3/2/09
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Who best performs the "To be or not to be" soliloquy?
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I personally thought Michael Keaton's role (almost Beetlejuice inspired), though minor, brought quirky humor in the mix of the Shakespeare marry-happy vibe that Branagh and the cast provided. I don't want to say it was comic relief because the film was a Shakespeare comedy and Branagh as Benedick had his funny moments.
ReplyDeleteMost of the cast did an excellent job playing their roles, but one actor I was not that impressed with was Keanu Reeves. I thought his role as Don John (or Juan) was unconvincing and I did not believe that he actually wanted to cause harm to people. I do believe the only reason he got the part was because...well...he's Keanu Reeves. And other than his unconvincing acting, his diction was too sloppy to play Shakespeare in my opinion, unlike Branagh who seemed to have clear control over his voice and had clear objectives. Other than that, I thought Branagh directed a great movie and made an excellent adaptation of Shakespeare's play.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Barrett about Keanu Reeves. I was surprised that he was in the film and glad when he didn't have to speak many lines. He seemed very confused when he was delivering his lines, like he wasn't quite sure of what he was saying; not something that is desired from an actor that is playing such a dark and somewhat deep role.
ReplyDeleteI did although, like how Branagh instilled such a blissful happiness into the film. Like in the beginning when Don Pedro and his men are riding in, everyone is smiling and the filming is really upbeat, you can feel the characters excitement.
I agree with Rebeck and Barrett about Keanu Reeves acting. It was not that great. It was almost uncomfortable to watch his acting. I thought it was interesting that the actors in this film also acted in Henry V.
ReplyDeleteI did not enjoy his acting but enjoyed the fact that Keanu Reeves (Don Juan) was the constant antagonist. Personally I dislike Keanu as a person so it is very easy for me to believe him for a villain. I find it interesting how the entire duration of the movie he was attempting to prevent relationships from materializing between our protagonists in this story. Despite his conniving tricks he continually proved to be unsuccessful in his attempts to stifle their relationship. When in many Shakespearian romances the protagonists fail their attempts for true love. I find this play very similar to A Midsummer’s Night Dream because they are both light hearted and the protagonists gain true love. I feel as though I am better able to associate with Much Ado About Nothing because there is less distracting fantasy filled antics to distract the viewer.
ReplyDeleteYeah, i guess we can all say that Keanu Reeves blew it pretty hard. He played the same character as always. Straight faced and monotone as ever. This movie did show the Braganah is a very good actor. He can go from a serious character in Henry V to a more upbeat and sarcastic character in Much Ado about Nothing. It was good to watch this movie though because it was a good change from the seriousness of the history movies to the lighter side with comedies
ReplyDeleteI actually really liked this movie. I had never read the play before now and to see the movie as well made the play make a lot more sense to me. I thought the entire film was hilarious and that all the actors did a great job in their roles. One question that came up for me was the guy that played Benedick: Wasn't that the same guy that played in the film Henry V that we watched a few weeks ago? He just looked very familiar. I liked him better in this film than in Henry V. He seemed to be more in his element in this film. I didn't like Keanu Reeves though, I just thought that he acted like he really didn't want to be in the film and it showed in his acting perfomance in this film. I loved Denzel Washington's character and the others who had the plot to bring Benedick and Emma Thompson's character together and then Benedick's reaction when he fell out of the chair that he couldn't figure out how to put together. That was by far my favorite part of the entire film.
ReplyDeleteI liked this movie the most so far. Its modern and makes it easier for younger viewers to understand what's going on. The language is always hard to decipher completely, but these actors brought out their characters so well, it made it easy and enjoyable to follow along. The humor was quirky at times and dark in others (with Keanu Reeves character)Denzel Washington made an excellent prince, and always kept the group together. It was interesting to compare the acting in this film to the Henry V film.
ReplyDeleteThis movie was fantastic. It had all the right parts: the love story, the humor, and the emotional plot with the happy ending. This movie made me laugh, and kept my attention. I really enjoyed the parts of Beatrice and Benedick. Though it was quite predictable that they would end up together, I thought their characters brought a lot of fun and humor to the play. I also really enjoyed the constable, he made me laugh numerous times. All in all, this is definitely one of my favorite Shakespeare films.
ReplyDeleteI found this movie to be very similar to A Midsummer’s Night Dream in the romances. The chemistry between Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson made their characters’ romance believable. I do agree with my other classmates regarding Keanu Reeves character. He was very unconvincing in his role as the villain. With how versatile Denzel Washington is as an actor, I feel that he could have been more believable as Don John. Washington did an excellent job delivering his lines especially since I would never associate him with Shakespeare. I enjoyed watching this film and Branagh’s version of the original play.
ReplyDeleteI read Much Ado About Nothing in high school and I loved it. It is by far one of my favorite Shakespeare plays. I was really happy that it is a Branagh film. He is great in everything that he does. I also like how he has some of the same actors in most of his movies, like Emma Thompson. They have great chemistry together and I wouldn't have picked anyone else for Benedick and Beatrice. I agree with what everyone has been saying about Keanu Reeves, but can we blame him? He's horrible anyway. All in all, I loved this film.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this film, probably most out of all the other films. I liked the fact that they put more fun into the film instead of it being some sad love story off from war. The mask party and the games that the oppisite sex play with each other reminds me of the real life and how it must have been for people back then to consider marraige, or even small relationships. Much Ado About Nothing character Beatrice was my favorite, Branagh made her funny whits the strong hold for the viewers attention. I also love Denzelle Washington so that was a major plus too!
ReplyDeleteThis movie was a welcome change from the history plays we've been watching. I really enjoy Shakespearean comedy, especially when the acting is done as well as this movie. Branagh and Thompson were quirky, sarcastic, and witty and really just a pleasure to watch. And I'm glad someone else felt the Beetlejuice vibe from Michael Keaton. Of course there's Keanu, but who didn't get a laugh out of how ridiculously bad his acting was? Overall a great movie and I wish we could watch more like it.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this movie. It was nice to watch a movie that kept me interested and laughing.Branagh did a great job bringing Shakespeare comedy to real life. Keanu Reeves, as mentioned by several other people, did a horrible job in this movie and I believe they could of found someone better to play the part.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Eris about the change from the history plays to the comedies. It was a very enjoyable and entertaining film. I really enjoyed being able to laugh through this quirky film. Another reason I found this film so enjoyable was due to knowing some of the actors (Denzel Washington and Keanu Reeves). I personally didn't notice how bad Keanu's acting was, but I guess I wasn't really paying attention to his particular character that much. Overall, it was a great film; one of the best so far! I look forward to seeing more of Shakespeare's comedies.
ReplyDeleteOne thing about many of the modern Shakespearean movie adaptations that help bring the works to a new generation is the casting of popular actors. While some become even more famous later on, having actors like Emma Thompson and Denzel Washington in Shakespeare's stories really helps relate some of these classic characters to an audience that may have never heard of them.
ReplyDeleteThis film has been the one I enjoyed most that we have seen in class. Kenneth Branagh did a great job with making this film so modern. The cast I feel was the most enjoyable, and was surprised as well as other students to see Keanu Reeves in a Shakespheare film, and agree also with his not so great acting. It was a good thing he didn't have a lot of lines. I felt Emma Thompson did very well and she was great to watch. I hope more of the films we see are just as good as this one, and the characters as well.
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else, I really enjoyed this movie. I also noticed some similarities between Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night's Dream. There was a definite battle of the sexes going on, especially in the Beatrice and Benedick relationship. Branagh further highlights this battle of the sexes in scenes like the bathing one where the sexes are separated. This movie also had it's own version of Bottom and the clowns in the form of the Beetlejuice-like Michael Keaton role, and all of his little cronies.
