Call me crazy . . .

Rating: 3/10 (4 August 2000)

But I just can't jump on the bandwagon for this one. I did enjoy the movie, but I don't believe it was the Oscar winning masterpiece that it has become. It was funny, enjoyable, romantic, and had some great performances, most notably Judy Dench and Geoffrey Rush. But it was very cliche, and the romance offered nothing original--just more Hollywood mush. I love Shakespeare (who doesn't), but somehow I would prefer to see his life realistically depicted, than portrayed by beautiful young Hollywood stars. Gwyneth Paltrow played the exact same character she plays in every single movie she is in. The Oscars weren't cheap, though . . .they were bought with over 6 million in promotional costs. And it worked!
I hate to be cynical, but I don't think they were truly earned. I am sorry to offend . . .if you like the movie, that's wonderful. It is obviously very popular, so perhaps I am in the wrong. I just felt it to be sickeningly commercial.