Whedon Should Rule the World

SIFFAdo: Some Quick Thoughts on Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing a film by Joss Whedon, filmed at his house with some of the best of the Whedonverse actors and actresses.

This was filmed in 12 days after Joss and Clark Gregg finished their work on The Avengers.

It. Is. Fucking. Phenomenal.

Joss does an amazing job at modernizing the whole play while keeping all the lines as originally written by Shakespeare. Like the moderator at the Q & A said last night, I want to live in this film.

Everything about this film just looks like it’s one big party. And while not big and flashly like something Gatsby would put on, it’s probably a far better experience - or in Joss’ words last night, “Shakespearience.” You get the feeling that even after they said “cut” the party kept on going.

Every character was spot on. Nathan Fillion’s Dogberry was hilarious; his comedic timing is perfection, particularly with Tom Lenk’s Verges. I could watch a movie of just them interacting and it would be fantastic. Clark Gregg as Leonato is my favorite for reasons I can’t even start to describe.

Alexis Denisof does superb as Benedick opposite the lovely Amy Acker as Beatrice. They are perfect together as a couple, even if they aren’t in real life. But this duo has amazing on-screen chemistry that it’s no wonder Joss always ships them.

Fran Kranz is an adorable Claudio. I want to hug him and just cuddle him because he’s so cute and does this role so well.

But no matter who you love in the Whedonverse cast, this film is the greatest. I will go as far to say infinitely better than Kenneth Branagh’s version, which ironically premiered opening night at SIFF 15 years ago.

Jed Whedon wrote a fantastic score that - if you’re a music lover like me - you’ll just want to listen to on repeat forever. Maurissa Tancharoen has a beautiful voice that is used so well to sing during the party scenes of the film. If you see it, you’ll hear what I mean.

Whether you love Shakespeare, love Whedon things, or love film, make sure you add this to your MUST SEE list for Summer movies. You really won’t regret it.

TL;DR: SEE MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING NO MATTER WHAT.