ReplyDeleteThe younger lovers' acting abilities are okay at best. Robert Sean Leonard's acting is quite unsure in the early scenes, but he warms up a bit to the part as the movie builds steam. On the whole, I found their romance a disappointment. After watching Romeo & Juliet, this almost didn't compare.
ReplyDeleteI loved the beginning of the Movie and the way they had the two groups running at what seems like, towards each other. The filming of it reminded of me of the Henry V and the war scenes as they charge into battle except this was set in a peaceful meadow where girls ran barefoot and in white dresses. But either way I thought it was a great way to set the tone of the film.
ReplyDeleteAnother home run for Branaugh. Great story, great cast, and good directing. I have to echo the feelings about Reeves. I understand wanting to get big names in movies, but the cast was already stellar and Reeves was horrible. He should have stuck with the Bill and Ted genre and stay away from Shakespeare.
ReplyDeleteThe title really gives it away in this film. This was a hilarious movie, really not about anything in particular. With a great cast and a modern upbeat feel, Branaugh really created an enjoyable comedy. I felt that this movie has been the best one seen in class so far. I was crying, laughing in my seat.
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings about this movie. Everyone has mentioned it before, but I feel that this movie could have been made better without Keanu Reeves. He's not the greatest actor, and because the heaviness of Shakespeare's plays it requires work from exceptional actors. I just feel that he could not portray Don Julian as well as other actors could. Despite this fact, I still found the movie enjoyable and a wonderful adaptation.
ReplyDeleteto add on to the keanu reeves bash, the first thing i thought when he came on, was, "Why Keanu?" but it brought me great humor every time he appeared on he screen. but enough about that. i really enjoyed this movie. i never had heard of this play before, and i never would have thought shakespeare would write a play like this. so after watching and reading all these films i have grown a greater respect for shakespeares ability to apply his writing to a widespread audience, but at the same time, be true to his original style of writing.
ReplyDeletei believe this movie was greaaat. i loved all the ups and downs this movie had and how you relly saw the two couples fall into love..even if they do get a nice like push in the right directions from their family and friends. like everyone else states, Keanu was terrible in this movie and had no real emotion or heart, his character was supposed to be the villin, he looked more like a frightened little boy playing a hateful trick in my opinion
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone who said Keanu was not the right actor for this part. I think that any actor who is casted in a shakespeare film needs a certain talent, and keanu does not have that talent. Aside from that this was one of my favorite movies that we have watched this semester.
ReplyDeleteI feel this movie had to many big names with out enough acting. (Washington and Reeves). Was one of the brothers that same guy that played Henry the V?
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with the majority of the people who posted comments that this was a very good movie and that Keanu did a horrible acting job for his part. This was a great change of pace when compared to the history movies that we have watched the past couple of weeks. The humor was entertaining unique. I agree with Sven105 that Branagh did a fabulous job of adjusting from a serious role to a comical role in this movie. Also, I agree with THL and their opinion on how this movie was very similiar to A Midsummer Night's Dream in the character development and relationship drama.
ReplyDeletehonestly this was easily my favorite movie since romeo and juliet, i love the comedy in it and soo many good actors. Shakespeare is very good at taking a very simple story and making it much much more and he definitely showcased this ability through this play.
ReplyDeleteThis is just another example of how wonderful Kennith Branagh is. Branagh has kept the words of Shakespeare alive.
ReplyDeleteThe best so far..I really like this film. The story itself is so peaceful and enjoyable. I confused this film for A Midsummer Night's Dream before because of the two couples. Bragnagh did an excellent work in this film. I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this movie. So far it has to be my favorite one by Shakespeare. I often find myself getting lost and confused in most of the lines in the plays but with this one I was able to follow the storyline the whole time while laughing and enjoying myself. Loved it
ReplyDeleteVery similar to A midnight summer's dream with the couples and difficulties they each have. This was easier to follow and to me seemed to keep to the point of the story, unlike A midnight summer's dream with the fairies and mystical aspect.
ReplyDeleteKeanu's performance fit well for this role because of his inability to show emotion. However, the rest of the actors did extremely well and brought out a comical side of Shakespeare that was lacking from the previous few films.
ReplyDeleteThis movie was very humorous. I love how the two wits of the groups ended up being tricked into admitting their love for each other. Also, the way things were revealed was cunningly funny. It was very obvious to the audience that there were eavesdroppers, and it was funny because they were not sly at all about it. Yet the people being eavesdropeed on were totally oblivious.
ReplyDeleteTotally forgot about commenting on the movies! Anyways, I loved this film. I thought it was so funny how Benedick and Beatrice were always being sarcastic with one another, and in the end they got together. Branagh again did a great job with his performance. I love how passionate he is about his acting in the films we've seen. I thought the use of masks in the party scene was very interesting, as was the eavesdropping. The masks gave the cast members the ability to remain anonymous while revealing important information to one another in a sense, and eavesdropping in the film was the way characters like Benedick and Beatrice found out important information, even though it was very obvious that they were eavesdropping.
ReplyDeleteWow, I didn't realize how far back my computer problems extended: To recap previous "post": I believe that the winner here is Emma Thompson: she is spectacular, and catches the brilliant independence and intellectualism that is Beatrice. I know Thompson and Branagh have personal history, but chosing her - a mature actress, as opposed to a younger version, which others might be tempted to do - was a wise choice. Beatrice is certainly not what we would imagine as a spinster - she is a very worldly wise woman, and Thompson gives us this impression easily. I like the camera angles, the meshing together of the gulling of Benedick and Beatrice by their respective friends - seemingly occuring at the same time in different parts of the garden. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Denzel Washington's character of Don Pedro. He played the role perfectly. I also really enjoyed the connection between Benedick and Beatrice. It seemed like they were meant to be together even though some manipulation had to happen first.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that Benedick and Beatrice are always bickering at each other. Their playful banter can be felt as chemistry even early in the film, when they obviously have animosity between them, it foreshadows the end nicely.
ReplyDeleteMy personal favorite character had to be Beatrice, and I especially enjoy the scene at the mask party where everyone has hidden their identity yet Beatrice is exposed and continues to tell her masked "friend" of her hate for men, and him in particular. Do you think that she knew it was Benedict all along?
ReplyDeleteI think this has been my favorite movie so far. Now this is what I call a comedy. I was reading above some of other peoples comments and I came across one of someone saying this movie had similarities of a Midnight Summers Dream I totally agree. It had many of the same elements such as the humor, the love story, the father marrying his daughter. I think my favorite part, like many others was the part where Benedick is tricked by his comards into liking Beatrice. Benedicks pure dislike for Beatrice turns into a burning desire! It was hilarious! I again really enjoyed this movie!
ReplyDelete-SCC
I really enjoyed this movie. My friend's mom told me it was her favorite Shakespeare of all time and I see why. The whole movie was laughs. Even when I definitely was not a fan of Don John. He was totally creepy and evil, but that just made the movie even better. I thought it was absurd for the gentlemen to think that Hero had died from the counts anger at the wedding. I also thought that Beatrice and Benedick were hilarious together. Both of them obviously in love with the other but not willing to show it. I was glad they got married in the end.
ReplyDeleteThis is defnitely one of the many witty and complex plays in which shakespeare creates. The actors really bring the play to life, and I thoroughly enjoyed the humor, especially Michael Keaton's character DOgberry. I personally thought however that Keanu Reeves's performance was, like always,sub par..nearing terrible. It reminded myself of my own performances in drama class, dreadful. Beyond that, Keneth Branagh and Emma Thompson once again show that they have chemistry and charisma, the same as they did in Henry V.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this film. This was one that I would enjoy watching on my own time. I think it funny that Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh always work together, but they do a good job. This was a comical movie and it kept my interest. It did justice to the play. I think that the actors personalities really made this film.As well as many other contributors to this comment board I felt that Reeves did a semi awful job of being a convincing villian. The part better fits some other actor, not Reeves.
