Much Ado About Nothing

From Sci-Fi writer and Director Joss Whedon comes this modern-day interpretation of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing".  In this telling, Leonato is a wealthy Los Angeleno, who has invited brothers Don Pedro and Claudio to stay at his upscale home for an extended weekend house party.  In this atmosphere, our host, his family, and his guests party and scheme against and play matchmaker for each other.

Whedon has plenty of street-cred among the Comic-Con crowd, but this has apparently been a long-time dream project for him, and you can tell he's having a lot of fun with it.  His cast is a terrific mix of actors he's previously worked with on shows such as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", "Angel", "Firefly", and "Dollhouse", and they are all obviously having a blast.  There has to be a certain comfort factor when doing something new and interesting with people you're comfortable with, and in your own upscale home. 

My girlfriends and I of course have fond memories of a previous movie version with Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson, and so it could be tough to let go of the sumptuousness of the scenery and the British accents of that version.  Especially when this one is in black and white and the actors speak American English. But I loved it.

I'd also like to point out some terrific performances, especially from Amy Acker as Beatrice (check her out in the "O that I were a man..." scene. She's fabulous!) and Alexis Denisof as Benedict.  And of course who can forget Nathan Filion as Constable Dogberry.  He was awesome.

So - keep your fond memories of Ken and Em, but save some room for Joss and Company.  You'll be glad you did.

Keep your ears tuned: Joss also wrote all the music, and among other things, came up with a great contemporary version of "Sigh No More Lady", turning it into a sexy, piano-driven, Norah Jones-esque party song.  A lot of fun.