Arthur

[June]

I'm going for the Red Carpet experience as I haven't attended one yet I'm hoping that by having such low expectations of this film, I may find that I'm pleasantly surprised (that's optimism for you)

[funthing29]

This was a really bad film. I cannot say one positive thing about it except I was glad when it ended. The whole story revolves around Arthur and the film failed at the first hurdle with the casting of Russell Brand. Instead of making Arthur charming and loveable, Brand plays him as doe-eyed and childish. He is simply not a likeable character and it feels like he is playing a big kid. Even Helen Mirren seemed half asleep here and could easily have stolen all the scenes she was in. Gerwig was rather sweet but a bland character. Garner was wasted here and made into a caricature.


What a dreadful film and it was way too long. At least 15-20 minutes could have been shed easily and it would have improved the pacing. I feel like I’ve lost 100 minutes of my life I can never get back. The jokes were overdone and often missed the mark. I think this may even be worse than Sucker Punch. 2/10.

[kevinknapman]

Maybe my critical faculties are damaged but I kind of enjoyed this. Yes it's a fairly pointless remake and I'll probably have forgotten it by tomorrow but I thought it was funny more often than not.
I actually thought Russell Brand was very likeable as Arthur but then I quite like him anyway. Yes he was a little more childish than was entirely necessary or plausible but I thought he brought a considerable amount of charm to the role. Admittedly he can't act and his way of acting drunk is to talk in a higher pitched voice than usual, but he has a love of words and how they sound and he gets the best out of quite a few of Peter Baynham's better lines. In fact, getting Baynham to write it was probably the best decision the filmmakers made. One of UK comedies unsung heroes (having worked with Chris Morris, Armando Iannucci and Lee and Herring), he brings a nice surreal touch to some of the dialogue which Brand responds well too.
Helen Mirren is fine as Hobson, Greta Gerwig is adorable as the love interest and Luiz Guzman is wonderfully deadpan as chauffeur Bitterman. The rest of the cast are adequate with the limited time they have, apart from Nick Nolte, who is atrocious. In his scenes with Brand he was the one that seemed more drunk (judging by his past indiscretions, he probably was). Pity poor Scott Adsit (30 Rock's Pete) though who gets the indignity of an embarrassing costume and no lines (at least The Daily Show's John Hodgman actually gets some lines in those scenes).
The attempt at a more serious tone doesn't entirely work and Brand seems more uncomfortable in these moments.
On the whole it's a fairly lightweight and forgettable film. But I thought it had quite a good hit rate as far as humour goes and some wonderful lines. If you hate Brand, this won't change your mind and as such it would probably be wiser to give it a miss. Anyone else should at least give this a go.

[Diane65]

I actually quite enjoyed this film, it was moronic dross with a fair few laugh out loud funny moments but that was just what I was in the mood for. Its perfect if you have had a tough day at work and want light relief and just take it for what it is you may like me quite like it. I did start to warm to Arthur towards the end. 6/10

(How can I follow Kevinknapman? It's like being the support act after the star has performed)

[trickydicky123]

SPOILER ALERT........................This was effin crap!

[cinefila1]

Well, I think I will still give it a go. I have tickets for Thursday, a bit of light-hearted and forgettable comedy won't kill me. And I love Luiz Guzman!

[LiteupLee]

I thought it was kinda good. Admittedly, Russel Brand is no Tom Hanks or John Mills acting wise, I liked it. Maybe because I'd gone with low expectations and didnt like like the original film?? Much better than I expected. Give it a chance, most people dont like Brand and consider it a failure before seeing it???

[hdaniel82]

I really quite enjoyed this. As kk says it's a fairly pointless remake, but I found myself quite liking Brand, and wishing I had $950 million to play around with!

7/10

[elski]

I liked this far more than I was expecting to. Russell Brand just playing himself again but a more rounded character than 'Get him to the Greek' and 'Forgetting Sarah' started to warm to him slightly towards the end mostly through his relationship with Hobson. Loved the apartment in the old building (though not the interior decorations) and all the 'movie cars' made me smile.

6/10

[jordsmum]

I liked this too. Went along with low expectations and was pleasantly suprised, but then I like
Russell Brand. As has been said before this is him playing himself.

L'pool 1 odeon was practically full and there were lots of laughs from the audience.
17 year old son even said it was 'decent,'

7/10