American actors do well in great Shakespeare movie

Rating: 10/10 (2 February 1999)

The problem with Shakespeare in America today is we treat it like medicine; it tastes bad, but it's good for you. I hope this wonderful and fun movie puts that notion to rest once and for all. This works on so many levels it's hard to describe them all, but I would like to single out the two American actors, since one of the knocks they usually get is they can't do Shakespeare or English accents. I've liked Paltrow since FLESH AND BONE in 1993, and here, she gives a performance full of zest, heart, humor, and shows the joy of acting at its purest. I had doubts about Affleck at first, but he was nicely satirical, did a convincing accent, and unlike his character, wisely chose not to hog the spotlight. Truly, one of the best films of the year.