Arthur

Plot synopsis:
Arthur (Russell Brand) is a drunken playboy who revels in party and drinking. On the way to a dress party, he and Bitterman (Luis Guzman) dress as Batman and Robin, get arrested, then bail out everyone from jail.The next day, Hobson (Helen Mirren) cleans up after Arthur and kicks out various hookers. Hobson nannies Arthur, trying to keep him sober. She takes him to see his mother Vivienne (Geraldine James), who tells him he must marry Susan Johnson (Jennifer Garner) to stabilize the family business. Arthur proceeds to spend money as fast as possible, then bumps into Naomi (Greta Gerwig). They share a moment, and Arthur asks to see her again, but he still has to marry Susan.He goes to ask Susan's father Burt (Nick Nolte) for her hand in marriage. Burt approves, only because he thinks Susan will straighten him out. Arthur goes to dinner with Susan, and she begins to manipulate him. Arthur refuses to abide by the decision, and he clears out Grand Central Station to have dinner with Naomi (Pez). She's impressed by his wealth, but prefers simple fun. She takes him to her house to have dinner - canned pasta - and they bond. Atrhur enourages Naomi to write the story she's been working on. Susan finds out and works to destroy the relationship with Naomi. Naomi also tries to make friends with Hobson.Arthur decides to get a job, and goes to an AA meeting. Hobson stands up and describes Arthur's life at the meeting, embarassing him. Arthur explains his situation to Naomi, and she throws him out.Arthur prepares for the wedding, but Hobson begins to see how miserable he is. She goes to Vivienne to plead for Arthur, then goes to Naomi and tells her Arthur loves her. Hobson falls ill, and Arthur and Naomi share concern over her. Naomi tells Arthur that her book was bought, but Susan intrudes and tells her that Arthur coerced the purchase; she gets angry and leaves.Arthur starts to care for Hobson, feeding her canned pasta at first, but gradually improving, remaining sober. He finds out that Hobson has made sacrifices for him, and she passes away. Arthur is devastated, and starts drinking again.The wedding day arrives. Arthur finds a note from Hobson, telling him to go to Naomi. Arthur refuses to get married, and Susan yells that she needs to marry him to take control of the company. Arthur renounces his wealth and leaves the chapel, stripping nearly naked. He visits Naomi, but she spurns him. He goes to church and stops drinking. He finds Naomi's new book and sees it was dedicated to him. He visits her and apologizes for his behavior. They kiss, and he tells her his mother has forgiven him and they leave together - in the Batmobile.

Tags: entertaining, stupid

Review:
Russell Brand was OK in 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' and I really didn't enjoy his movie "Get Him to the Greek" but Arthur was a different type of comedy compared to his typical work.
I wouldn't say it's 'down to earth' Russell Brand either, more like some place in between.Even if you have seen the original try to go to see this movie and not compare it to the original.
What surprised me at the end of the movie was my brother (32 years old) saying he actually liked this better than the original, which he watched last weekend.
My guess is because Russell is probably always this drunk when he isn't filming movies!Arthur made me laugh out loud, which is something I typically don't do.
Dudley Moore, in the title character, had the same lovable charm that Russel Brand has in this remake.
I watched the Arthur remake as I do like Helen Mirren a lot and I personally don't mind Russell Brand.
Again, I don't mind when a movie show little or nothing new, but the difference is Arthur in the end didn't make me overlook that because it was lacking in charm.The direction is rather poor as well, often rushed and smug, and there were times where I felt there should be more time to breathe.
A drunken playboy stands to lose a wealthy inheritance unless he marries a woman he doesn't like, meanwhile he falls for tour guide that his family doesn't approve of.Entertaining comedy in which Russell Brand surprisingly comes across more lovable that Dudley Moores original incarnation.
There are some genuine funny scenes notably with a magnetic bed, children's store, the Batmobile getting pulled over (yes, really) and when Arthur goes nail gun happy with future father-in-law Burt Johnson perfectly played by Nick Nolte.The realistic sets, New York setting including Grand Central Station act as interesting backdrop that director Jason Winer full utilises.
Russell Brand is probably the best choice they could make for the lead, but he doesn't measure up to Dudley Moore's Arthur.
