Arthur

Movie: Arthur

Genre: comedy

Synopsis: Arthur (Russell Brand) is a perpetual drunk with no  purpose in life other than to have fun.  This quest is possible because he is heir to a huge family-owned corporation and has a virtually unlimited supply of  money.  He has his nanny, Hobson (Helen Mirren) to keep him out of serious trouble.  Arthur’s mother (Geraldine James) gives him an ultimatum.  Either marry the girl of her choice (Susan, played by Jennifer Garner) or she will cut off his supply of money.  As in the original movie, Arthur cannot stand Susan and instead, falls in love with Naomi (Greta Gerwig) a New York City tour guide.  The ensuing battle between Arthur, his mother, Susan and Susan’s father (Nick Nolte) take up the rest of the movie – along with Arthur’s romance with Naomi and a crisis with Hodges that finally makes Arthur grow up.

My two cents: The original “Arthur” is one of my all-time favorite comedies.  I was fully prepared to not like this remake.  I was pleasantly surprised that it held up pretty well.  I think Helen Mirren wearing a Darth Vader helmet and saying “wash your winkie” in Darth Vader’s voice was as funny as anything Sir John Gielgud did in the original.  I also thought the humor was really original.  For example, Arthur explaining why he does not trust horses: “Their shoes are permanent.  Who makes that sort of commitment?”  I thought that from a pure funny drunk standpoint, Dudley Moore was better, but from an over-all standpoint, I have to say I think Russell Brand may have been funnier.  As much a tribute to the writing as to Russell Brand.  One big disappointment was the theme song.  The original “Arthur’s Theme” won an Oscar.  Although the song played during the closing credits, it was played so differently that I almost did not recognize it.  I also would like to have seen more of Nick Nolte.  His character owned every scene he was in.

Bottom line: if you like laughing, definitely see this movie.  

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