Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Billy Wonka (A) on October 12, 2013 at 17:42:19

Yep, late to the party but finally saw Joss Whedon's version this enjoyable comedy. This contemporary setting certainly beats the crap out of reading this in tenth grade English class. Set in the producer's home, the near brilliantly staged and filmed play came alive through the naturalness of its actors. Notably, Clark Gregg (Leonato) made lofty Shakespeare comfortable and conversational. The rest of the cast was near equal with Acker and Denisof being the lively, sparring couple with Nathan Fillion adding the raw comedy as the inept Dogberry. (I wonder if Deputy Dawg came from Dogberry?)

Being shot in B&W seemed to emphasize the actors' performance without totally blotting out the beautiful backdrop. Not being done in classical mode robs it of a monocle rating but does make it everyman accessible. (Be sure and watch the Bonus Features.)