Damn good - for those who understood it

Rating: 8/10 (1 November 2010)

I can understand why people, mainly in the USA didn't like it: Because they couldn't understand it. The Simpsons cater more to their taste. I thought it witty, well developed, well acted and with excellent scenic values. A wonderful credit to writers Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, who have used their imaginations to recreate the time and circumstances in which the great bard may have been inspired to write "Romeo and Juliet".
Stephen Warbeck's musical theme is enchanting and beautiful. The artful, creative sets are captured well by Richard Greatrex. Director John Madden allows the whole thing to flow.
Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow is quite a revelation and totally convincing as Will's inspiration. Joseph Fiennes impressed too as the great poet suffering from writer's block. A wonderful support cast back these two up, including the wonderfully funny Geoffrey Rush and the brilliantly talented Dame Judi Dench - imperious and witty as her royal highness, Queen Elizabeth.
I think it went over the morons' heads.