Shakespeare Retold
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Movie Reviews of Shakespeare Retold
Movie Review: An updated classic
Summary: 5 Stars
The contemporary version of Macbeth with James McAvoy in the title role is the best adaptation of this play I've ever seen. At first, the idea sounds crazy - transitioning from the battlefield to the professional kitchen, but this concept remains faithful to the original play in spirit. The whole cast is superb and McAvoy deserves the highest praise for his brilliant and intense performance. Many actors have gone over the top playing this character, especially as he spirals downwards, but McAvoy never makes that mistake. He manages to convey strong emotions while keeping them in check and the result is a believable portrayal of a very driven man and his eventual breakdown. The film grabbed my attention right away and made me think about its clever parallels to Shakespeare's original. It surprised and delighted me. I highly recommend it!Movie Review: All Four Films Are Fine
Summary: 5 Stars
While other reviews are rightfully praising the BBC's updating of "Taming Of The Shrew" and "Much Ado About Nothing," it's worth noting that the version of "Macbeth" in this series is absolutely outstanding.
The witches are bin men (garbage collectors), the principals are chefs entwined in the jealousies generated by a restaurant review, and the overall execution is a perfect blend of darkness, madness and hubris. It's probably the most true-to-source adaptation in the series and yet another reason to get this series.
And, as a footnote, I agree with the previous sentiment that the tone and focus of "Midsummer Night's Dream" is off, but it's still well-done.
Movie Review: Damian Lewis does romantic-comedy!
Summary: 5 Stars
I haven't gotten to watch the other Shakespeare plays retold, other than Damian Lewis's "Much Ado About Nothing." But I will. As soon as I stop rewatching his excellent performances. I never knew Lewis could be so funny, dry humor, perfect slapstick comedy. I knew he could pull off romance, and then some, though. I've been quoting from this play extensively. During one scene where Benedick attempts to listen in on a staged conversation about Beatrice loving him in vain, I was laughing my head off, I almost fell off the bed. Reminded me of why I absolutely adore British entertainment.Movie Review: I am horribly in love with this set!
Summary: 5 Stars
Buy this if only for "The Taming of the Shrew." All 4 adaptations are brilliantly made for today. "Shrew" is the best of the lot but the others are great too. Sewell and Henderson have great chemistry. "Much Ado about Nothing" is also well done. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is good but leaves out the play at the wedding, which is my favorite part of the play. "MacBeth" is appropriately shot in a gourmet kitchen and stars James MacAvoy and has Richard Armitage. A must see for any Shakespeare fan. As always the BBC does a great job.
Movie Review: Tell me again, Will
Summary: 5 Stars
Ever since catching portions and episodes by chance of this wonderful series two summers ago, I lamented not TiVo'g in time. This DVD was a find. More than anything, the stories Retold underscore the universality and timelessness of Shakespeare's themes and the human condition. Macbeth is brilliant (McEvoy cooking is hot), finally a watchable and touching Midsummer's, Much Ado About a so-so serial, and a wildly redemptive Taming. A funny, bittersweet, horrible and amusing ride, all four stories. Master entertainment retelling.