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Much Ado about Nothing
Studio executives summary / pitch
Sun filled plump juicy grape of a production. Superb!
Short plot summary

On returning from battle, Don Pedro (Denzel Washington), brings his troops back to stay. One of the troops, Claudio (Robert Sean Leonard) falls for Hero (Kate Beckinsale), the daughter of Leonato (Richard Briers).

Scheming, lead by Don John (Keanu Reeves), tricks Claudio and Don Pedro into thinking Hero has been sleeping with another before her wedding. At the wedding Claudio confronts Hero and everything descends into an hysterical shouting and slapping match. Leonarto agrees to a scheme to tell everyone Hero has died, until the slander is lifted.

Benedick (Kenneth Branagh) and Beatrice (Emma Thompson) have fallen in love too, although they initially find it difficult to express this, preferring acerbic wit. They confess their love following this wedding catastrophe, but Beatrice demands Benedick to show his love for her by killing Claudio.

Benedick confronts Claudio, but by now 'police' have caught the culprits who are spreading the slander and they confess all (although Don John has fled).

What our panel of critics thought

"All the joys of a summer in Italy, but with none of the 'bottstipation' of which I always suffer when overseas."

"A triumph of lighting."

"Shit dude. I found it funny. Does this mean I am educated now?"

"Truly funny."

"Stunningly superb."

"A cornucopia of sunny wit, witty lighting and firm round bosoms."

"Always summer."

"Mmmh."

"!"

"Keanu Reeves with his shirt off! A triumph of young nipple flesh upon the silver screen. Shame he is such a miserable sod."

"Argh! A triumph of eating grapes upon the big screen! If they were not seedless then bravisimo, not a slurpy spit to expel the seeds in sight. The best grape eating movie of recent memory. (If they were seedless then ho hum.)"

Justify this movie's existence in the classic strand, by theVoiceofReason's Veritable Cornucopia

I have an awful affliction in that I fall to sleep violently whenever I read Shakespeare. Watching it being performed is fine, which is just as well as I would deserve a good punch to my testicles for missing such a peach of a movie!

Sometimes I am overwhelmed by complements and this movie has induced me into such a state: Is it possible to say, ney scream, the words, bravisimo-encore! louder than Concord (the plane) for as long as it takes to fly from London to New York? If it is, then that is what is required to celebrate this exquisite movie filled with warmth, humor and music.

Kenneth Branagh you are a wonder of super Shakespearean proportions.

Please tell me the ending or plot overview if necessary

At the supposed funeral of Hero, Claudio is aware of his error and goes to mourn. Leonarto says Hero has a niece and agrees for Claudio to marry her - he is not allowed to see her face before the marriage but when he eventually does, realizes it is Hero.

Benedick and Beatrice, too, get married.

What snack should I eat while watching this movie?

Crispy grape-bread with grapey-olive oil buttery spread and prawns and a fine red summer wine, followed by grapes.

Could this film be improved with more sword fights?

No. This a light and fluffy comedy filled with beautiful sunlight and rich yellows at night. Blood red would simply not work lovie.

Would your house pets like this movie?

Dogs will love this movie for the exquisite shrubbery which abounds.

Cats love Emma Thompson and will enjoy her nicely floppy hair in which they can play in countless summer day dreams.

Grizzly Bears have been known to cry at this movie.

How much would you pay for a copy of this movie in goods.

A well plumped cushion.

Other comments

An all time great movie.

The lighting is simply stunning. We tried looking in the credits for the people to complement, but then gave up as we had better things to do.

You know who you are.

A triumph!

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