Review: Arthur

Originally posted on www.thefancarpet.com

With Hollywood remaking films left right and centre it was no surprise that when Dudley Moore’s iconic role of Arthur was going to be remade with comedian Russell Brand in the title role a doubtful shadow was cast over the whole project, with many feeling that the film should be left alone.

Now I, like many others don’t believe film’s should be remade and should be left as they are, but after sitting down to watch the new and up to date Arthur I found myself being pleasantly surprised.

The movie was a whole concoction of brilliant one liners, hilarious laugh out loud moments, such as some highly amusing elements involving a life sized gummy bear, a boxing ring and a rather extreme wedding photo shoot. All this was coupled together with some rather sweet and touching parts and also some very sad parts that the audience will definitely get behind, you’ll know what I mean when you watch it, I definitely didn’t see it coming.

Besides the brilliant comedy that was the film, the acting was also on top form. Jennifer Garner was absolutely hilarious as the psychotic and completely crazy Susan and Brand really stood out as he made the childish and completely incapable character of Arthur his own, and he really makes you feel for the character. One downfall with the choice of stars was Greta Gerwig as the lovingly sweet Naomi who, was no match for the incredible screen presence of Liza Minnelli from the original film.

But I must be honest the stand out performance of the whole film came from Helen Mirren as nanny Hobson. Her quick one liners and her impeccable comedy timing stole the show from the remainder of the cast, and her emotional force during the developing of the relationship between her character and Arthurs was really heart warming and made the whole film worthwhile.

Overall the film was pretty flawless, apart from some parts that seemed just a little too extreme even for a movie of this nature, you’ll see what I mean during the central station segment. But overall I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the film and it will make you laugh out loud, feel sad, touched and may even make you cry a little. One of the best remakes I’ve seen.