Review of Arthur (2011) by Dave S — 29 Aug 2011

I was prepared to give this three stars until the very last scene, which undermines EVERYTHING that has come before it. While I never expected the movie to be as good as the original (which isn't perfect, but is pretty decent), I found myself pleasantly surprised, particularly by Russell Brand, who (despite Arthur's childishness) gives the most mature performance I've ever seen from him (though he's less naturally likeable than Dudley Moore).

Dame H is great as always, though her Hobson is somewhat less gruff than Gielgud's. Even Jennifer Garner surprised me. But that stupid ending insults both the audience and the character they have been asked to invest in, rendering the preceding hour and a half a WASTE OF FREAKIN' TIME.

An awful shame.