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hyped garbage

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

I think this is a good interpretation of the Shakespeare play, and it makes the story line easy to follow because you can understand what the characters mean by how the actors say it. I'd recommend it as good to watch if you're trying to read the play but don't know what the Elizabethan English means. Good. Personally, I find it rather boring, but if you like Shakespeare and romance things like this, then you will like this, I'm sure.

Amused by the contempt they share for one another, the friends of a confirmed bachelor and confirmed spinster conspire to make each believe that the other has romantic designs on him/her in this big screen adaptation of one of William Shakespeare's most popular comedies. Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson are both excellent as the two cynics turned lovers, sprouting Shakespeare's witty dialogue in a very natural manner and the fast paced banter between them is easily the high point of the film. The plot is more complicated than just that though with a spiteful friend of the couple also conspiring to break up the engagement of his best friend to a woman that he would rather have to himself. This angle is unfortunately far less interesting than everyone tricking Branagh and Thompson into romancing one another and yet the subplot soon gains centre focus. It also does not help that Robert Sean Leonard, who was so great in 'Dead Poets Society', is awkwardly cast here as the man tricked out of his impending marriage, though the actor who seems least comfortable overall here is Keanu Reeves, who looks stunned and dazed half the time. And yet, while the supporting cast varies in effectiveness, Brian Blessed is always great to have on hand, and with both Branagh and Thompson very much in their element, this is a fairly fun film.

To review this, I have to try look at it from the perspective of the time it was made. Yes, it is as energetic, enchanting and witty today as I'm sure it was then, but the cheesiness and insta-love are a given - considering the period it was made and the fact that it's Shakespeare. I'm overlooking that because, frankly, this is Shakespeare. It's what you have to expect. It's visually enchanting; and with an excellent – very fitting – soundtrack and superb directing. Branagh makes everything flow beautifully and has adapted the play to the screen effortlessly and tenderly, with wonderful comic detail. The cinematography is decent, although nothing special. Emma Thompson dazzles alongside Branagh with radiance and energy, and both of them light up the screen with passionate chemistry, flawless acting, and gorgeous banter and wit. Shakespeare's lines spark effortlessly from their lips and both of them take up their roles perfectly with elegance and pure talent. Together, Thompson and Branagh light up the screen and deliver rich performances. Kate Beckinsale, Micheal Keaten, and Robert Sean Leonard all give strong performances; Keaten and Beckinsale especially. I preferred the movie's interpretation of Keaten's character – Dogberry – a lot more than the original play's version. The movie made him a drunk, which I thought worked a lot better, and he was believable, comic, and altogether enjoyable to watch. Denzel Washington was also brilliant; he was a real highlight for me. He fitted the character of Don Pedro perfectly and was entirely convincing and fully characterised. Keanu Reeves got a lot of criticism for his part in this film, and while I don't think he was awful, he definitely wasn't up the standard of the others. He was shallow, wooden, and the American accent just didn't work. It seems obvious he got the role because of his looks. Overall, "Much Ado About Nothing" was a beautiful, entertaining, humorous and purely enjoyable ride. I really liked it :D

Shakespeare, as it should be interpreted for the big screen. I must admit, this one is my personal favorite. And being a Kenneth Branagh fan, I think this is a real masterpiece. His performance is also remarkable. One could easily assume he was in love during the filming of the movie...:) Some people complain about the "wooden" Keanu, I think he was perfect for this role, as his character suppose to be grim and yes, wooden too - in perfect contrast to the rest. Every single bit of this movie feels right and in place. All the actors just... fit. The easiest and simplest test is to watch it several times. I did and I loved it. Thank you Kenneth Branagh, for the wonderful experience.