ReplyDeletethis film was one of the funniest so far. I found myslef laughing thoughout the movie it made Shakespeare a lot more enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI found it entertaining to see Denzel and Reeves in a Shakespearean movie, however Reeve was not that great in his role.
It was so refreshing to see Kenneth Branagh in this comedy after such a heavy role in Henry V. I can see why he and Emma Thompson did both films together. Not only are they both great Shakesperian actors, but they have great chemistry. I found this movie light and funny. However, I was initially confused by Michael Keaton's character, but in the end everything fell into place.
ReplyDeleteThis film representation of Much Ado About Nothing is so excellent! The best parts are when Beatrice and Benedick fell for similar traps set by their friends and their demeanors completely changed. What is interesting is how the young guy who claimed to be so in love with Hero could be so easily tricked and convinced to hate her, when Benedick who had so recently determined his love for Beatrice should be able to trust her judgement about her cousin and side with her against his best friend and prince! I wonder if the fact that Hero and her love are played by younger actors than the other pair is significant.
ReplyDeletethis film was funny because both Beatrice and Benedick were tricked into liking each other while Claudio went from loving Hero to Hating Hero to loving Hero again. ha the whole play is just ridiculous and funny.
ReplyDeleteThis film was one of my favorites. The plot was very easy to follow and was also very entertaining. Each actor played their part exceptionally well except for Keannu Reeves. I cannot believe he was in this movie, i feel like he just came out of Bill and Ted's excellent adventure and was still just as dumb sounding. This play was definitely a true comedy.
ReplyDeleteI found Much Ado About Nothing to be the most entertaining movie we have watched in class so far. I particulary enjoyed Kenneth's Branaghs portrayl of Benedick. Kenneth's Branaghs Benedick was extremely funny had amazing chemistry eith that of Emma Thompsons Beatrice.
ReplyDeletei thought the casting of keanu reeves a bit ridiculous, luckily he didn't have too many speaking parts.
ReplyDeleteHilary Ingram said...
ReplyDeleteMuch Ado About Nothing was one of my favorites we have watched so far as well. I agree with STJ that Benedick and Beatrice did great in their parts and they worked really well together. This whole movie was really funny and i enjoyed it a lot.
Haratyk said....
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this movie I thought it was a great love story full of twists and turns that brought not only one couple together but another very unlikely couple together as well. This film reminded me a lot of A Midsummer’s Night's dream, each couple that should to be together ends up happily together in the end, but it is very just that simple that must first be coned into liking each other through tricks and over hearing (which is similar to A Midsummer Night's dream without the magic flower drops).
Don Jon was a great character and part of creating the drama in this movie, I don't believe anyone was a fan of him but he was an important part of this play. I also agree with everyone else that the casting of i keanu reeves was a bit ridiculous, but he didn’t have many speaking lines so it worked out for the film.
I absolutely loved this movie. Not only was Denzel Washington in it, but the other actors did an amazing job. I really felt involved and connected to each charaters relationship in some way because the acting was so believable.
ReplyDeleteThis film was really good! I enjoyed the love chaos in it. People who fell in love who were not expecting to fall in love, it kept me interested and I wanted to see where things would end.
ReplyDeleteThis movie was good, but i thought keanu reeves did not do the best job of playing the role of Don John. But what i did like was the love story that was so complex but kept the movie interesting.
ReplyDeleteI felt that because it was such a serious film, it was hard to take seriously because the characters portrayed to be quite humorous in fact.
ReplyDeleteI greatly enjoyed the movie. I felt the actors were able to fully portray the characters in the story and were able to fully connect with what characters were going through. I felt it was a drag to have Keanu Reeves play the villain, but then again I can't look at him and not think of The Matrix, so that's my own bias. I felt that the actors really understood that although this is intended to be a comedic story , and movie, they can't just play for the laugh. Comedies are only comedies because we relate and can empathize with the character who is going through the hardship.
ReplyDeleteI believe the Keanu Reaves played a great Villan. He played the role of someone you love to hate. I enjoy the "comic relief" in this film such as how silly and humorous some characters are.
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with Matt K. Keanu Reaves was not good as the villain. He never really is that good to me at all, but I guess it made it even funnier with him as the bad guy. The movie was very funny and very cute. It is funny to see how rumors can shape or brake peoples lives.
ReplyDeleteI loved this movie; I laughed way too loudly. The cast was great and I really enjoyed seeing Robert Sean Leonard outside of House M.D. and the Dead Poet's Society. Emma Thompson is brilliant and obviously, Kenneth Branagh has proved himself time and time again to be brilliant also. Like many of my classmates have said previously, I did not enjoy Keanu Reeves in this movie, even seeing him on screen made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteLMW makes a great point.It was refreshing to see Kenneth Branagh in a comedy after such a heavy role in Henry V. He is a great actor and it is nice to see him play a wide variety of roles!
ReplyDelete-SCC
This movie was by far one of my favorites. I thought the play was well thought out and ALL the characters did a good job portraying the essential William Shakespeare play. My favorite part was that of Beatrice and Benedict always arguing with one another and in the end they become the best of lovers. The variety and twists in this movie are great and entertaining. Much laughter throughout this play.
ReplyDeleteRachael Draper Said...
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite movies. i've owned it for years. its laugh out load funny, if you're paying attention. i agree that it was nice seeing Kenneth Branagh as a funny man. i thought he was more believable in this film than the ohter, mostly because when he was trying to be serious he just seemed akward and silly. there is just something about him that screams funny, maybe its because i say this film long before any of his others so his funny benedict became the only way i see him.
For a romance I feel as if this movie was very comparable to a midsummer night's dream. Dont get me wrong, I enjoyed it but just felt as if I had already seen this movie before. However this movie made me laugh a lot more, the humor is always there (like Rachael Draper said) you just have to pay attention.
ReplyDeleteI read this play a couple years ago and I loved it, I thought it was very funny. I agree with a lot of the other people that have been posting though. Keanu Reeves did not impress me at all in this movie. In class was the first time I had seen it so i did not know he was in the movie and it was very surprising because when I think of Keanu, I think Matrix so this film was definitly a switch up and i think he could have done better. Kenneth Branagh also suprised me because in Henry V he was so serious, and in Much Ado About Nothing he was funny. I like to watch actors switch the roles up going from comedy to romance to drama because it really shows you their acting skills if they have any. Overall, I liked the film, not my favorite but very entertaining and made me laugh quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteKenneth Branaugh and Emma Thompson were my favorite couple threw out the movie. Emma thompson's character in the beginning seems to ward off love along with men. She is a smart woman and doesn't buy into relationships. But when she is challenged by a man who is strong, confident, and smart she automatically hates him for it. But hate could easily be turned into love and soon enough Emma's character is tricked into falling in love with Kenneth's character. The fact that they hated each other gave them a strong bond and set a relationship to slowly bloom
ReplyDeleteAs many of my classmates have said, Keanu Reeves really should not have been casted in this film. It was not his part. Other than bad casting, I really liked this film. It made me laugh and smile, very entertaining!
ReplyDeleteI thought the film was very entertaining. It was amusing to me to watch the different story lines of gossip and rumor, especially the two that included convincing Benedict and Beatrice that the other was in love with them. The situation is so unrealistic in the fact that overhearing that someone, who you previously loathed, is in love with you, could change how you feel about that person is ridiculous! However, as I mentioned earlier, it made for a great film/play and I think the director pulled it off well. The movie also had a great cast which made it even more entertaining and interesting for me.
