Nicely Done

Rating: 8/10 (8 March 2008)

Just recently, I saw the 1968 version of Shakespeare's classic. And I hated it. Therefore, I was convinced that this adaptation would be no better. However, I heard nice things about it, and decided to rent it.
Well. I was pleasantly surprised. What emotions I lacked while viewing the older one, or even reading the play, I felt while watching this movie. I think it takes a lot to make Shakespeare feel relevant to a modern teen, but Baz Luhrman managed to do this.
The acting is superb. I love Claire Danes, and it was nice to see what she is capable of. Of course, I already know that Leo can act. And the twist on the ending was brilliant. Throughout the last twenty minutes or so, I found myself hoping against hope that maybe this could have a happy ending. Of course, we all know how it ends, and happy is one thing it isn't.
I do have some complaints, though. Parts of this movie were just...well, weird. Don't get me started on Mercutio. But if you can handle the edgy strangeness, you should definitely watch this movie.