Jos Whedon's "Much Ado About Nothing, " is a brilliant contemporary version of the Shakespeare play, a 'must see' for Shakespeare aficionados. But it also seems to be a production that would work for those who don't know the play and want an introduction to it, like the friend I brought to see it. It works for today's audience because it get at darker parts of the play while maintaining the comedy in a way that works for today's culture. And it doesn't patronize spectators by over-dramatizing right from the start that Beatrice and Benedict love each other underneath their sparring. (i.e. Most other productions stage and filmic represent this right away with a twinkle in the voice or hints of smiles, or more direct expressions.) Instead, Whedon's production gives audiences who aren't familiar with most older ones a little time to figure it out. This makes the trajectory of the relationship more nuanced and realistic.

Quite a witty and intelligent adaptation of this classic tale. Very well integrated into a setting that is totally believable. Modern people and surroundings with the timeless and magical script as written by William Shakespeare 400 years ago, and without error. I was a bit skeptical, until I went. The time / dialog mismatch disappears within the first few minutes, and you just roll with it. It works, and works very well. Kudos to those individuals that acted, wrote, edited and scored this masterpiece. The soundtrack is very well done and integrates perfectly with this movie. I loved every minute of it. In fact, I'll buy it when it comes out! The one comment that I must make is that this movie from the opening scene is ALL California ALL the way! If you've spent any time there, studying their odd and bewildering culture, you will see this too. As they say, "California is like a bowl of Granola! What 'aint fruits and nuts, is FLAKES! Yikes! On a trapeze, and so on...?

Very intriguing having a 16 th century story set in the 21 st century where it all works except the scandal surrounding women's virtue. It os riotous as is the play off of which it is based. If the speech was just slowed down a notch perhaps it would be easier to follow given it is middle English spoken at a New york pace.

Once I got into the rhythm of Shakespeare's dialogue, it is such a clever story. However, I didn't think the villains were that villainous. Very snappy - good humor - happy ending :).

Study up on your high school lit notes before you go to get in the mood for Shakespeare dialogues (that frequently break out into monologues). The non-stop philandering remind us that humans have not changed in 500 years. Decide for yourself is this is good or bad, but be prepared to elevate your language skills beyond the modern acceptable low level. This movie is a good test of your brains, spirit, conscience, humor, and morality. But in the end it is our human self: motivated by lust, power and need to be loved. The final analysis is that it is all worthwhile if you can laugh and love. Great stuff!