Review: Arthur (2011)
Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 12:35PM Since I very recently saw Arthur (1981) on Netflix Instant Watch, I had a bit of a trouble disconnecting myself from the original while watching the new version 30 years later.
Dudley & Liz vs. Russell & Greta
The more things change the more they stay the same? The comedy Arthur (1981) opened during a recession and high unemployment rates. Here we are again in 2011 when all but the richest are hurting and that drunken millionaire is rearing his head again. He's hoping you'll laugh with him or at him -- either will do as he has no shame. The first time around audiences did just that. They embraced Arthur's reckless entitlement and threw millions more into his seemingly bottomless coffer, turning the film into one of the biggest blockbusters of early 80s cinema.
The remake, also named ARTHUR (2011) is in some ways a recreation with virtually the same character in a nearly identical plot. The few changes are cosmetic. Even Arthur's net worth hasn't changed all that much...
What do you make of this Arthur or the earlier one?
Reader Comments (5)
On topic: Love the original Arthur (own it on dvd), will wait until I can watch the new one for free if I have the time.
Off topic: R.I.P. Sidney Lumet.
Well this makes me feel better. I have not seen the original but did see the trailer for the new one and thought that Jennifer Garner was stepping in for Liza Minelli. She's not thank God, it's Greta Gerwig. I find Garner to be intolerable. I'll probably see it in the theaters but if I don't get to it I'll live.
Nathaniel, Anxiously awaiting a Yes No Maybe So on Midnight In Paris
And Tim thanks, I hadn't heard....RIP Mr Lumet.
City of Lights -- that was already posted.
Can you ever really step in for Liza? they should have made her do a cameo. Did y'all see her in Arrested Development. She was truly brilliant.
yes. she's so gifted comedically.
i really don't understand the desire to make Arthur's soulmate so dull -- and Gerwig can definitely bring it if you let her -- because why would he fall for her? you need to believe in that relationship.