Fun, entertaining, but not as rich as Elizabeth

Rating: 8/10 (15 December 1998)

If you liked Elizabeth, you will probably enjoy this lighthearted romp. If you do enjoy Shakespeare in Love but you haven't seen Elizabeth, see it.
Not being a seasoned movie critic, I can say only that I came away from this film preview having really enjoyed the show. It was fun, witty, entertaining, and even vaguely intellectual. However, it was also (too often) slow paced, and perhaps not as intelligent as it presumed itself to be. The bittersweet ending was drawn out perhaps too long, but it still worked for me.
On the whole, the actors do not disappoint. Joseph Fiennes as a youthful Will Shakespeare was outstanding once again (again = playing opposite Cate Blanchett in the 1998 release Elizabeth). Gwyneth Paltrow, beautiful and convincing. Judi Dench strong and confident as an amused Queen E. However, this movie is not to be taken too seriously - the focus is definitely entertainment, not history. There is little pure Elizabethan dialog (only during the plays/practices, which are brief enough to hold the interest of a mature audience). The set is fantastic, but not as dreary and perhaps accurate as the outstanding props/set/scenery in Elizabeth.
Bottom line: if you are looking for a historically exact docudrama suitable for mandatory viewing in graduate-level history courses, disappointment awaits you. However, if you seek a reasonably intelligent but thoroughly entertaining date movie, allez vous!
Criticisms: a little heavy on the love scenes and on Paltrow's naked upper torso, but no raunchy orgasms or full frontal nudity. The set is wonderful, but perhaps too pretty, too glossy for the time period. A better glimpse at the life of W. Shakespeare was desired but not delivered - we never see him eat, bathe, change clothes, or otherwise live. Occasionally slow paced, particularly during plays/practices. Play dialog delivered rapidly, presumably so as not to lose the audience.
Cautions: no belly laughs, just numerous good-humoured chuckles, and one or two sniffles. It helps if you are familiar with a few of Shakespeares plays, but is not necessary.
For the entertainment, I gave this movie a solid 8.
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