Throw in a thoroughly unlikable protagonist making unfunny "witty" jokes while acting like a man child and you've got yourself one of the best sleeping pills to ever hit a cinema near you.Arthur (Russell Brand) is a spoiled, rich 30-something wasting money every 30 minutes to enjoy his life while being watched over by his disapproving nanny/surrogate mother, Hobson (Helen Mirren).
Watching on Sky Movies Premier, this was a much anticipated update for me, loving the original and thought the idea of having a nanny in the form of British Super Legend Helen Mirren in the place of that original world-weary and tart (vocally, that is!) John Gielgud.Those brought up on the inimitable Dudley Moore original will always compare this unfavourably, not least of all in that Moore was a long- standing, widely loved actor/comedian and Brand, certainly by comparison, is a cheeky new kid on the block and generally known only to a modern and youngish audience, thus limiting its appeal.Brand is actually not bad, though he occasionally lapses from the requisite clipped English into mis-pronounced key words, not often but noticeable- a small point maybe, admittedly.
Liza Minnelli is simply NOT replaceable and the chemistry generated between Brand and Greta Gerwig is tepid, whereas originally, the two (Moore & Minnelli) absolutely fizzed together, sparkling more than one of Arthur's flutes of champagne.Luis Guzman IS great as the Batman 'Robin' chauffeur and there are quite a few new scenes made up specially for this film, rather than just lazily re-filming the old one.I'm not sure that the extra 13 minutes over the original is a welcome one.
Not Nearly As Bad As You Think, Actually Kind of Fun. Arthur (Russell Brand) is your typical man-child.
He lives in a New York high rise with his chauffeur/friend, Bitterman (Luis Gonzalez) and his nanny, Hobson (Helen Mirren), and spends his days terrorizing the police in his Batmobile and buying ridiculous things at auction (like the suit Abraham Lincoln died in, which he then wears).
Arthur is filled to the brim with those and I laughed more than I would have ever dreamed coming in.As far as the performances go, I suppose you couldn't really call what Brand does "acting" since he is basically portraying a cartoon-like version of himself.
I didn't understand the Oscar wins for John Gielgud (Supporting Actor) and Best Original Song win for Christopher Cross' "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)." I never really got Liza Minnelli's appeal, either.The film fared considerably better when I watched it on Netflix Streaming earlier today.
But the screenplay and direction by Steve Gordon is solid throughout, and Dudley Moore is perfect in the lead role.Which brings us to the new Arthur and the trepidation I felt even more strongly after watching the original.
Instead, indie queen Greta Gerwig (who is so "art house" she actually starred in a film entitled "Art House") would be playing the Liza Minnelli role (Linda then, Naomi now) of Arthur's working-class true love.Only the presence of Helen Mirren, taking over for Gielgud in the gender-switched role of Hobson, left me feeling much hope that the new Arthur wouldn't be a complete wreck.I was way off.
The commercials are doing it a disservice: The new Arthur is very funny throughout its running time, updates the story to modern-day sensibilities in an intelligent fashion, and manages to broaden and expand upon the more dramatic aspects of the original.
Brand's Arthur never drives drunk--his chauffeur, Bitterman (Luis Guzman in the remake) handles all the driving--but his drinking causes real consequences, and he's forced to address them.Does that sound too heavy for a romantic comedy?
It's not surprising that Winer is the co-executive producer (and a regular director) of Modern Family, because Arthur replicates that show's mix of believable character interactions and laugh-out-loud humor.Anyone who's seen the original will know all the major plot points, because this truly is a remake in that sense.
I will not bang on about the differences between this and the original because there really is no point.Brand is the worst possible choice for a lead role in ANY movie, let alone the remake of a classic.
Yes, Dudley Moore was the perfect original choice for this role, no doubt about it, but today...Russel Brand is the perfect choice Taking this movie on it's own merit it was enjoyable.
I FELT for Arthur, I liked Helen Mirren's portrayal of Hobbs, I even liked that Jennifer Garner was so unlikeable.Is this movie a 10, of course it's not...but it's good entertainment, give it a chance..
Whoever thought that remaking this movie should have his head examined and his professional credentials seriously reviewed.Yes, Russell Brant is funny, in his way, but he is NO MATCH for the effortless, charming comedy of the dear, departed Dudley Moore.
Right in the beginning I'd like to point out that I have never nor will I ever compare a remake with the original because this would attract expectations and a movie is to be seen as an individual piece!
