version, keeps the story moving along and doesn't drag out every line which may have been necessary for the story to be told properly in Shakespeare's time, but isn't as neccessary for the film world of today. But the cutting still keeps everything important and wonderful about the play. Campbell Scott is PERFECT as Hamlet; the makers of this film did not try too hard to update it, but they certainly showed how even more relevant Hamlet is today as the complete and utter picture of modern man. The other actors are great; the actress who played Ophelia (a black woman--another great twist and angle to Ophelia and Hamlet's complex relationship)is brilliant in the scenes when she goes crazy...with the lewd and disturbing songs Shakespeare wrote, she really takes things to another level. The three most memorable scenes....the scene that Hamlet sees his father's ghost (the ghost comes out of the sand with some great special effects); a wonderful staging of the scene where Ophelia helps her father spy on Hamlet; and a stunning adaptation of Hamlet's famous monologue. Such a wonderful version. So worth the extra money if you really want to own a fantastic version of Hamlet. Especially great for teachers who want their English/drama classes how revolutionary Shakespeare really was. And hey! It was on the Odyssey channel so it's completely school appropriate...
Rating: 
Summary: very disappointing
Review: Ok, first off, what in the world is up with the bongos and other crappy background music? It just doesn't fit in with the Shakespearian play at all. I can understand perhaps using a little rock music if you want a bit of a modern twist, but the slow jazz music and cheap-sounding piano really downplay all the emotional scenes. The movie wasn't affecting at all. And some of the acting was really crappy. I couldn't feel any sparks between Hamlet and Ophelia and the last scene was so anti-climatic. The swordfight was made too light of a matter - it just seemed as though they were just practicing or entertaining the court. This was the first time I ever saw Hamlet acted out (I had to watch this for a class) and I really like the play, so I was highly disappointed. I swear, you could find more entertainment in just reading the orginal Shakepeare script than watching this.
Rating:
Summary: amazing.
Review: This is by far the most amazing interpretation of Hamlet I've seen to date. I would strongly recommend this version for anyone wanting to see/own a great performance of Hamlet. Campbell Scott does a wonderful job both in front of and behind the camera. Two thumbs way up!
Rating: 
Summary: a successful updated Hamlet
Review: Updated to a late 19th century era, this Hallmark Hall of Fame TV production often succeeds where others have failed. It keeps the language of old, although it is spoken unpretentiously with American accents, and the cadence has a flatness to it that takes getting used to. The racially mixed all-American cast in on the whole good, with only a few weak links.
It's filmed in and around an elegant Long Island, N.Y. manor house, and the soundtrack by Gary DeMichele is effective, using mostly solo piano, and occasionally some percussion instruments and horn, and manages to sound medieval and modern almost simultaneously. The piercing sound that accompanies the ghostly image of Hamlet's father is a little loud for my liking and sensitive ears, but a similar sound is often heard by people who are about to faint, so perhaps it is appropriate.Campbell Scott, who also co-directed with Eric Simonson, gives a bravura, fascinating performance as Hamlet, and it has subtleties that make his Dane interesting for several viewings. John Benjamin Hickey as Horatio is also impressive, Jamey Sheridan makes an excellent calculating, smooth Claudius, Blair Brown a believable Gertrude, and Lisa Gay Hamilton is a lovely Ophelia.
Though my first choice for Hamlet on film is the Gibson/Zeffirelli version, followed closely by the beautiful Olivier one, this is surprising and innovative without leaving the spirit of the play behind, and definitely worth watching for anyone who appreciates this glorious work, and my favorite of all of Shakespeare's plays.
It's one of the better versions available, and total running time is 3 hours.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: Wait for the Kenneth Branaugh version of Hamlet. Although the Campbell Scott version has its good moments, generally it lacks energy. The sword play is so reserved that it gives the impression that the actors didn't want to hurt each other. If you're really interested in buying this version of Hamlet, borrow it from the library first. You may find my copy there soon.
Rating:
Summary: ***AWESOME***
Review: You will NEVER find another Ophelia played like this!!! SHE'S AMAZING!!! This is the BEST Ophelia ever and Campbell Scott kick, too. Not sentimental and lame -- totally right on for the intent I've always seemed to read there, but never actually saw till this version!
Rating:
Summary: ***AWESOME***
Review: You will NEVER find another Ophelia played like this!!! SHE'S AMAZING!!! This is the BEST Ophelia ever and Campbell Scott kick, too. Not sentimental and lame -- totally right on for the intent I've always seemed to read there, but never actually saw till this version!
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