Original and Remake: Arthur

February's Original and Remake is Arthur. There are two film versions of this, the original from 1981 and the remake from 2011. So let's begin. 

Arthur (1981)

Directed By: Steve Gordon

Starring: Dudley Moore, Liza Minnelli, John Gielgud

Running Time: 97 Minutes

Arthur (2011)
Directed By: Jason Winer

Starring: Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Garner

Running Time: 107 Minutes

The original 1981 version is my pick from these two. Dudley Moore is more Arthur Bach than Russell Brand is. Both Moore and Brand were and are comedians but Brand's version of Arthur is idiotic where as Moore's Arthur while at times can be annoying you also find yourself rooting for this guy as he falls in love with Linda (Liza Minnelli) even though he's engaged to marry another woman he doesn't love. Speaking of Liza, I think she's actually quite good in comedic roles, while she's known for her singing voice, like her mother, Judy Garland, she has comedic timing that's fun. She and Dudley Moore have good chemistry and make the story believable. I have to also say John Gridlgud as Hobson, Arthur's valet delivers a spot on performance. He's funny, likeable and also has good chemistry with Dudley Moore. The remake could have possibly been decent with better casting and hiring a director who knew what working on films, rather than TV was like, as Jason Winer had only directed episodes of the show, Modern Family before this. The true stand out in the remake is Helen Mirren, who plays Hobson, who in this version is Arthur's nanny. Not only is Helen Mirren a good dramatic actress she's fun in comedy too, just not this comedy. As for Jennifer Garner whose done comedy many times before this just falls flat and I strongly feel she (and Russell Brand) were miscast. I  don't have a whole lot to say about Russell Brand, even he said his choice to appear in this film was a mistake. The whole movie plays out poorly and feels silly too often. Like my last Original and Remake with Yours, Mine and Ours, if you are someone who likes silly, comedy humor then you'd probably like the remake better. But if you want to see a film that's not only funny but has heart and good casting see the original. 

Until Next Time,

Ashley A.