How this guy keeps getting into movies i don't know.Shockingly bad you can see Brand's mind ticking over trying to do something funny, and failing.Most of the time he's just doing a poor Dudley impression.Its almost an insult to Dudley Moore.Hollywood sure is desperate nowadays.This is why you don't use TV presenters as lead in comic roles.Brand tried his hand at stand up, and it was a lot worse than this film (ponderland).
If you have seen the original Arthur with Dudley Moore, you wont be happy seeing this remake.
Helen Mirren and Russel Brand do what they can to carry this film, but it doesn't stop Jennifer Garner and Greta Gerwig (whoever the heck she is) from completely and utterly destroying any chemistry and charm that the movie may have had.
This is one of the most godawful remakes in films today, in tradition of bad remakes from the 90's to today, this is one of the worst, I Know russell brand is funny, but he is not funny here and the batman & rob scene is not funny, the characters are terrible, the screenplay is a mess, the writing is really bad and the tension in them is pointless, this is not what the late Dudley moore ask for, he would turn in his grave to see how movies have become and this remake is no acception, nobody can play it like the late Dudley moore can and nobody will.this movie is a dud, wanna see a much better, rent the original on DVD & Blue Ray. A Big Thumbs Down for me..
I got the impression that Russell Brand had seen the original and was trying to play Dudley Moore, but not really succeeding.
Spoilt heir to a large family conglomerate Arthur (Russell Brand) was largely brought up by his nanny Hobson (Helen Mirren), who even though the rich brat is already deep in his thirties nurtures his every need.
However the plot thicken, when the aimless playboy inadvertently falls for the lively and independent-minded Naomi Quinn (Greta Gerwig)...Russell Brand attempts his best to channel the inner-English affability, but all too often he finds himself immersed into the running joke, instead of the character.
Arthur's fling in Naomi has an amiable screen presence, but again lacks a clearly defined role, lingering instead as a Amelia-wannabee with pointless inner-turmoil.The lack of credible front-line actors even more highlights what is a unchallenged performance by the always infallible Helen Mirren, who serves with aplomb as Arthur's surrogate mother, the sole purpose while the ending delivers emotional punch with the key sub-plot, however lessened by the lost child Russell Brand, who doesn't really now in which direction he should channel he character.
(To the point that Russell Brand's Arthur get arrested.) Jennifer Garner's portrayal of Susan is far more extreme than the original.
Arthur (2011) sees a messed up Russell Brand living a playboy lifestyle with millions of dollars coming flooding in from his mother, but when he is sprung with the choice of marrying a crazy women who he doesn't love or being cut off but being with his true love so he has to make the right decision!
Also the over sense of childish humour and speech from Brand is at times pointless and needy.A good comment though is the expected brilliant performance from Helen Mirren who portrays Arthur's long term nanny.
She really lifts up the film and gives it a sense of character and good sarcastic personality.Overall I wouldn't really recommend it if your expecting laugh out loud comedy and decent performances, so to be perfectly honest, don't really bother.By Liam de Gruchy.
"I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking." Shakespeare's OthelloRussell Brand may not be as convincing a drunk as Dudley Moore in the original Arthur, but Brand makes the titular man-child as endearing as he could be given the premise of the comedy.
The second movie I saw today was none other than Russell Brand's Arthur, the remake about a millionaire with lots of toys and lots of empty glasses.
However, this movie would not be nearly half as good without the talents of Hellen Mirren and Greta Gerwig who played the nanny and love interest respectively.
Other than that there was little I could think of that really made this movie weak.To sum it all up, Arthur was a fun remake that I thoroughly enjoyed and laughed at.
A funny, real, and heartfelt movie that goes above and beyond the original Arthur.
Having scene the original film and being a huge fan of Russel Brand, my heart was set on seeing this movie at the theatre.
BUTa) the laughs were pretty constant, i had even had to pause the DVD a couple times to catch the last line cause i was laughing right through itb) the dialog was totally witty, the actors i thought played well off each other, and i don't know how much was written and how much was improv, but there was lots of spark and sparklec) i don't know which original arthur you guys saw, but i thought the one that came out 20 years ago and it was pretty bland - more so than the remake if you ask me.
funny to see all the reverence to the original version now, at the time it came out i remember it getting blasé reviews, and neither my friends nor my parents liked it at all (or anyone else i knew for that matter)long story short, if you just need a pleasant, upbeat and funny rom com that will make you laugh consistently for an hour (and you like russell brandt at all) you could do much worse than renting Arthur (2011).