ReplyDeleteThe casting of Keanu was laughable. Luckily his part, though important, is rather minor. Benedict and Beatrice were a delight to watch and Michael Keaton's part was witty and fun.
ReplyDeleteI found this alot like A midsummers night dream its lite hearted and in the end it seems like they still end up in love.I enjoyed the fact that Keanu Reeves was the constant antagonist. I feel like hes a bad actor so it was god to see that in the end he loses and his convincing tricks dont work
ReplyDeleteI agree with Christian at the top when he says that Michael Keeton's role was almost beetlejuice inspired because he was so witty and fun. he is a great actor as well as Keanu Reeves, he was the antagonist and quite humorous. this movie helped me understand the script a lot better. i love the portrayal of romance and arguments between beatrice and benedict.
ReplyDeleteRachael Draper said...
ReplyDeleteto JMS -
I dont think the switch from loath to love is a big one. both emotions are intesely passionate, and both emotions allow the object of these feelings to have a large effect on the person with the feelings. both emotional states give power to the other person. besides consider the reasons they hated each other in the first place. Beatrice and Benedict were sworn singles, both swore they would never marry or consider anyone. perhaps both were secretly attracted to each other and they only hated each other because they thought they couldnt have each other. in high school, when i thought i couldnt have someone, i'd just convert my feelings to scorn in order to cope better. perhaps they did this too, to prevent the feelings of rejection. and one they found the other liked them they could let go of that protective facade and admit they loved each other.
I really enjoyed the humor in the movie Much Ado About Nothing. i feel that the characters were perfect and i really enjoyed the characters wittiness. This movie represents Shakespeare's view of love and how it has so much humor within his plays. I feel as though Kenneth Branagh did a wonderful representation of Shakespeare's play.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this movie. I thought the way the director set up the whispering was interesting and funny. I laughed a lot during this movie, and really enjoyed it. I liked the lighting they chose to do because i felt like it made the film light and free.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this film. I really like denzel washington, he always does a good job. Keanu Reeths is always i bad choice. I feel that he does not put enough meaning into his acting. I feel the he especially bland in this role. However his pale skin and black hair helped him look the part of an evil guy.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this film! I thought the comedy romance was fun to watch. The eavesdropping and tricks added entertainment to the film. I thought that Beatrice and Benedict are a fun relationship to watch happen with the help of their friends and loved ones. I hate when Claudio makes a fool of himself and Hero at their wedding and it makes people think of how important it is not to jump to conclusions in life. I feel bad for Claudio in the film because he is tricked and seemed to be so in love with Hero but i feel even worse for Hero who has no idea what Claudio is talking about and is even verbally and physically abused by her own father. This movie is very male dominating except for Beatrice. I think Beatrice's independent woman modo is why she is many peoples favorite character, including mine :D
ReplyDeleteEAI
ReplyDeleteI thought this film was hilarious! I loved how the characters were so easily convinced that the others were in love with them. I especially liked Kenneth Branagh because he is just so funny and loveable. I very much enjoyed this movie!
This movie was great in many different ways. It was very funny throughout the entire movie and the characters were great. the dialog in this movie was very good as well as the physical humor. I felt that it might have been better if Keanu Reeves' character could have developed a little more.The battle of wits in this movie only added to its overall enjoyability
ReplyDeleteThis movie was the best example of an interpretation that made it a lot easier to understand and connect with Shakespeare's language. In the play I had a lot of difficulty really liking the story because the comedy and mischief wasn't coming across like it did in this movie. The characters brought a lightness to the whole thing that seemed to translate more and pull my interest.
ReplyDeleteThis film adaptation is one of my favorites because it is very easy to follow and the characters are wonderfully acted by the cast.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with the comments about Keanu Reeve's acting. I found his character didn't quite fit in with the rest. The whole movie he appeared out of place to me. I thought Branagh did a wonderful job acting out his character Benedict. Benedict's and Beatrice's relationship had great onscreen compatability. This was the first time I watched the movie and I found it difficult to keep up with the story line because each character looked very similar and it was hard to remember so many names.
ReplyDeleteCH said...
ReplyDeleteI also would have to agree with all the comments made about Keanu Reeve's acting skills. He kind of stood out this a sore thumb. He didnt seem like he fit in with the other characters. That role i dont no if he was good for. otherwise i loved the movie. This is another movie i enjoyed watching during class because it was very interesting. The relationship between the characters was amazing. I loved how the town was all about lies and ease dropping.
I think that this film is interesting and really kept me wondering, what would happen if only the person knew all of the truth instead of being blinded by false accusations
ReplyDeleteThis film was one of my favorites that we viewed in class. Although, I do agree with what other people have said about Keanu Reeve's acting in the film. It did not compare to the other actors in the film. Not everyone can portray Shakespeare's characters as good as some. But as I have said before, I have always enjoyed Branagh's depiction of Shakespeare's plays. The setting of the film was done very well with the lighting and everything, it really set the mood of the play.
ReplyDeleteI found this movie to be extremely funny. I thought it was delightfully cheesy. the wittiness of the characters was my favorite part of the movie. I especially liked how Keanu Reeves was a bad guy, my roommate loves Keanu and i enjoyed watching his reaction when he found out his hero was a villian.
ReplyDeleteI really like this movie! I feel like Branagh does a very good job of showing the themes of joy and being carefree. Although there are some dark undertones in the film, the movie ends very happily.
ReplyDeleteOut of all the films we have watched this semester, this was by far my favorite story/movie. I really enjoyed the way Branagh interpreted the play. I liked all of the actor choices for the parts. I thought that Thompson made an excellent Beatrice. The only actor in the movie whom i didn't like was Keanu Reeves, i have never been a fan of his acting. He always just comes off as too serious in his roles. I still however love the play and film
ReplyDeleteI flat out loved this movie, but not so much because of the plot. I was intrigued by the overall casting. I honestly feel that EVERYONE did a good job. Even to all you Keanu Reeves haters out there, although his acting wasn't the best, it still didn't disappoint.
ReplyDeleteBranagh did an amazing job directing this movie. I thought it was casted very well. I enjoyed all the witty comments that were made and I also liked how the scenes where the characters Beatrice and Benedick were being deceived by their friends and led to believe the other loved the other.
ReplyDeleteJsosine2
ReplyDeleteThis movie was pretty well directed and thought that it was a lot better than what I thought it was going to be like, I watched this movie and didn't expect much but was pleasantly surprised after it was over.
This film although funny at times and loving in others left me feeling uncomfortable throughout. The reason I was so was because of the acting by most of the characters, and what i mean is that i thought with all the new aged actors this movie boasted it lost some of its essential Shakespeare feel, and on top of that they way the film plays out had me in a state of disbelief.
ReplyDeleteGREAT MOVIE!!!! I found the movie really funny, by far the funniest Shakespeare movie I have seen. Dogberry was hilarious, I enjoyed the scene he was in. The quick wits of Beatrice and Benedick were entertaining. The whole movie had the twists that made it easy to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThis film was very entertaining, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. I thought the comedy aspect of the play was very funny, and the actors did an excellent job portraying each role. Although I have never read the entire play, the movie did a good job representing Shakespeare’s style in a comedy play. It was also fun to see Branagh play such a funny character, after watching him with a dark role in Henry V.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the irony in this play. This play seemed to be all about deceptions. The whole reason the characters fall in love is because they think that the other is in love with them by over hearing their friends. There friends whisper loudly so that they can hear. Even the story line with Hero is a deception. It looks like she has cheated on her fiance and pays the consequences for it when really it is one of her maids.
