Leonato (Clark Gregg) the governor of Messina is visited by his friend Don Pedro (Reed Diamond) who is returning from a victorious campaign against his rebellious brother Don John (Sean Maher). Accompanying Don Pedro are two of his officers: Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and Claudio (Fran Kranz). While in Messina Claudio falls for Leonato's daughter Hero (Jillian Morgese) while Benedick verbally spars with Beatrice (Amy Acker) the governor's niece. The budding love between Claudio and Hero prompts Don Pedro to arrange with Leonato for marriage. In the days... leading up to the ceremony Don Pedro with the help of Leonato Claudia and Hero attempts to sport with Benedick and Beatrice in an effort to trick the two falling in love. Meanwhile the villainous Don John with the help of his comrade (Riki Lindhome) and Borachio (Spencer Treat Clark) plots against the happy couple using his own form of trickery to try to destroy the marriage before it begins. A series of comic and tragic events may continue to keep the two couples from truly finding happiness but then again perhaps love may prevail. [show more]
Never has a match been made in heaven closer than that of Joss Whedon and William Shakespeare.
Having spent years in the realms of fantasy and science fiction, Whedon finally turned his craft to the work of Shakespeare, bringing to the big screen one of the finest of the bard's plays in the most memorable adaptation seen since Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet.
During his down-time after helming The Avengers, which went on to become the third-highest-grossing film of all time, Whedon picked up a copy of the play and realised that this was a play he could turn into a film. And he did exactly that, in just twelve days, shooting in his own home and its beautiful grounds.
Shot in beautiful black and white, the film opens with a scene not included in Shakespeare's original play, setting the tone for the rest of the film perfectly. What every adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing has to decide for itself is whether Benedick and Beatrice have had a past relationship, and it's wonderful to finally see it enacted on screen.
Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof are perfect for each other in this story of star-crossed lovers, whose battling wits lead to much entertainment. It's a lot of fun to see their banter extending back and forth, continuing even as they start to embrace their real desires for each other.
Fans of Whedon's work will recognise the vast majority of the cast, and it's to his credit that he turns to his frequent collaborators again and again - not only do his fans get the pleasure of seeing such an esteemed cast working together again, but they also get to see them take on new roles previously unimaginable. Take, for example, Sean Maher. In Firefly and then Serenity, he had a heart of gold. In Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing, he takes on the part of Don John, the villainous character who sets in motion what almost turns the film from a comedy into a tragedy. And then comes Nathan Fillion, seen now as the foolish Dogberry, who brings huge laughs to the film at his own expense.
Truly, it's a real treat to watch Whedon work his magic on such a classic text. From words of gold, he weaves further wonders, and leaves his mark on Shakespeare like no other writer-director has, or likely will to come. Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing is as unique as they come, and it is a hilarious, beautiful, and joyful film that warrants your indulgence. You won't regret it.
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Joss Whedon directs this classic Shakespeare romantic comedy, updated to a contemporary setting, which sees the two princes Claudio (Fran Kranz) and Benedick (Alexis Denisof) battling to win the hearts of those they love. The object of Benedick's desire, Beatrice (Amy Acker), acts as his sharp-tongued sparring partner, while Claudio's path to true love is obstructed by the meddling of the embittered Don John (Sean Maher), who attempts to ruin his marriage to his beloved Hero (Jillian Morgese).
Please note this is a region 2 DVD and will require a region 2 (Europe) or region Free DVD Player in order to play. From Joss Whedon, acclaimed Director of The Avengers: Assemble, and a stand out cast of Whedon s regular actors, comes this stunning new vision of Shakespeare's classic comedy. When Leonato, the Governor of Messina is visited by his friend Don Pedro, he is accompanied by two of his officers: Benedick and Claudio. Claudio falls for Leonato s daughter Hero, while Benedick verbally spars with Beatrice , the governors niece. A series of comic and tragic events help keep the two couples from truly finding happiness - but then again perhaps love may prevail in the end!
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