Yes a couple of lines did seem forced, and a little out of place but on the whole it was jolly good.Russell Brand portrayed Arthur very well (perhaps because Arthur's lifestyle is so similar to his own?) and managed to remain relatively suave even whilst intoxicated, but as a previous poster wrote we can't moan that we didn't actually see him 'drunk' per se as the world has changed and a lot of people would no doubt object to that.I would recommend this film to anyone, give it a chance it may surprise you..
Russel Brand is a character you either love or hate, i like his kind of humor, and in this movie he does deliver his best effort yet.I think this movie get a really bad rep just because it is a remake from an old school classic which i am going to see as soon as possible, and i, for one am not a great fan of remakes (especially the great Asian horror/ crappy remakes, but that's on a whole other level), so i'm kind of glad that i did not watch the original before, but on it's own, i think i can safely say that this was one of the better comedies i've seen this year.I guess i'll just have to watch the original to see if the exaggerated hate campaign is justified, but in my honest opinion, i think it's not..
For all those Russell Brand fans, happy viewing, this is funny!Title: Arthur Directed by: Jason Winer Starring: Russell Brand, Jennifer Garner, Greta Gerwig, & Helen Mirren Rated: PG-13 for alcohol use throughout, sexual content, language and some drug references Rating: 06/10 110 Mins.
He begins to reconsider, however, after he meets the like-minded Naomi (Greta Gerwig).With help from his chauffeur (Luis Guzman) and nanny (Helen Mirren), Arthur betters himself.
Russell Brand is a questionable character at the best of times, but here he follows in Ricky Gervais' footsteps by being another Brit given their crack at a Hollywood comedy.And it's a right mess, not a patch on the original.
I have never seen the original Arthur so I can enjoy this movie in its true form, instead of comparing it to something else.
Neither of those films did I ever look at and say, "This would be so much better if they remade this movie!" It is too much like the original to completely disregard and is passable.
The relationships set up were interesting and explored throughout, and the most developed and touching one was between Brands and Helen Mirrens character, they both played their parts superbly and had great chemistry.Essentially this is a light hearted comedy, with a nice story thats a bit different to what i've seen before.
(Which could be a good or bad thing, I am not quite sure yet.) Finally you have the ever-crazy Nick Nolte, showing up for about a total of 10 insane minutes, all of which are a bit on the silly side.The movies plot is nearly the same as the original, with some updates to modern time.
Plus, I have always found Russell Brand's loopy self-absorption kind of funny (he loves his mum!).This new version was much better cast than the original.
It mirrors the life of Russell Brand in some ways, who has himself lived quite a life and I admire him for being able to portray a likeness of himself in the film.Helen Mirren and Greta Gerwig did well in the film.
There's a rather poignant moment in the film that a key character hammers this point home to the titular Arthur, played by Russell Brand, that brought out a smile inside of me since it brought to mind how some folks in power start behaving as ridiculously as Arthur and spouting some of the most inane nonsense just because they can, and do so because there's not a worry in their world possessing that kind of obscene wealth.Yet again we have another remake of a movie descend upon us, with the original Arthur some 30 years ago played by the late comedian Dudley Moore.
I'm unsure why Russell Brand was cast in this role, yes he's English but he's not the lovable character Dudley Moore manufactured in the original film, nor could I warm to him.
Greta Gerwig was charming, whilst Jennifer Garner played the clingy love interest to a T.Final Thoughts: If you enjoyed the original Arthur, there is no reason you can't like this one as well, at least in my opinion.
There is no way he should have been in the same movie with Helen Mirren, much less star in a remake of a Dudley Moore classic.
This film was entertaining, but not a masterpiece, It's just a movie that you'll enjoy from time to time like the original 1981 version.
Not anything that torpedoes the movie, but I don't know, just something didn't quit click there all the time with her performance.The dialog in the film is pretty good, I would say even on par or better than the original.
Brand plays Arthur, the rich, spoiled man-child alcoholic who, who lives in a lavish New York apartment with his loyal but stern nanny, Hobson (Helen Mirren).
I will start off by saying that if you don't like Russell Brand, then you will not enjoy this film.