ReplyDeletei loved this film. i loved how the characters were playful with eachother and how the unexpected couples fell in love and how their love helped fix the wedding and showcase the evil brother it was a really well writtin play and i really enjoyed it. JR
ReplyDeleteI found this movie very interesting because it seemed odd that neither party new that they liked each other but the trickery of someone else was able to bring them together in love although they thought they would never find it. It reminded me of A midsummers night dream because it seems that once again others are having influence on the lovers love. in midsummers night dream it could be the opposite because they were in love and the magic made them fall in love with someone else while in this one they never want to love someone but then are tricked into loving each other because they think the other actually loves them.
ReplyDeleteI thought this was one of the best adaptations for a Shakespeare play onto film. The setting of the play was very shakespearean and portrayed the life of people during those times very well. The actors carried out conversations in a very natural way and made the listener feel as if he were actually watching a conversation between normal people.
ReplyDeleteprobably my favorite shakespeare play and movie. was a very well done film and showed the funny relationship between the characters. this play contains a lot of irony which makes it very interesting and entertaining.
ReplyDeleteThis was one the plays that kept you entertained the whole time. It was similar to a Midsummer Nights Dream. Both of the plays dealt with relationships and true love. It was interesting to see how each character of Much Ado About Nothing was manipulated though others rumors and gossip told. This play kind shows how seriously marriage and relationships are taken back in early time. You did something wrong, you would sent to death. I think that is what made this play interesting due to the fact that each character was playing with fire in a non serious way.
ReplyDeleteI agree with michael about the rumors and gossip. This film was one that built up anticipation for me. It was frustrating when characters would make assumptions based on what they overheard or thought they saw, especially assumptions that could cost a life, because in most cases they weren't true.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the plot of this movie. I liked that it had to do with love and people's relationships. The film kept me interested because I really wanted to know how it was going to end.
ReplyDeleteI thought this movie was very intresting as it kept me entertained throughout the whole film. I had a great liking that the film brought comedy in to play as it demonstrated many twist and turns throughout the movie. I also liked how Denzel Washington as he is one of my favriot actors, he really played his role well as we saw him be the leader of his group.
ReplyDeleteThis was a fantastic film. Kenneth Branagh really does a great job with his shakespeare films. not only can he act well, but he chooses very good actors in his movies. Denzel Washington for example. this is a great movie with great acting with a great plot
ReplyDeleteI thought that Much Ado About Nothing was a great representation of Shakespeare's feeling about love. It was one of the movies that kept me interested in and I enoyed watching the plot twists.
ReplyDeleteThis film was one of the more funnier films that we watched. I thought Kenneth Branagh played a great role as first denying the love of the women and then later falling in love.
ReplyDeleteThis was such a romantic movie! I loved the masquerade ball! I also loved that Beatrice and Benedict had such a fierce love which started as hatred. I think that this is one of my favorite Shakespeare movies and that the setting and visual effects completely made the play more exciting and enjoyable...
ReplyDeleteOther than Twelfth Night (Or What You Will), this is my favorite movie. I have seen it a hundred times. I love the character of Beatrice because she is so stubborn but in the end she finally caves for Benedict. Every time I watch the dance of their "courtship" I can't stop laughing. Those two are two of my all time favorite characters that I have ever seen.
ReplyDeleteThe comedy in this movie kept me interested, Iloved the use of charecters and love plots. The film was full of gossip and rumor that kept you intrigued.
ReplyDeleteI thought this movie was pretty good and actually quite funny. I thought that Emma Thompson did a great job playing the quick and witty Beatrice who thinks that she is not the one to love. The one thing that i have noticed throughout the plays is how characters make assumptions and their assumptions lead them to disasters and tragedies. But i think that is a vital characteristic to Shakespeare's idea.
ReplyDeleteThis was was a joy to watch. Seeing Denzel Washington in this film was a definite shock yet funny because I'm used to him acting in modern day films portrayed as a tough, intellectual actor (Training Day, Man on Fire, etc..). However, I was taken back to hear him speak this dialogue from Shakespeare; but he performed well. This film shows that people hear rumors and immediately run with it without really understanding what was intended by it. Then the rumor is told to someone else who completely misunderstands completely but they tell someone else, and so forth. Rumors only led to disaster, which was showed numerous times in this film. For example, Claudio saw a woman having sexual relations with a man who he thought was Hero. He then assumed that it was Hero and completely disrespected her at the ceremony announcing Hero as a whore. All he had to do was ask Hero about that night instead of assuming and believing a rumor. A great film to show how we as a society love rumors and how we react to them.
ReplyDeletejust think that the dimwitted Constable was the savior of the day. Without him and his mens now one would have believed Hero. Just think a man who pretends to ride a horse around town is the savior.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this film. I especially liked how their were so many famous actors in it. Especially Denzel Washington, I would of never imagined him with all his tough guy films that he would ever be in a Shakespeare movie. But regardless he played the part extremely well which aided a good movie.
ReplyDeleteGood movie, I do not see how Claudio did not just ask Hero if she was unfaithful. He took everyone's word but her own. Don John plays a good part but is not to believable. He puts the wrong people to play the parts because he got caught at the end. But the movie was quite interesting in its point of love and deceit.
ReplyDeleteMuch Ado About Nothing was unrealistic. The idea that a man can slander his fiance and in the end she is ok with it and will still continue to marry him, is not real. After he almost beats her for not being a maid, and then says sorry and takes it back, is unruly. Women back then had no credibility and therefore was the problem in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI didn't really enjoy the movie "Much Ado About Nothing". The entire time, it was just people bickering back and forth and being really immature it seemed. I did like the story line about Claudio and Hero, until the rumor was spread and he caused that big scene at the wedding. All in all, this was not my favorite movie.
ReplyDeleteHarrison 33:
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the more up to date movie. It made the Shakesperian language a little easier to understand. My favorite thing throughout the film was the idea of deception being used. We could never be 100% sure of what we were seeing or being told. At times however, we knew the truth of things (when Claudio thought Hero was cheating on him, that wasn't really Hero, etc)it made you more intrigued and want to tell the actors the truth! Keanu Reeves did an okay job at this film, but it definitely wasn't his best.
This movie was great. The banter back and forth between Benedick and Beatrice was amazing. They did a really good job of showing the progression to marriage.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the character choice was extremely well done, the chemistry between the actors truly made the film enjoyable and understandable, especially since the jokes were not so obvious to grasp. The costumes, although not very diverse or changes very often, were well chosen and the set was beautiful.
ReplyDeletethis film was very entertaining for me! Although it seemed a lot like A Midsummer night's dream with all the he loves her, but she loves him and now they love each other. The plots were simmilar.
ReplyDelete-JSR
This film was enjoyable from start to finish. Although some of Shakespeare's films have hard dialogues, this film was very understandable and interesting. This film shows that rumors are spread very quickly and in the end the rumors are completely the opposite of what was intended. overall, a great film.
ReplyDeleteI think setting Much Ado About Nothing in the sunny Italian countryside made this film very light and fun. Of course, there were some darker parts, especially the first wedding that was totally botched. I think both the movie and the play do a wonderful job showing just how much the opinions and gossip of other people can affect us.
ReplyDelete-GMW
This is my all time favorite film because of the pure humor and irony that runs through out it. The rhetorical devices that Shakespeare uses are more impressive then that of most rhetorics. The film is light hearted and yet full of emotion and life. I thought it was interesting how they use Hero's "death" as something real and everyone is so distraught about it yet she isn't really dead.
ReplyDeleteI loved this movie. The opening scene is a snagger. The poem Beatrice is reading really pertains to the whole movie. I loved the dialog between Benedict and Beatrice, it is so obvious from the beginning they will fall in love because they are so much alike. Both being so stubborn and opposed to love, they need to be tricked into falling for eachother, but the plan works easier then imagined. I couldnt believe that Claudio actually shunned Hero though... She is so sweet and innocent, and Keanu Reeves character is a weasel! I was happy to see that it all worked out by the end of the movie.
