Shakespeare in Love (1998)

SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE has lots to like and, regrettably, at least 
one thing worth hating.  Specifically, it's the score that sucks-- 
smothering strings and horrid horns, all doing their damnedest to 
drown out this otherwise delightfully inventive romantic comedy.  
(At least I *think* it's a romantic comedy.  Though the tone of 
the story suggests smiles, the overbearing music is all heavy-
osity.)  With the exception of Ralph Finnes' brother Joesph's 
kinda-lame leading man, nearly everything else in this well-de-
tailed period piece is picture-perfect:  a top-line indie cast 
(Ben Affleck, Geoffrey Rush, etc.), Gwyneth Paltrow looking love-
lier than ever, ensemble comedy, cross-dressing comedy, stories 
within stories, a backstage pass to ye olde theatre, and, best of 
all, grand Dame Judi Dench, stealing her three or four scenes as 
Queen Elizabeth I.  There's an Oscar nod if there ever was one...  
With Colin Firth, Tom Wilkinson, Simon Callow, and Rupert Everett 
as Christopher Marlowe.  John Madden (HER MAJESTY MRS. BROWN) di-
rects.  (Rated "R"/110 min.)

Grade: B-

Copyright 1998 Michael J. Legeros
Movie Hell is a trademark of Michael J. Legeros

Originally posted to triangle.movies as MOVIE HELL: Addendum