On this month's KMUW Movie Club, it is all Shakespeare. First up, the group discusses modern adaptations of Shakespeare's work. Next, the gang talks about films inspired by the works of the famous playwright.
Hugo’s Picks
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
"Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet is gleefully manic, grand and decadent. At the same time, it feels very intimate. It was one of many Shakespeare adaptations shown in classrooms during my high school years, and it stands on top as my favorite."
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
"As a late-90s teen comedy, this adaptation of The Taming of The Shrew could have been insufferable. Instead, I don't know if I could find 10 things I hate about this movie. Bolstered by a fantastic cast, this movie remains impossibly charming."
Fletcher’s Picks
Titus (1999)
Strange Brew (1983)
Jedd’s Picks
Hamlet (2000)
"Ethan Hawke appears as Ham and does a remarkable job to it. He saved us from having to endure the Keanu Reeves adaptation, I guess. Nice little turn in this one from Bill Murray as well. Much better and less overwrought than Mel Gibson’s take on it."
Say Anything (1989)
“It’s not a direct adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, of course, but still heavily inspired by it. John Cusack later said that he was essentially done playing nice guys after his turn in this picture and he seems to have held true to that. Ione Skye didn't become the big star she might have been after this film, but John Mahoney gave us many, many more fine performances. Along with Almost Famous, this is the best of Cameron Crowe. And, no, you can’t have my VHS copy.”
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