Much Ado About Nothing
With an updated look and inclusion of original dialogue, Joss Whedon's modern adaptation of "Much Ado About Nothing" is sure to please Shakespeare fans but leave the rest out in the cold.
For those of you who aren’t real familiar with Mr. Shakespeare outside of the high school-mandated tale of star crossed lovers, “Much Ado About Nothing” is a different kind of love story. The tale follows quipping lovers Beatrice and Benedick on the eve of Claudio and Hero’s wedding. As love begins to flourish, villain Don John seeks to extinguish its flame.
Everyone thinks that making it in Hollywood is about having big fancy cars and a fat bank account, but that’s not it. While those things are all well and good, they’re not the true sign that you’ve arrived. Having a bevy of fantastic actors waiting in the wings, ready to come over to your house and make a movie in a weekend, is the true sign you’ve arrived in Hollywood, and Mr. Joss Whedon is home. “Much Ado About Nothing” is an all-star cast of Whedon regulars, and it’s apparent that they all had a heck of a time making this film.
While it was surprising that Mr. Whedon decided to follow up his blockbuster “The Avengers” with a Shakespeare adaptation, it’s not at all surprising that he chose to tackle this tale. Whedon is very much the Shakespeare of our time. He can create strong characters and snappy dialogue all while interweaving colorful social commentary. That’s why Whedon feels so at home in his directing.
Whedonites will be extremely happy to know that “Much Ado” is a fine collection of Whedon regulars who all seem to feel right at home in their parts. Nathan Fillion is downright hilarious as Dogberry, and Clark Gregg relishes every moment he’s on screen. But out of everyone it’s Alexis Denisof and Amy Acker who appear to have the best time. They steal the show every chance they’re given, and when the two go at it, the sparks fly.
The biggest downfall of “Much Ado About Nothing” is the inclusion of the original dialogue. I think that this will turn a lot of viewers off due to the sometimes confusing verbiage.
If you’re a Shakespeare fan and Whedonite, then this is the film for you. If you’re not, you may be disappointed.
The Blu-ray offers multiple features, including a “Much Ado About Making Nothing” featurette, a “Sigh No More” music video and a commentary with Whedon and the cast.
Film: 4 Yaps Extras: 4 Yaps