Review of Much Ado About Nothing (2013) by Brittany F — 06 Jul 2013

After taking a Shakespeare class last semester I have to say Much Ado About Nothing was probably my favorite. I love the characters of Benedick and Beatrice and the way they play off of each other. So naturally I was excited when I heard my nerd idol Joss Wheadon was adapting it for the big screen, and I've got so say it didn't let me down.

I'm not saying it was perfect, or as good as the Kenneth Branagh version, but still very enjoyable. I'll start off by discussing the acting. Amy Acker was amazing as Beatrice, she was witty and spunky and quite frankly stole every scene she was in.

Alexis Denisof is good at the physically comedic aspects of the character, but when he's facing off against Acker he never really becomes her equal. Some of the actors often seemed like they were having trouble with the Shakespearean dialogue one that comes to mind is Fran Kranz as Claudio.

He didn't really detract from the movie because Claudio is an infuriating character anyway, but I thought I'd throw it out there. Now I'll move on to the man that quite frankly stole the movie for me, Nathan Fillion as Dogberry.

He completely nailed the sincere idiocy that is conveyed in the text. He wasn't in the movie for a long time, but when he was it was absolutely hysterical. I'll move on to the directing now which was great.

It's even more impressive when you think about how it was only shot in 12 days. The cuts are very clean and precise and there are even some sight gags thrown in there that almost catch you off guard.

This movie was a fun interpretation of the Bard's comedy and should be seen by every fan.