ReplyDeletereading the play was difficult for me to understand so watching the light hearted comedy made it much easier to understand.watching the film i feel i got a better grasp on the witty banter and dialogue that i feel is uncommon in Shakespeare's play. i felt all of the characters were well suited except for Keanu Reeves, i dislike him in any movie though so it could be unfair for me to judge in this film. overall well done film and i enjoyed it.
ReplyDeletenicole r
I really enjoyed the "battle of wits" between Benedick and Beatrice. Beatrice is so far my favorite woman in any of the Shakespeare plays we have read. She's smart, funny, and is independent. Keanu Reeves was well cast as Don John because Don John cannot hide what he feels and Keanu Reeves can't seem to make any other facial expressions.
ReplyDeletei thought overall this was a good movie. i do agree that this film shows that rumors cause disaster and i thought it was interesting that shakespeare added this element into his play when he was writing it back in the day and still today rumors are spread and bad things come of it.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely my favorite Shakespeare film. I think the message of the play came across much more clearly. Sometimes I feel like I'm guessing about what they or saying/ feeling. But in Much Ado About Nothing I was able to laugh and follow the story. Its also well set and Benedick's character was cast very well.
ReplyDeleteThis film was probably one of my favorite so far. I thought the way the charachters were being decieved and in a way tricked to fall in love with eachother was great, and the whole idea of the film, the time period, the location, everything was great. The set was beautiful, and the actors chosen to portray the charachters I thought were very well fitting, though Keanu Reeves comes across a bad actor, as we talked about this was fitting because Don John was supposed to be percieved as a rude man, unable to hide his evil intentions. Overall though, as I mentioned, I believe this film was very well put together and definatly a treat to watch.
ReplyDeleteDespite the fact that I find Keanu Reeves ridiculous regardless of the role he really hit a low in this film. Other than Reeves, this film is my absolute favorite Shakespearian film. I love the wit and the original bickering lovers and who doesn't live Keaton's bumbling character.
ReplyDeleteThis was by far my favorite my favorite Shakespeare movie. Kenneth Branaugh not only did a great job of making the play a film, but also did a great job acting. The wittiness between his character Benedick and Beatrice made added a comic relief to the film and made it fun to watch.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it appears that Keanu Reeves didn't do a good job acting because his character is misconstrued among people. It is my understanding that his character is an awful villain who does not even try to disguise himself as someone nice. Keanu definitely did not try to hide his evil intentions.I think his identity helped add to the play. But Benedick and Beatrice were still my favorite to watch!
The cast in this movie was perfect. I thought the cousins had great chemistry and Beatrice and Benedick were obviously perfect for each other from the start, and it was clear they were going to end up together. There were a lot of funny lines and a good contrast between good and evil in this movie. Im happy everything worked out in the end.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I thought all the actors did a great job in the portrayal of their roles. However, Keanu Reeves is not a very believable shakespearean actor. In addition, I thought it was very distubing ow quickly Claudio would believe that Hero was having an affair. He was so cold in publically denouncing her in front of everyone at their wedding.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I thought all the actors did a great job in the portrayal of their roles. However, Keanu Reeves is not a very believable shakespearean actor. In addition, I thought it was very distubing ow quickly Claudio would believe that Hero was having an affair. He was so cold in publically denouncing her in front of everyone at their wedding.
ReplyDeleteI just want to point out how they used a series of rumors to show how easy it is to make someone else fall in love with a person they say they dislike. Obviously i am talking about Beatrice and Bennedick. I thought it was pretty funny that they both completely changed the way they felt for each other as soon as the other(and it was a lie)showed affection. Same goes for Hero and Claudio.... how can you rush to such harsh conclusions? anyways, the film was great with all the twists and stuff. Definately exciting.
ReplyDeleteThis movie made the play a lot easier for me to understand. Reading the play was difficult to decipher for me but the fun and bouncy comedy feel of the film made it easier for me to stop thinking and just listen to what was going on. I love the title of the play because it depicts what the play is about perfectly. The play isnt necessarily about anything in particular so it fits perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThrough out this movie I found myself flustered about the setting. This film takes place in Messina Italia in one house. The remaining of the film does not leave this setting and rumors begin within this story instantly. However, in my opinion the plot of this movie was my favorite among the other Shakespeare films we have watched this semester. Since the setting was Closter phobic, the story was easy to follow and the rumors were easily spread. I liked the use of rumors to make people feel one way about another whereas they would have never considered each other. It was because of rumors that Benedick and Beatrice ironically fell in love.
ReplyDeleteI thought this movie was very entertaining. It was so light-hearted and fun. I had never read the play before this but I feel like I understand it just from the movie.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with what many others have said about Keanu Reeves. His acting was just not up to par in this film. It was disappointing to see him fail at portraying the character believably.
this was one of my favorite films, the setting and the lighting of the movie really set the tone of the film.i really enjoy shakespeare comedys especially when the characters are sarcastic and witty. When in many Shakespearian romances the protagonists fail their attempts for true love. I find this play very similar to A Midsummer’s Night Dream because they are both light hearted and the protagonists gain true love.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that this possibly could have been my favorite movie we watched all year in class. The actors were great and i believe the movie was drawn together perfectly for what Shakespeare would have wanted it to turn out. I would describe the play as funny, witty, and down right entertaining at all times, unlike other Shakespeare movies we have seen this year, Much Ado About Nothing had me entertained the whole time. It not only brought forth Shakespeare's work, but it also told a story that modern day audiences can still relate to today.
ReplyDeleteThis film was not my favorite, nor am I much of a fan of the play in general. The setting of the film was very boring, it all took place in one house and the play did not make sense in the setting. Actors such as Keanu Reeves should not be involved in Shakespeare films, as the acting is far too complex for an actor who got his start in "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure". The play itself is not an entertaining one to me. The title says it all, it really is about nothing.
ReplyDeleteMuch Ado About Nothing is definatly one of the best comedic remakes of any Shakespeare play. I really enjoyed this movie and Kenneth Branaugh is the man!!!!
ReplyDeleteBranagh depiction of Benedict was animated and entertaining. You saw the wit of Benedict's words through Branagh's acting. And yes, Keanu Reeves is pretty monotone and boring, but what do you expect.
ReplyDeleteSomething that was shockingly interesting about the film “Much Ado About Nothing” directed by Kenneth Branagh was how incredibly likable it was compared to the play, in my opinion. Having read both the play and now seen the movie, the story line flowed so nicely and the relationships of the characters were better articulated in the film. In the play, it was written with very little stage directions or scene descriptions so it made it difficult to really picture exactly what was occurring in the story. The relationship between Beatrice and Hero seemed much stronger in the movie than in the play, even though the exact language was used in the film that was in the play.
ReplyDeleteMuch Ado About Nothing was quite slow at some points. But the main part that I highly objected to was the way Claudio completely believes the lies of Hero being an “impure” woman. I thought it to be vastly unrealistic for Claudio to trust accusations created by Don John regarding his beloved fiancée without first questioning Hero in person. Hero becomes bitterly disowned by the entire community all because someone began a false rumor. Luckily, the end brought justice upon those who wronged Hero, but still I continued to find the main plot annoying and frustrating.
ReplyDeleteI thought this was the most interesting film we watched so far. I liked the start of the film with the entrance of the soldiers coming in from war and all the women rushing to get read to welcome them. What really kept my attention was the story between Benedick and Beatrice.
ReplyDeleteI loved this version of Much Ado About Nothing. The characters of Benedick and Beatrice definitely stole the show. Their relationship was my favorite part of the play. Their constant bickering anf fighting was like the plot in many romantic comedies where two people that strongly dislike each other when the story begins, fall madly in love with each other by the end of the story.
