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Written by Gregg Shapiro
Apr 21, 2011
Russell Brand adds color to “Arthur,” now on screens throughout the state. – Photo: Courtesy
‘Arthur’
Whether or not it was intentional, the original Dudley Moore version of “Arthur” (1981) had a built-in gay factor: Not only did it star Liza Minnelli, but it also earned out actor John Gielgud an Academy Award.
Not much about the “Arthur” remake is gay, unless you’re a guy who’s aroused by Russell Brand parading around in colorful briefs. The remake retains some elements from the original story about a rich, alcoholic, man-child’s quest to hang on to his $1 billion inheritance by marrying the toxic Susan (Jennifer Garner) instead of the poor Naomi (Mumblecore diva Greta Gerwig). “Arthur” gets a 21st-century tweaking, including the replacement of his butler (originally portrayed by the late Gielgud) with sassy nanny Hobson (Helen Mirren).
But the remake has many problems, including the rather cavalier handling of substance abuse issues. Worse, as a comedy it’s not very funny. Brand, whose background is in stand-up, delivers his lines like a comedian, not an actor. Interestingly, the movie’s most genuinely funny moment is when Arthur improvises song lyrics at Susan’s bridal shower – a scene that benefits from Brand’s comedic timing.
Fortunately, when “Arthur” – both the movie and the character – gets serious, Mirren is this there to provide the necessary dramatic touches. Although the laughs are less than plentiful, overall this project is not as dismal as it could have been. At least the “Arthur” remake/update doesn’t have a Christopher Cross theme song.
‘Scream 4’
Endlessly self-referential, while paying homage to the slew of slasher epics that preceded it, Wes Craven’s “Scream 4” makes a point (get it?) of reminding us of the first rule of remakes: Don’t mess with the original. By employing virtually every trick in the “Scream” book, including the scary and threatening voice on the telephone, the masked murderer and a healthy dose of humor (there’s a mildly inoffensive gay joke), “Scream 4” keeps the audience guessing as the body count mounts. By the time the identity of the killers is revealed (and one is disposed of by the other), you might think screenwriter Kevin Williamson would have exhausted all his tricks. But not only does he have a few more up his sleeve, he leaves plenty of room (and survivors) for the possibility of yet another “Scream”-quel.
‘Rio’
Oscar nominee Jesse Eisenberg was born to provide the voice for Blu, the animated, pampered and seriously domesticated Blue Macaw in the 3D “Rio.” Taken shortly after hatching from his colorful jungle home and shipped to Minnesota, Blu is found and adopted by young Linda (Sofia Scarpa Saldanha), who makes sure he is always nearby.
Still keeping him within reach, grown-up Linda (Leslie Mann) is a bookseller who takes Blu with her to work. Although he never learned to fly, Blu still has it better than most birds and is teased by Canada Geese Chloe and Alice (out actresses Wanda Sykes and Jane Lynch, respectively).
But the arrival of Brazilian bird specialist Tulio (Rodrigo Santoro) in the bookstore threatens to clip their wings. It seems that Blu is one of two birds of his kind and is in need in Rio to mate with the finicky Jewel (Anne Hathaway). Once Linda agrees to join Blu on his journey, the pair are in for the flight of their lives.
Director Carlos Saldanha (of “Ice Age” fame) makes excellent use of the 3D visual effects, as well as the exotic (and animated) Brazilian setting. Memorable musical numbers also aid in making “Rio” one of the more entertaining cartoon features in recent memory.
