I think I'll throw up now!

Rating: 1/10 (14 April 2010)

No, they didn't do it right. I've got no problem transporting old stories into a modern setting...sometimes it really works well. Baz didn't make it here. Not once did I ever get the feeling that his cast even understood the old English much less hold a passion for the story or the characters. Even the more mature actors like Sorvino and Dennehy, both of whom I respect deeply, seemed a bit stilted in the delivery of most of their few lines. Anyone who truly knows the meaning of 'wherefore', will absolutely dislike most of the individual performances in this enactment. If you really want to enjoy this story, give up on DiCaprio and Danes and go with Whiting and Hussey in the 1968 Franco Zefferelli version. If you've already tried to give this one a fair shake, watch the other one and really feel the passion!
I'd just like to add, Romeo and Juliet was brought into the 20th century in 1961. It didn't use "olde englishe" but it did use music. It was directed by Robert Wise (yes he has also directed Star Trek stuff) and Jerome Robbins. This version won 10 Oscars, including Best Picture. It was called, "West Side Story". The Wise/Robbins execution was excellent.