Just as Love's Labours Lost is not one of Shakespeare's popular works, so this adaptation of it is considered lesser Branaugh. Its offbeat combination of Shakespearean comedy and old Hollywood style musical has no doubt put off many viewers. To say it is an underrated masterpiece would be pushing it, but I thought this was better than many have given it credit for.
The WWII setting is inspired, giving the frivolous story even more of a dark edge than it possessed in the text. The coming of the war contributes a lot to the originally melancholy ending. The costumes are gorgeous and colorful.
The musical numbers are bizarre at first, their 1930s style jarring in comparison to Shakespeare's verse, but one quickly becomes accustomed to it. Aside from Branaugh, Adrien Lester, and Nathan Lane, almost nobody can sing well. The dancing is not perfect either. But there is an undeniable enthusiasm and charm to the musical numbers.
As a result of the old Hollywood homage element, much of the film is designed to be stagey. The sets are unashamedly artificial and the few special effects shots the film has are executed with old school models.
This will not appeal to everyone. It can be corny and is as goofy as a Looney Tune. That Alicia Silverstone is horrible with her line delivery also drags the film down, but overall, this is a fun movie. I don't think a straightforward adaptation of LLL would have been as memorable or unique as what Branaugh accomplished with this delightful mash-up.
The WWII setting is inspired, giving the frivolous story even more of a dark edge than it possessed in the text. The coming of the war contributes a lot to the originally melancholy ending. The costumes are gorgeous and colorful.
The musical numbers are bizarre at first, their 1930s style jarring in comparison to Shakespeare's verse, but one quickly becomes accustomed to it. Aside from Branaugh, Adrien Lester, and Nathan Lane, almost nobody can sing well. The dancing is not perfect either. But there is an undeniable enthusiasm and charm to the musical numbers.
As a result of the old Hollywood homage element, much of the film is designed to be stagey. The sets are unashamedly artificial and the few special effects shots the film has are executed with old school models.
This will not appeal to everyone. It can be corny and is as goofy as a Looney Tune. That Alicia Silverstone is horrible with her line delivery also drags the film down, but overall, this is a fun movie. I don't think a straightforward adaptation of LLL would have been as memorable or unique as what Branaugh accomplished with this delightful mash-up.