Much Ado About Nothing

Lionsgate | Release Date: June 7, 2013

7.5	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 67 Ratings

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MarthaPJun 9, 2013

Brilliant! Rarely have I enjoyed a film this much. "Much Ado" was funny, beautiful and held the audience rapt. The cast was captivating. The artistic and directorial choices in tone, setting, photography, staging, and pace were all spotBrilliant! Rarely have I enjoyed a film this much. "Much Ado" was funny, beautiful and held the audience rapt. The cast was captivating. The artistic and directorial choices in tone, setting, photography, staging, and pace were all spot on. I guess a little less camera shake would have been OK.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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ThegodfathersonJun 13, 2013

Joss Whedon seems to be a man who does not understand the concept of downtime. Once shooting wrapped on his wildly ambitious The Avengers, the writer-director was contractually obligated to take a week off before diving into theJoss Whedon seems to be a man who does not understand the concept of downtime. Once shooting wrapped on his wildly ambitious The Avengers, the writer-director was contractually obligated to take a week off before diving into the post-production on the sprawling superhero ensemble piece. But instead of kicking back, Whedon gathered together another ensemble—mostly made up of actors from his various television outings—to make a short and sweet movie out of William Shakespeare's play Much Ado About Nothing. Made in just 12 days, the black-and-white film features the original text in a contemporary setting and is infused with the kind of enthusiasm you'd expect from a Whedon pet project. But its spontaneity does have some drawbacks. Devotees of the Whedonverse are surely chomping at the bit for his latest effort, and likely won't be disappointed. It's fun seeing his familiar crew of performers playing with Shakespeare, and imaging yourself in attendance at one of Whedon's private parties, where the famous people you crush on gather to drink and read plays aloud. (Swoon!) There's an earnestness and energy that exudes from the film, and makes it a joy to watch. However, the overall execution is less than spectacular. The cinematography is functional, but not artful. The blocking feels nonsensical, sometimes distractingly so, as characters meander with unclear purpose around the lovely California home (Whedon's own) where all this mischief unfolds. Sometimes, a scene's staging seems like an idea that didn't pan out, but didn't merit a reshoot (a scene set in a clearly shallow pool makes for a particularly jarring moment). Likewise, the art design lacks Whedon's usual sense of flair, with characters cloaked in ill-fitting suits and dull dresses. Attempts at grandeur (close-ups on delicate table settings and maids prepping flowers) suggest an attempt at scope this low-budget feature can't quite pull off. Basically, it feels like a movie Whedon shot in 12 days. Still, Whedon with 12 days is worthwhile watching. This comedy is undeniably charming, in no small part because of its cast. Acker and Denisof exchange their Shakespearean barbs with a bravado and glee that makes them fun to watch, even if their chemistry never quite feels erotic. Fillion and Lenk are well paired in their roles as easily puzzled comic relief, and spark a welcomed levity to the narrative's bleaker moments. For his part, Gregg brings a radiant warmth—and later chilling rage—to the role of Leonato, further proving he should be in just about everything. But it's Kranz who proves the movie's true standout. Claudio is a tricky role, as he is a soldier who turns from eager, lovesick boy to slut-shaming wrathful brute on a dime. But Kranz manages the turn with aplomb. His bright grin makes him adorable in the film's first act, and his steely scorn makes the pivotal wedding scene profoundly heartbreaking. Between this film and Cabin in the Woods it seems Whedon is trying to convince the world that Kranz is a viable and crush-worthy romantic lead. It might be too soon to speak for the world, but he has at least convinced this critic. Much Ado About Nothing is a joyful romp and noble experiment. There are times where its spontaneity leads to clunky compositions or awkward execution, but the shared charisma of its mostly terrific cast and the bubbly barbs of Shakespeare blend to make an intoxicating treat nicely suited to summer. Whedon has a special skill for marrying lightheartedness to dark matter, and so it in that sense Much Ado About Nothing seemed a perfect play for him to tackle. It's just a shame he didn't have a bit more time and/or money behind it to make it something truly stupendous.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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DarkCriticJun 11, 2013