ReplyDeleteThe terrible acting on Keanu's part only added to his bumbling villain role. It was hard to tell if he was actually trying to be stiff and mediocre in his acting or if that was the way he wished his character to be perceived. The bumbling and general stupidity of the watchmen/guards definitely brought a needed level of low brow humor to the less subtle trickery of the tricked couples.
ReplyDeleteI thought this movie was played out really well by the actors. They had a great understanding of the play and portrayed it really good. Although it had some parts that ran on and began to snooze it would always speed back up with good comedy and great scenes. I also think Branagh did a great job about directing
ReplyDeleteThis film was kind of hard to enjoy i felt that the American actors for example Denzel and Neo aka Keanu Reeves struggled with the delivery of their lines and that the British actors Emma Thompson and Branagh had to compensate and almost carry this film on their backs to still make it a quality film
ReplyDeleteThe young, lively cast offers a light, modern and witty way to portray Shakespeare’s comedy. I was entertained throughout the whole film not only by the plot but the way each character was portrayed except for Keanu Reeves who seemed out of place with the rest of the cast.
ReplyDeleteI agree with most people's comment about how all the actors played their roles great, except for Keanu Reeves, he was suppose to be a villan in this film and he didn't portray himself as a intiminating evil like figure at all, him using the lines of Shakespeare just didn't fit him. I loved seeing Denzel Washington act in this film, such a change from the usual roles he plays and he did a remarkable job. The tention between Benedict and Beatrice brought humor into the film, but at the same time you knew that bullying each other was their way of being in love with one another. Their relationship really kept me motivated to finish the movie. I thought it was dumb that Claudio would believe such a false rumor and never confront Hero. I felt bad for Hero in the sccene when Claudio hits her and even her own father wants to abandon her, the only person who stayed by her side was Beatrice. The best part of the film to me is when Hero gives Benedict a letter from Beatrice and Claudio gives Beatrice a letter from Benedict and the letters are both degrading but then they give up their love battle and kiss. This film was my favorite film, because it was the mmost entertaing, the film consists alittle bit of action, drama, suspense, evil, and romantic. Branagh did a excellent job casting, picking the setting, and adding his own touch to the film.
ReplyDeleteThis Shakespeare play is very humorous. When first watching the film, I found Beatrice and Claudio both to be kind of annoying characters, but as the film went on, they became my favorite. This play really shows how gossip can affect a community so much.
ReplyDeleteI found this film to be rather cute and charming. There was a sense of wittiness and playfulness throughout the entire film. I found Benedick's and Beatrice's match-made love to be quite entertaining. The whole movie was about deceiving and being cunning. Through rumors and trickery they were able to unite the two love birds who at first despised each other. The garden scenes added to the airy feel that overwhelmed the movie.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this film because I have a bigger appreciation for the more modern day Shakespeare films than the original plays simply because they are easier to follow. I am also a fan of Keanu Reeves, so the film was definitely enjoyable for me. Denzel did a great job acting as well and I liked that it was more unusual for him to play that type of role
ReplyDeletethis film was a rather upscale easy to understand Shakespeare movie. The movie was very easy to follow along with unlike some of his plays that turned into movies and I think that was a overall great movie to watch due its easy understanding and very straight forward climax. Have Denzel in the movie didn't hurt the movie either.
ReplyDeleteThis movie is definitely one of my favorites so far this semester. It is probably because I am a girl, but the fact that it was a love story and funny, it made it enjoyable to watch. I also thought the actors fit the characters perfect. Bearnice did a great job of portraying the stubborn woman that she is..one that doesnt believe a man will ever meet her standards. Also I found myself being able to follow the dialect better than other shakespeare movies, also making this movie more interesting.
ReplyDelete-brigg
I think this is my favorite movie to date that we have watched in class. It engaged me. I related with the characters so I was very worried the whole time. I just wanted everything to work out, which it did. It was nice that it was a more recently created movie as well.
ReplyDeleteMuch Ado About Nothing was another one of my favorites! I really liked the chase between Beatriz and Benedict to find their true love. My favorite scene was the masc party. I really liked how the characters didnt know who they were being paired up with until the faces were revealed. It was easy for me to enjoy and laugh along in this film. It was also a more modern film, so watching it was easier for me to be engaged. The wittiness that went on through the whole film kept me wanting to watch more. I really enjoyed how sweet and simple each characters part was as well. They were really lined up in perfect roles. The plot of this film has really been my favorite of all the Shakespeare films that we have watched and read about so far. Hopefully, there will be more like this to come!
ReplyDeleteThis is by far my favorite of the Shakespeare films we have seen so far. It was so funny, and I was able to follow the story line easily without first knowing what it was about. Usually Kenneth Branagh plays the more serious Shakespeare character, but it was refreshing to see him in a more comedic role, which he did an amazing performance. It was also fun to watch such familiar actors, like Denzel Washington, Michael Keaton, Emma Thompson, Robert Sean Leonard and Keanu Reeves. Overall great film and fun story.
ReplyDeleteThis movie was hard to follow. The title itself is confusing to me, but they did make the film humorous in a way to enjoy it. I agree with B Rose that Denzel Washington was entertaining to watch because he never acts out as a proper gentleman normally he is all in action movies.
ReplyDeletei felt that this was a very moving movie. i did not like keanu reeves very much, i dont feel he played the part, however i felt that the movie was very powerful and funny. this was one of my favorite shakespeare plays because of its humor.
ReplyDelete-slightlystoopid
This film was full of humor wich intertained me for hours. I thought the way that reeves character was portrayed was good because he had no emotion and thats what his character was supposed to do
ReplyDeleteI thought that the Kenneth Branagh did a great job of playing Benedick and I also thought that Emma Thompson did a great job as Beatrice. I thought that the scenes with Benedick and Beatrice were some of the best scenes in the movie. I enjoyed the movie, but I thought that Keanu Reeves was a terrible selection to play Don John. I thought that he was not convincing and he just did not seem to fit well in the role.
ReplyDeleteI thought this movie was great! it was very easy to follow. However He cut out a lot of lines and scenes. Though I understand why, I feel like that shouldn't have happened. If you're a lover of Shakespeare or not, this film is a great treat, and it appeals to all audiences who love the classic masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteThis film was very well done. The banter between Beatrice and Benedick was extremely entertaining to follow, and I believe Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh have great chemistry (though I'm sure being married in real life helped a bit). The film was visually appealing with a lot of golden tones and a beautiful setting. It did a wonderful job of portraying the changing dynamics between the characters, and was an overall entertaining film.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it but just felt as if I had already seen this movie before. However this movie made me laugh a lot more, the humor is always there. For a romance I feel as if this movie was very comparable to a midsummer night's dream.
ReplyDeleteI thought this movie was very entertaining. It was so light-hearted and fun. I have read the play before watching the movie, but i felt that i understood it much better now, after watching it.
ReplyDeleteI found the movie, on the most part to be extremely entertaining, particularly the witty banter between Beatrice and Benedick. However, I found Keanu Reeves' protrayl of Don John to be particuarly unconvincing and did not come across as being a good villain within the film
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with everyone on Keanu Reeve's role! They could have picked a better suited actor for this role. He did not fit the character I pictured from the book at all!
ReplyDeleteThis was one of my favorite films played so far in this class. The use of drama, love stories, and fake affairs kept me very entertained. The way that the father hated Hero after she was supposedly "caught" having an affair gave the film a jaw dropping effect. And the whole fake affair put a great dramatic twist on this film that kept the audience wanting to know more!
ReplyDeleteMy main attraction to this film was the structure, the classic Shakespeare romantic comedies which all follow similar lines filled with comical mix ups along the way. Even though Keanu does not seem to be a favorite in this film, I think all the actors make it more appealing to some people who initially might not be interested in it.
