Latest Bard's Tale Takes Itself Too Seriously

by Jason R. Hewlett

William Shakespeare would seem to be the busiest man in Hollywood these days. We've witnessed a massive growth in his popularity with such films as "Romeo & Juliet," "Much Ado About Nothing," two versions of "Hamlet," and of course "Shakespeare In Love." Now we've got a new reimagining of one of his most popular plays, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" which features a knockout cast including Kevin Kline, Michelle Pfeiffer, Stanley Tucci, Rupert Everett, and Ally McBeal herself, Calista Flockhart. Throw in some awesome set design and make-up plus a gaggle of playful fairies and we should be in for alot of fun right...right?

Well, yes and no.

Shakespeare's play is supposed to be all gentle whimsy, humor and alot of fun. However, almost everyone in director Michael "One Fine Day" Hoffman's film is taking themselves and the story way too seriously Even Hoffman directs like he's presenting the film to The Royal Shakespeare Academy or something. The film moves at a snails pace and everyone talks and acts like they are at a funeral or appearing before the Queen or something.. Flockhart doesn't even try to do anything else but play Ally McBeal in a Shakespeare play. The only people who seem to be having any fun at all are Kevin Kline as a master thespian and Stanley Tucci as the mischievous fairy Puck. The film only truly comes alive when we get to witness the play within a play during the film's third act. Only then do the cast and director allow themselves to relax and, perish the thought when it comes to a Shakespeare play, have a little fun.

Mind you the film isn't bad. I enjoyed Oliver Stapleton's cinematography, which gave the film an appropriately dreamlike look, and Luciana Arrighi's production design is also first rate. The film looks really good and almost makes one believe that they ae watching a movie and not a filmed version of a stage play. There are also several nice touches of humor throughout the film that keeps a bit of a smile on your face.

I wouldn't rank this as anywhere near my favorite film version of Shakespeare. For that I'd have to recommend Mel Gibson's turn as "Hamlet" (seriously!) or Kenneth Brannagh doing "Henry V." Still, the popular cast of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" did bring in the youth crowd and it's great to see Hollywood continue to take Shakespeare's work more seriously as bankable film product. Next time I hope they try to have a bit more fun with it.

5 out of 10!