This early premiere of Joss Whedon's low budget Shakespearian film of Much Ado About Nothing. Mr. Whedon has created a new black and white love story that takes place in Santa Monica, California, and he developed his stylistic movie at hisThis early premiere of Joss Whedon's low budget Shakespearian film of Much Ado About Nothing. Mr. Whedon has created a new black and white love story that takes place in Santa Monica, California, and he developed his stylistic movie at his own home with great actors from his TV series and other movies. Based on William Shakespeare's short novel, the story is about Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and the Dons are approaching at Leonato's home during the war and they take their custody of Don John (Sean Maher) and Conrade (Riki Lindhorne). While they approach to Leonato's home, Claudio wants to fell in love with Leonato's daughter, Hero for his permission to marry her. Also, Benedick and Beatrice (Amy Acker) have love chemistry to each other from the past, and they both have good moments like love and passion. The actors are excellent for portraying Shakespearian characters like Clark Gregg as Leonato, Nathan Fillion as Dogberry, and Franz Kranz as Claudio. One actor who did portray as Benedick is Alexis Denisof, who did an excellent job for performing as a likable character with good acting skills and clever dialogue than other actors try so hard to perform their characters in big blockbuster movies. The scenes are so incredible to look at with great black and white editing, everything is so dark, and the lines are so funny. Much Ado About Nothing is a flawless Shakespearian movie that has incredible cast, great love story and great moments. Joss Whedon makes a nice romantic film that doesn't get too much audience to enjoy this low budget movie than other summer blockbuster movies that are coming out, but this one is a perfect film that I recommended to see this movie in a small local theater near you. Two Thumbs Up!… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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LamontRaymondJun 9, 2013

What an amazing home! Whedon's Much Ado is fantastic, mostly because of its lead actors the consistently amazing Amy Acker and the criminally under-cast Alexis Denisof.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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TVJerryJun 22, 2013

Joss Whedon is best known as writer/director of "The Avengers," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Firefly," so this departure into Shakespeare is atypical. It was shot in 12 days at his own house using his cast member friends (not movie stars).Joss Whedon is best known as writer/director of "The Avengers," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Firefly," so this departure into Shakespeare is atypical. It was shot in 12 days at his own house using his cast member friends (not movie stars). He's given the romantic comedy a more somber tone, shot it in classic B&W and injected some musical interludes (which he also wrote). The performances are all strong with Nathan Fillion adding in a delightful turn as Dogberry. If you enjoy the Bard, this contemporary restaging is attractive, well-crafted and entertaining.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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drlowdonSep 1, 2014

Josh Whedon's take on Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing retains the original script but updates the setting to the modern day.

Truth be told it's not always easy to follow the 17th Century dialogue but the bard had a way with words thatJosh Whedon's take on Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing retains the original script but updates the setting to the modern day.

Truth be told it's not always easy to follow the 17th Century dialogue but the bard had a way with words that few others can match and his tales still largely stand up today, even if some of the humour is lost in translation. The performances, including a host of Whedon favourites, are excellent and help belay the movies small budget.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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BellaWolfeJun 20, 2013

I love how Whedon was able to film this in 12 days with a fabulous cast and crew in his own home. Whedon and Shakespeare are a match made in heaven. Bravo hands down the best Shakespeare movie ever made. Truly witty and tasteful.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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sivaruthvikMar 12, 2014

joss whedon once again proves he is a good director and he must be good after avengers , clark gregg did well and so does the rest of cast. always good movie

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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wiggipopJul 31, 2013

Truly wonderful film. Whedon takes Shakespeare's often hard to grasp words and spins some sort of magic, largely due to his raft of friends who come along for the ride. After some initial jarring with the juxtaposition of old style languageTruly wonderful film. Whedon takes Shakespeare's often hard to grasp words and spins some sort of magic, largely due to his raft of friends who come along for the ride. After some initial jarring with the juxtaposition of old style language with the modern setting, it settles into a rhythm thanks to the energy of the performers. Nathan Fillion, Alexis Denisof and Fran Kranz impress with both the dramatic and comedic elements of the script, but it's Amy Acker's Beatrice who ties the film together. Acker is simply magical. The party scene, soundtracked with "Sigh No More" by Mau (with lyrics by Shakespeare), was one of the most delightful scenes in a 2013 film.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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FrankBlunatNov 30, 2014

i had to watch this play in school. In spite of the numerous problems thrown in their way, the couples end up happy with each other. A picturesque ending!

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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