..."I'm doing Shakespeare for the distant learning program," wimpers weedy Lucy (Joely). The first fifteen minutes of this luvvies love-in could easily be mistaken for an Open University lecture. Or worse BBC Choice. Which is appropriate given that Ben Elton's first directorial effort was funded by the esteemed Beeb. Based on Elton's own experiences of IVF treatment, Maybe Baby is an overlong romantic comedy, with very little charm. Sam (Lawrie) and Lucy long for a baby, but poor Hugh is firing blanks. So, they turn to the test tube. Oh and poor Hugh is impotent in the writing department too. Until, that is, he steals Lucy's thoughts from her diary to use for a script. Bored yet...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Great story, great performances Disadvantages: none!
...This is a brilliant film with all the right components for a perfect romantic comedy with a bit of Shakespeare thrown in for good measure! The story is set around the writing of the Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet. It uses genuinely laugh out loud moments and also moments that will bring a tear to your eye to tell the story of how young Will meets Viola and makes her his muse for the famous play. The cast is filled with stars and the sets, costumes and music are outstanding. You don't have to be a lover of Shakespeare to enjoy this film, in fact it may very well turn you in to one.
This film is a gem and deserves all the praise it gets....
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Good performances Disadvantages: Unoriginal/predictable
...Shakespeare in love is a romantic comedy starring outstanding performances by Gwenth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes and Judi Dench. It tells the tale of the greatest love story ever - 'Romeo and Juliet'. Shakespeare(Joseph Fiennes) is a playwright who is struck by writer's block and his comedy 'Romeo and Ethel the Pirate's Daughter' is looking to be a flop. The Playhouse looks to be closed down until Lady Viola (Gwenth Paltrow) answers to his prayers. However, destruction awaits Shakespeare as Viola is to wed the mean ol' Lord Wessex. But does all end well for Shakespeare? Hah...what do you think? Although it can be accused of being rather predictable, it truly is a must-see comedy....
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Ciao members have rated this review on average off topic
off topic 28.09.2000
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