Arthur
5 stars out of 10
Genre: Comedy
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Run time: 110 min.
Writer: Peter Baynham
Director: Jason Winer
Year: 2011
1981′s original "Arthur" was a pleasant, breezy, light comedy that got by on Dudley Moore’s lovable characterization of the titular character, and a whole lot of heart. This updated version is still pleasant and breezy and light, but demonstrates clearly just how much the whole endeavor depended on what Moore brought to the role.
As before, Arthur–this time embodied by the lunatic English comedian Russell Brand–is the fabulously wealthy playboy literally without a care in the world. He spends his days just trying to amuse himself. And then along comes Naomi (Greta Gerwig), and suddenly Arthur’s in love. Which would be fine, except that his family is demanding that he marry the decidedly unappealing corporate executive Susan (Jennifer Garner). If he wants to stay with the woman he loves, he’ll have to give up his inheritance and fend for himself.
Russell Brand can be hilarious. He gives great interviews, is very funny on stage, and has a charming supporting character presence in films like "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Get Him to the Greek" But thrust into the lead role here, he doesn’t quite work. He’s not completely lost–many of his broad comedy bits are amusing enough. But where Dudley Moore was loveable and sympathetic, yet still mature, Brand is really just a man-child. To his credit, he doesn’t attempt a Dudley Moore impersonation. But he just can’t manage the depth of heart that Moore seemed to provide so effortlessly.
So what we’re left with is a mildly amusing comedy that, like its main character, lacks dimension or heft. Helen Mirren does her best to fill the iconic John Gielgud role and provide an emotional center, with mixed results, but generally the film floats by and vanishes from your mind the minute you walk out. It’s not an unpleasant experience. It’s just not one that stays with you.
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