Watch Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing from 2012 is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's classic comedy of the same name. Directed and adapted by Joss Whedon, the movie features an ensemble cast led by Alexis Denisof as Benedick and Amy Acker as Beatrice. Set in modern-day Los Angeles, the story revolves around two couples - Benedick and Beatrice, and Hero (Jillian Morgese) and Claudio (Fran Kranz). Benedick and Beatrice engage in a war of wits and insults, masking their true feelings for each other. On the other hand, Hero and Claudio fall in love at first sight and plan to get married.

However, their plans are thwarted by the villainous Don John (Sean Maher), Claudio's envy and Benedick's meddling friends. Don John tricks Claudio into believing that Hero has been unfaithful, leading to their breakup. The rest of the movie follows the characters as they navigate through misunderstandings, deceptions, and secrets to find true love.

The movie is shot entirely in black and white, adding a classic and elegant touch to the modern setting. The cinematography captures the beauty of the Los Angeles estate where the story unfolds. The soundtrack features jazz-inspired original music, providing a unique blend of old and new.

One of the standout performances of the movie is Amy Acker's portrayal of Beatrice. She brings a modern feminist twist to the character, making her strong-willed, confident, and fiercely independent. Acker's chemistry with Denisof's Benedick is electric, making their banter and eventual romance one of the highlights of the movie.

Denisof's performance as Benedick is also noteworthy. He brings a charming and witty persona to the character, making him both likable and relatable. His journey from a bachelor to a devoted lover is heartwarming and endearing.

Kranz and Morgese, who play the young lovers Claudio and Hero, also deliver solid performances. Kranz embodies Claudio's naivety and gullibility, while Morgese's portrayal of Hero is innocent and pure.

The supporting cast, including Nathan Fillion as Dogberry, Clark Gregg as Leonato, and Reed Diamond as Don Pedro, add depth and humor to the story. Fillion's performance as the bumbling constable is hilarious, providing comic relief throughout the movie.

Overall, Much Ado About Nothing from 2012 is a fresh and engaging adaptation of Shakespeare's classic comedy. The modern setting, combined with the timeless themes of love, betrayal, and forgiveness, makes the movie appealing to both Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers. Whedon's direction and the ensemble cast deliver a memorable and entertaining cinematic experience.

Much Ado About Nothing is a 2012 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 78.