Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

I should start out by saying that I graduated with honors in English from a top University, and took several Shakespeare classes. For those classes I had to watch two performances of each play studied that I hadn't seen. Needless to say, I've watched a lot of Shakespeare (luckily he's one of my favorite authors). Branagh's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING is not just my favorite Shakespeare movie, it's one of my favorite movies in any category.

It's one of Shakespeare's comedies that isn't studied as much as the other plays. It's the story of a group of soldiers led by the Prince (Denzel Washington) who come to stay at the country home of some friends. There the young captain Claudio (Robert Sean Leonard, who just won his first Tony Award) falls for his host's beautiful daughter, Hero. The Prince agrees to help Claudio win her hand.

Hero has a cousin named Beatrice (Emma Thompson), who is a bit too outspoken to ever marry. The Prince and Claudio think she's the perfect match for their friend Benedict (Kenneth Branagh), who has vowed never to marry. Working with Hero and her companion, they trick Beatrice and Benedict into thinking that each is in love with the other but too afraid of rejection and scorn to confess the truth of their feelings. This provides great, and witty exchanges between Beatrice and Benedict, and the parts are perfectly cast in this movie by then husband and wife team Branagh and Thompson.

But all is not so easy for Hero and Claudio when the Prince's bastard brother decides to interfere. Jealous of Claudio's high rank and strong relationship with the Prince, Don John (Keanu Reeves) first tries to convince Claudio that the Prince is really after Hero himself, and later the night before the wedding, he and his cronies set up a scene to make them think that Hero is having an affair with another man.

Michael Keaton provides a strong performance as the drunken constable who constantly butchers the English language. Though I agree with those that think that his performance is a bit too much at times. The subtle wit of his lines can sometimes be lost in the shadow of his overly animated performance.

If there is one thing that completely marred this movie it is Reeves. His performance is so one-dimensional and poorly done, he makes a character written by one of the greatest authors in the world seem like a B-movie villain. I half excepted him to rub his hands together obsequiously and mutter something about his "evil plan", before heading out to tie a damsel to the train tracks.

Nevertheless, the strong performances by the rest of the cast, the beautiful setting and the authentic costumes make this movie a joy to watch.

For similar movies, try Branagh's OTHELLO, HENRY V and HAMLET (though the latter is a bit long). HAMLET with Mel Gibson is well done. For a Shakespearean comedy, there is a very good recent movie of TWELFTH NIGHT that's definitely worth seeing.

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older