Midsummer Night's Dream Review

I usually prefer Shakespeare's more somber and serious work... except for Midsummer Night's Dream. When this film became available, I resisted seeing it... there have been several excellent versions over the years, with stellar casts, and I didn't expect that this new one could in any way measure up. To my pleasant surprise, I found it entirely worthwhile, in large measure because of the performance of Stanley Tucci. 

Puck -- the fairy king's henchperson, who speaks to the audience and philosophizes -- is among my favorites of all of Shakespeare's characters. Stanley Tucci's Puck was innovative and unexpected, and I loved it. What a pleasure... to think that you know a character well, and then to see a gifted actor show you an entirely different dimension of the character. This Puck was in no way manic or goofy, but instead dry, sly, dignified, and intellectual. Which in my opinion is perfect, considering his function in the play.

Many of the other performances seemed disjointed and forced to me, although to be fair the dialogue is challenging. I did like Kevin Kline's performance very much. Had everyone else been as wonderful as Tucci and Kline, I would have given this film a solid five stars, and this would instantly have become my favorite cinematic version of this play. Still, it's worth your time if you like Shakespeare, and I recommend it.