In the same year that the UK’s Royal Shakespeare Company films a live performance of ‘Much Ado’ at The Globe Theatre in London is there really a need for yet another movie of this classic comedy? After seeing Joss Whedon’s exhilarating contemporary version, the answer is a very definite ‘yes’! 
Of the two sets of lovers that both have different takes on their version of romance, it is Beatrice and Benedick who win our hearts as well as each others. Their rapid fire barbs are quite glorious and reminded me so much of one of the early Tracey Hepburn screwball comedy movies. Performed here by Amy Acker (‘Angel’) and Alexis Denisof (‘Angel’ & ‘The Avengers’) who play alongside such an excellent well-casted ensemble.
Whedon’s take remains faithful to Shakespeare’s core but somehow he emphasises the sexuality of the piece, and it is brimming with vitality and energy. I will profess to neither being an expert or Shakespearean purist, but for my money it would be nigh on impossible to produce a version so extraordinarily wonderful as this. It certainly even surpasses Kenneth Branagh’s excellent version in 1993 which had the distraction of a superstar cast.
Totally unmissable.
★★★★★★★★★
Labels: 2012, black & white, classic, modern dress, romantic comedy
