Almost Watchable

Rating: Null/10 (16 August 2003)

Romeo+Juliet is what happens when MTV tries to liven up one of Shakespeare's works. It is better than the toxic waste that Franco Zeffirelli made in 1968, but still suffers in casting and other departments. I am happy that Kenneth Branagh didn't get involved with this as he is destroying the basis of the plays.
Unfortunately, the camera style (and music) are all too reminiscent of a music video and this winds up looking (and sounding) like Michael Bay made this movie. Ohmigosh, I just hurled the ultimate insult! I still would really love to see someone like Ridley Scott or Steven Spielberg make an adaptation since they are certainly more intelligent directors.
Leonardo DiCaprio was a poor choice for Romeo, I was unable to sympathize with him or the idiots that casted him. Claire Danes isn't any better with her delivery. I will say that Pete Postlethwaite (probably the smartest actor on the production) captures my defining image of Father Laurence. He gets my kudos for the movie.
Overall, a Shakespeare movie that is almost worth your time if you are too braindead to read the plays yourself. A more thinking person should do the latter. 2.5 out of 5 stars.