ReplyDeleteYes Westin I do agree with you that this was not one of Keanu's greatest films, but he doesnt have very many of those anyways. i loved the film and especially the acting of denzel and of course the great shakespearian actor/director of our time kenneth branagh
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the film Much Ado About Nothing by Branagh, i found the film to be very pleasurable. I loved how there were so many famous actors in the film. In the film I really enjoyed the chase between Benedict and Beatriz and their realization of true love for one another. I felt that it was very funny. THey are both very funny characters. I found the story line to be very interesting and I felt that Branagh did a fairly good job with portraying SHakespeare's play, and making it easy to fallow along with. Overall it was an enjoyable film.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this film! i thought it was lighthearted and fun, which i feel like you dont get that often from shakespeare. The fun of it and the love story of it was very enjoyable. I also enjoyed the trickery that went on in between the family and friends with Beatrice and Benadict. The mix of romance and comedy was captured perfectly in this film.
ReplyDeleteThis film was fun to watch because it was not as heavy and heart-bearing as most of the other Shakespeare films. I liked watching it, because all of the actors were recognizable, and you are always interested in things that you are well aware of and know. It was easy to follow along, and entertaining to watch.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely my favorite film of a Shakespeare play. In particular, I loved how this film was able to be so lighthearted and comical, yet at the same time portray the conflicts in such an tangible way. Yet in the end, they still stuck with the light hearted Shakespearian comedy.
ReplyDeleteKenneth Branagh's version of "Much Ado About Nothing" is a little overated. Although great actors were hired, such as, Denzel Washington and Michael Keaton; the screenplay as a whole was a little boring. The dialogue between characters is very lengthy, which is not a bad thing, but i personally need more excitement. The story, in general, was just kind of weak compared to other Shakespeare plays.
ReplyDeleteMP said...
ReplyDeleteDuring this movie I wanted to punch Keanu Reeves! I hated his character Don Jon. Just because you are miserable and unhappy, does not mean you have to ruin someone elses life! However, because of how evil Don Jon's character is, I thought that Reeves did an excellent job portraying the role. Despite my angry feelings towards Reeves, I really enjoyed the romantic love scenes between Claudio and Hero and eventually Benedick and Beatrice. I thought that it was genius how Claudio, Don Pedro, and Hero planned to make Beatrice and Benedick fall in love. It was a silly way of making them realize their true feelings for each other, but it was successful and cute that they ended up falling in love.
I really enjoyed this movie a lot, the setting, the actors and the story line. However, Keanu Reeves acting was not up to par with the other actors in this movie. He was not believable in his role as Juan
ReplyDeleteThis was also a very good movie i though. There was a constant backstabbing from Don Jon who was preventing relationships from forming. The bickering between Benedick and Beatrice made for some very good laughs. I agree with Jeff S how the movie was so lighthearted but portrays problems that we still have.
ReplyDeleteThis was one of my favorite films so far that I have watched because it is so witty and enjoyable to watch. Shakespeare's comedies are always fun to watch and in this movie i thought the characters were casted very well and allowed us to relate more to the characters unlike most other shakespeare plays.
ReplyDeleteI feel like Kenneth Branagh is involved with way too many movies on Shakespeare and I kind of rolled my eyes when I heard we had to watch another film by him. When i heard Denzel Washington was in it i thought i would give it a chance because he is always in great action packed films. I was very wrong. I twas actually quite a dull film. In my opinion it was too much talking and not enough action.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching all the films in class, I have concluded that I enjoyed Much Ado About Nothing the most. Before taking this class I do not think I would be able to appreciate it as much as I did, It is really easy to follow knowing the structure Shakespeare uses in his comedies.
ReplyDeleteI didn't like this film as much as others that we have watched in class. I found it to be slower and didn't really capture my attention.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed watching this version of Shakespeare's "Much Adu About Nothing." I found it to be very similar to "A Midsummer Nights Dream" in terms of pace, mood, and the nature of the characters. The movie did a good job of demonstrating some conflicts, such as the confusion and the love complication between Benedick and Beatrice. The acting in this movie was great; I really enjoyed Kenneth Branagh and Denzel Washingtons' performances in particular. Overall, I was plesently surprised and enjoyed watching this film.
ReplyDelete-Jordan Williams
I agree with what many said about Reeves he was a bad casting for that character. I felt that the other actores were well picked but I felt that Keanu was trying was to hard and I was expecting him to say DUDE any minute!. Michael keatons character was awesome he totally stood out among the other characters who seemed normal. He brought a great amount of humor.
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yes I agree as well Reeves' acting was definitely bad but the movie itself was fast and upbeat compared to some other Shakespeare films and it was enjoyable to watch!
ReplyDeleteI thought this film was an interesting adaption of one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays. Unfortunately, the casting could have been dramatically better. I would definitely consider this film a genuine classic.
ReplyDeleteNicola Lore
This was one of my favorites. I thought this film was really funny! The acting was a little insufficient, but overall a fun movie.
ReplyDeleteThis was one of the funnier movies that ive seen of a Shakespeare play. I thought the acting was good and really liked Denzel Washington in this. Being that this is one of my favorite plays im glad the movie was just as good and of course funny.
ReplyDeleteLike some people before me have said, Keanu Reeves definitely ruined this movie for me. I just don't think that he is a very good actor and plays the same exact role in every movie that he does. I could not get over this the whole movie which is why I didn't really enjoy this movie
ReplyDeleteThis was the funniest of all the Shakespeare movies. Denzel Washington was so badass and really kept my attention for the entirety of the movie. But I thought Reeves did a poor job as Don John. How Benedick and Beatrice are tricked into loving each other was hilarious. Overall very enjoyable movie.
ReplyDeleteMuch ado about nothing is one of the few shakespeare plays that I enjoyed reading, and the movie did not disapoint. I think branagh did a good job with it. Keanu is a terrible actor but I think the rest of the cast was strong enough to make up for his complete lack of talent.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this movie and I thought the acting was really good. I also thought it was really funny seeing Keanu Reeves in the film, but he played his role as being the antagonist. I also thought the overall theme of the movie which was "deception as a means to an end" was really clever and also mad the film pretty humorous at times.
ReplyDeleteIn this star studded cast the movie did fair as well as i thought it would, it seemed much ado about nothing really was about nothing and wasn’t much of anything. And why was Denzel Washington Keanu reeves brother, something’s off there.....
ReplyDeleteThis was the second time I had seen this movie and I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time. I think the cast was a great mix and each character played their part and was casted appropriately. for example Denzel Washington played a leader that everyone liked and looked up to, other the other hand Keanu Reeves, played the villain who couldn't plan things correctly. I don't think the movie would have been as enjoyable if Keanu and Denzel had switched roles. I thought hate-love relationship between Benedick and Margaret was fun because it was manipulated but once they learned this they still ended up loving each other. I think the lesson or moral I walked away with after this play was to not jump to conclusions or draw assumptions., but to always question the source information is coming from.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed seeing common Hollywood actors like Reeves and Washington that I am familiar with. I like how in the film Shakespeare plays the characters off of each other very well. Throughout the film the characters are being tricked into things. For example, when they convince Beatrice and Benedick that they are interested in each other when they are not and when Don John slanders Hero, that was innocent.
ReplyDeleteDenzel being in the movie was a bit odd but hilarious. With all the great actors in this movie, how could it disappoint? It was interesting to watch all the different relationships build and break throughout the movie. Great movie...really suggest that everyone watch it.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with timothytran, the film was really well acted. Even though there was a lot of backstabbing, i thought this movie was hilarious, one of the best we have seen all year.
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