A surprise hit late last year is this romantic, or perhaps unromantic comedy, which seems to have caught everyone unawares.  It was re-released for Valentine’s Day with a brief but very enjoyable section of bloopers, outtakes and more singing by the cast after the final credits, which is the version I saw tonight.  Why is it so popular?  Perhaps because it, like so many great films, is based on a Shakespeare play.  “Much Ado About Nothing” is the basis for this tale, proving once again that the Bard still has a remarkable mastery of structure and humor, as well as a universal relevancy in matters of the heart.

Will Gluck’s film has singles Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) have a great first date, only to become enemies over a misunderstanding (Shakespeare was big on those).  Then they are thrown together again months later at a destination wedding in Australia, and the only way to keep the wedding from spinning out of control is to pretend to like each other.  Friends and family surround them, constantly trying to manipulate them one way or another, and romance is in the air.  What could go right?

Similar to 2022’s Ticket to Paradise, this comedy features a gorgeous setting for the destination wedding, a former couple who can’t currently stand each other, and lots of pretending to keep things polite.  Here the cast is younger, even more attractive, and more naked.  The sexual innuendo and language is pervasive, yet is at least somewhat charming.  Glen Powell is just terrific; he is turning into a dangerously roguish and able leading man.  The young costars include Hadley Robinson, Alexandra Shipp, Charlee Fraser, Gata and Darren Barnet, while the parents are played by Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Hurd and Bryan Brown.  All of them look like they had a blast on location.

I cannot say “this isn’t Shakespeare,” as I have for other movies, because it actually is Shakespeare.  At least it’s a modern variation of Shakespeare, one which keeps the story structure but adds crotch humor and lots of bikinis.  Having such an attractive cast should lead to strong repeat viewing, and the dialogue has its share of sharp putdowns and genuine laughs.  It’s never too mean-spirited because the basic misunderstanding is just that, nicely presented.  Love can conquer all, even down under.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  27 February 2024.