Arthur was good, but failed in comparison to the original.

Arhur
2/5 stars

Arthur was a seemingly pointless remake that turned out less enjoyable than the original. That is not to say that you wont enjoy it, but being a remake, it is pretty much the same exact story with a few minor inconsistencies. The only major difference between the two films is the 1981 version was funnier. So why not just rent the original?

Arthur (Russell Brand) is a spoiled adult living off of his mother Vivienne's (Geraldine James) wealth. After Arthur has repeatedly embarrassed the Vivienne's company in the press with his endless escapades she decides to give him an ultimatum: Grow up and marry Susan Johnson (Jennifer Garner) or be cut off from the money. Arthur grudgingly agrees, but as the wedding is being planed he falls for Naomi (Greta Gerwig). Now Arthur is forced to make a choice: give up his wealth and be with the one he truly loves, or continue living a luxurious life in an unhappy marriage.

Despite the dry humor this movie did have a few things going for it. Changing Arthur's male butler from the original into a female nanny, Hobson (Helen Mirren), was genius. The chemistry between Brand and Gerwig was beautiful. Witty one liners, similar to those in the original, were exchanged back and forth between the characters. Also, Luis Guzman was an excellent choice for Bitterman, Arthur's driver, and really added an extra bit of flavor to the mix of character's in the film.

But none of this changes the fact that there was absolutely no reason to raise this film from its grave other than the fact that Jason Winer wants your money. You could willingly hand it over to him, or, you could be a better person and rent the original! It's up to you.

2/5 stars