Joss Whedon + William Shakespeare = Success. 'Nuff said. They mix together hand in hand. Shakespeare is a master writer, and Whedon does a lot to add to the script without changing any of the original text or meaning. It's in the small details, the silly things the different characters do. Mostly in little motions different characters make, or even some small sound. Grabbing a cupcake after walking out on a wedding. Roaring like a lion after a sexy line. You can tell the actors were having a ton of fun, which helps the viewer laugh along with them.
(You'll notice here that I haven't included a summary of the story, so see the NEWS story below for that.) The true talent in this film comes in the actors. There isn't a single one that stands out as being "bad," but even more than that, every one is amazing. It's in the delivery of their lines. I cared for smaller roles like Margaret (Ashely Johnson), who can often be a forgettable character compared to the others. Then, I loved characters I usually hate, like Hero (Jillian Morgese), who handled the role in a completely different way then I've seen before. Johnson had the wit and fantastically funny side stares at those around her. Morgese played the part with such power, turning a usually weak character into someone who thinks for themselves.
Our leads, Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and Beatrice (Amy Acker), carry the film. Every little action each actor took added a laugh into the movie, even if it wasn't scripted. They're facial expressions made one's eyes stick to the screen. Leonato (Clark Gregg) played an amazing father-character. Something different with this performance of him is that he seemed much more like a father. Combining his lines with that of his brother's, Antonio's, made him seem like more of a father to Hero. Not leaving her to fend for herself.
Don Pedro (Reed Diamond) certainly was the one in charge, and Claudio (Fran Kranz) was directly behind him. Inseparable, too. Don John (Sean Maher) and his team, Conrade (Riki Lindham) and Borachio (Spencer Treat Clark) were truly terrible, "evil" characters . Dogberry (Nathan Fillion), Verges (Tom Lenk), and the Watch (Nick Kocher, Brian McElhaney) were some of the funniest characters with the best chemistry I've ever seen in a film.
Style is a word that I think of when writing about this film. It was shot in black and white, which adds a classic-type of feeling. That, and Shakespeare's language isn't changed a bit. But, with that being said, those who aren't well-versed in Shakespearean language shouldn't have a problem trying to understand this play. They are sure it is very much clear. The film is shot beautifully, taking advantage of all the possible angles that Whedon and Kai Cole (Whedon's wife and producer of the film), could think of for use in their film. Sound is blended very well, with music written and done by Whedon along with his brother Jed Whedon and Jed's wife, Maurissa Tancharoen.
Overall, this movie leaves one with a nice feeling. You'll be happy after having watched this amazingly hilarious film. One with a lot of heart, too, where one will care abut each and every character. Not only that, but the cast. You can tell they had such a fun time putting together this piece or art, along with just being together after such a long time. This film was completed in 12 days at Whedon's household in Santa Monica while working on The Avengers. Whedon and Cole cancelled their anniversary to work on this dream of creating this. It's something Whedon has wanted to do for a long time. Getting together these friends and family was special. Whedon fans and others alike are sure to appreciate this miss. Not one to miss. Again, 'Nuff said.
RATING: 5/5
This film is rated PG.
Wow! They did that in 12 days? I'm so excited to see this. Much Ado is one of my favorites <3
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