Russell Brand steps into the shoes of Dudley Moore in a new take on the movie Arthur.
But is this the comedy breakthrough movie he’s been waiting for?
Arthurs got one problem: hes never had to grow up.
Arthur is like Paris Hilton, but with charm, no sex tapes, and no felony convictions.
The gravy train is about to end.
Arthurs mother, Vivienne (Geraldine James), has given him an ultimatum.
Now Arthur has to choose between keeping his money and following his heart.
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Russell Brand is kind of a weird person.
Or rather, hes a weird character.
Everything we know about Russell Brands life suggests that hes actually Arthur.
Or was Arthur at one point, before getting married to a pop star and cleaning up his life.
Still, it seems a bit too easy, doesnt it?
I mean, Russell Brand as Arthur?
He may as well be playing himself again, or Aldous Snow again.
The cast around Brand is pretty good.
Jennifer Garner is delightfully strange as the new version of the money-grubbing Susan.
Luis Guzman provides a few chuckles as Bitterman, Arthurs loyal driver.
Plus, theres Helen Mirren, who is just great in general.
She provides all the emotional grounding that Arthur needs, plus a little bit of extra amusing sarcasm.
Its obvious that shes seen everything Arthur can throw at her, and is unfazed by any of it.
Director Jason Winer is a TV veteran and that shows in a lot of the shots used inArthur.
Granted, its not a movie that requires a bold cinematographer or any directorial tricks with the camera.
Bonus points for excellent use of New York Citys architecture and notable features.
Still, its funny, and is sweet enough to make Arthurs emotional turnaround worthwhile.
WhileArthuris a comedy of excess, featuring a very excessive star, its not excessively funny.
UScorrespondent Ron Hogan has always wanted an awesome fleet of movie cars.
Instead, hell make do with a new Dodge Challenger.
Find more by Ron daily atShaktronicsandPopFi.
Rating:
3 out of 5
