No spoilers
As you guys know, I don't have hard & fast thoughts on remakes. They can be much better than the original (True Grit) or they can be much worse (Planet Of The Apes - 2001). Before I post my thoughts on Arthur, I should preface them with a few points.
One; I enjoyed the original Arthur and saw it a few times in the theater. Mostly because I really dug Liza Minnelli in it. The film had its funny scenes alright, but in the early 80s you just about couldn't get away from Dudley Moore (10 and Arthur). After a while, I grew tired of him. These days I've softened on that and find his films ok.
Two; For absolutely no reason what so ever, I've always assumed I wouldn't like Russell Brand in anything. I'd seen him in one interview - Conan or Leno? - and he seemed pleasant enough. Why I've never sought out any work of his is a mystery. I just wasn't interested.
Arthur has been on cable for a few weeks and when my wife asked me if I wanted to watch it with her, I politely declined. Again, no real reason. I'm not enamored with the original and I wasn't familiar with Brand. If anything, my thoughts were along the lines of - I haven't seen the original in about 25 years, nor I don't care to see a remake of it.
She loved it and watched it a few times the past couple of weeks. I could hear it in the other room, but never went in to look. This past Saturday night we decided to stay in. I went to get take-out and my wife again mentioned Arthur since it would be starting just after I got back.
I decided to give it a watch. I loved it! Brand is as fine a drunken millionaire as Moore was and every bit as believable in the more serious scenes. The film closely follows the original story, but with some tweaks here and there. To be sure, neither film is a bastion of depth and believability, so when the film was a touch silly, I could think of equally silly scenes in the '81 version.
It has a few characters who are over the top characitures (Nick Nolte and Jennifer Garner), but since it's a silly comedy film, I'm fine with it. Plus neither is in the film too much. Helen Mirren just about steals the film. Well written, well played, needed depth, and she's still fantastic looking. Gerwig's character (the Minelli role) is the biggest change. She has a larger role, is more realistic, and has a more serious tone in general.
The film becomes more grounded as it goes on and deals with serious issues differently than the first. Our culture is more sensitive to alcoholism these days and the film addresses that without losing it's comedic edge. The original ignored the seriousness and went with straight comedy. I also caught a subtle nod or two to the original, and one to the original director.
The film is heavier near the end, but still humorous. Since that initial viewing last Saturday night, I've watched it three more times. I have the DVD on order, as well as the soundtrack, which I think is really fantastic. No doubt, I'll be making an audio rip of the film for long trips.
This is one where I strongly disagree with the critical reception, which was poor. I give it 5 out of 5 bowls of spaghetti circles.
