Interesting twist of a theatre classic

Rating: Null/10 (29 May 2000)

I have read many of these reviews, some full of praise, some absolutely scathing, but I rather liked this movie. Of course, I had already read the play, and seen the 1968 version. So I knew full well what the story and dialog entailed. True, some of the younger actors have trouble bringing out the Shakespeare, and at time it can be hard to understand the dialog over the shouting and music, but it was the little things in this movie that made it so appealing to me. Most people have caught the fact that the guns used are named "Sword" and "Rapier" and "Longsword" etc..., but I liked the fact that the gun design changed depending on the name of the gun. (ie. "Sword" is a standard 9mm, "Dagger" is a lightweight pistol, "Longsword" is quite a piece of heavy firepower...) I also liked the fact that most people in the movie had one, as most people used to have a real sword.
I liked the soundtrack, it added a new dimension to the emotion of the story, and I liked the use of Wagners "Liebestod" from Tristan and Isolde- (where Shakespeare got his story from...)
I liked how the pool hall was named "the Globe", the symbolism and imagery. The costume party is the best example. Wow. However, I didn't care for some of the casting. I loved the use of TV news for the Intro and Outro.
I could go on, but you get the idea. If you are looking to see Romeo and Juliet for the first time(after reading it!) I would watch the '68 version. But, for those who have seen the '68 and want something more thought provoking, watch this one. Keep your eyes open and you will see that the best stuff goes on in the background, or in the little details that many people overlook.
Overall rating: 7 out of 10
Movietwist rating: 8 out of 10