Much Ado About Nothing Reviews
Flix Capacitor
The DIY ethos is admirable, but Whedon's undoubted strength is his dialogue, so doing it this way means he's essentially handicapping himself, and robbing us of what we enjoy most about his work.
Full Review
| Original Score: 2/5
CraveOnline
These kids know the words, but not the music.
Full Review
| Original Score: 5.5/10
Top CriticWhile Acker successfully portrays a woman too smart and too strong to be shoved to the altar, Denisof never matches her fire. Without a Benedick that is up to her level, the inequity between the leads sinks the movie.
amNewYork
The high-concept enterprise, which uses Shakespeare's original language, never justifies its existence.
Full Review
| Original Score: 2.5/4
ColeSmithey.com
[VIDEO ESSAY] Josh Whedon's sophomoric attempt at swimming in Kenneth Brannagh's waters of expertise - namely adapting Shakespeare plays to film - is akin to watching a wet cat lick itself dry.
Full Review
| Original Score: C-
indieWIRE
Call it a Shakespearean catharsis or just call it a lark -- either way, the movie represents Whedon's least essential work, regardless of the material's inherent comedic inspiration.
Full Review
| Original Score: C+
Spirituality and Practice
This inept modern-day version of the classic Shakespearian comedy comes across as too contrived.
Full Review
| Original Score: 2/5
Slant Magazine
The film is nothing without the physicality of the performers, as Joss Whedon's script handles the transition of Shakespeare's language to modern day indifferently.
Full Review
| Original Score: 2/4
Cinemalogue.com
... too often feels like a calculated and ill-conceived exercise.
CraveOnline
I actually got a lot more out of Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing than I did when my 9th grade English class went to see a production of the play.
Full Review
| Original Score: 6.5 out of 10
Hollywood & Fine
Acker might as well be pitted against a body pillow, so shapeless and soft is Denisoff's presence.
Television Without Pity
It's a delight for Whedonites, but -- I'm sorry to say -- a rather mediocre production of Shakespeare.
Guardian [UK]
Putting Much Ado into this Martha Stewart/Brooks Brothers world of tasteful furnishings and subdued upper-middle class suburban stylings is weirdly cramped and claustrophobic.
Full Review
| Original Score: 2/5
Canada.com
Even in black and white, there is little contrast, no edge, no dagger of meaning, it's just a bunch of great actors getting all dressed up and putting on a show for those seeking romantic solace, and an earful of old words with a hint of wisdom.
Full Review
| Original Score: 3/5
Radio Times
It may not be as sun-kissed or as star-laden as Kenneth Branagh's 1993 version (set in Tuscany), but this particular home movie wins on ensemble acting and sheer charm.
Full Review
| Original Score: 3/5
Badass Digest
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING is a triumph of charm and wit, going down so easily that we forget how astonishing it is that it actually exists.
The Skinny
Whedon's inventive framing, delicate means of shifting focus and glowing, ethereal use of light make for a stylish and absolutely credible vision, of which much ado would be well-earned.
Full Review
| Original Score: 4/5
We Got This Covered
Much Ado About Nothing is a cute and stylish modern adaptation of Shakespeare's play, but it's largely unremarkable especially when compared to film versions that are already out there.
Full Review
| Original Score: 6/10
Fan The Fire
A creative blend of contemporary wit and love with Shakespearian vernacular.
Full Review
| Original Score: 3/5
