Arthur (2011– 110 mins) R. Brand, J. Garner, H. Mirren, G. Gerwig

This is going to be a string of a few movie reviews of flicks that were BLASTED in the press, or completely ignored, that I either liked completely or just thought wasn’t too bad at all. Here, we have “Arthur” the remake of the beloved Dudley Moore comedy which was a classic of the 80’s. I am not entirely sure if the press hated it b/c they love the original, and you can’t tread on those, or if they just don’t like Russel Brand himself.

The story is light enough for a slap sticky rom-com. Brand is the rich playboy who will lose all his inheritance if he follows his heart and marries a woman his mother doesn’t like instead of the successful business woman she has picked out for her. It’s got plenty of great lines, alcohol induced antics and even some heart thrown in there. Brand gives us his usual drunken character who can’t help but be funny, which for whatever reason I love to watch. He seems to change up either his own accent a tad or some way of his speaking inflection as to not be another iteration of Aldous Snow. Playing his “nanny” or female butler type is Helen Mirren as Hobson. She is excellent as the comedic straight man. Being so completely dry that every word she says manages to elicit a smile or chuckle in some way. The elder Brit has come a long way in the comedy ranks in the last few years, including a great hosting of SNL and another good performance in the unappreciated “Red”.

The female love interests give a good polar opposite contrast. Gerwig as the sweat scenic and child loving NYer and Gardner as the win at everything in life at all costs and never admit defeat whether in business or love. Garner gives such an over the top performance that you get an uneasy attracted to her and scared of her at the same time. Arthur is so torn by his his real love and family obligations that it drives him even deeper into his alcohol filled lifestyle to hide from any and all responsibility for his life.

It’s a good growing tale in the middle of a rom-com and I really thought it was good. If there were any downsides to the movie, it’s that it drags in the 3rd act lul before picking up steam for the climax.

OR

If you want an easy way to describe it, a funny as hell romantic comedy that doesn’t exactly capture the whole spirit of the original but is quite enjoyable none the less.

Verdict–> Maybe I like drunken rom-coms, maybe I like Helen Mirren and Russel Brand, or better yet maybe I just like it b/c the rest of the world hates it. Either way I liked this movie, and I think you will too. Pick it up at the red box today it’s a top recommendation. You will enjoy the rapport between all of the actors and it will keep you chuckling throughout.

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