Talking about wacky updates of classics, I've been aheming the BBC's modern Shakespeare series, and they have been enormous fun. The latest one was a take on "Taming of the Shrew", which I wouldn't have thought it possible to adapt in a modern setting, but they managed it, and managed it hilariously. Katherine was played by Shirley Henderson (last seen as Myrtle in the HP flicks but she's been in loads of stuff) and she was a high-powered MP, foul-mouthed battleaxe, and a contender for the leader of the opposition. Rufus Sewell played Petriccio as a loutishly charming and impoverished aristocrat (and a transvestite!). Funny stuff.
The best one they've done, I think, is their take on MacBeth as set in the world of restauranteurs. James McAvoy played MacBeth and he was absolutely luscious. Fey young men aren't my type usually, but he had these flashing eyes, lithe body and the yummiest accent, and altogether irresistible.
Oh, god, I love McAvoy. I might need to find that.
They may be hard to find. I got mine from UKnova, but you have to be a member to get at the torrents. E-me if you're having trouble locating it and I'll see what I can do.
I'm a member there too, so I'll look when I get home.
I believe the British version ended with Mr Bennett's (and how wonderful was Sutherland in the role?) final line about being "completely at his leisure." They are adding the US scene back to the British release.
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I liked it, but I am schmoopy that way.
Ah, that's where the difference is. I wondered. (I actually guessed it.)
Is that James McAvoy playing the faun in Narnia?
They are adding the US scene back to the British release.
Feh. HATED that scene. It made me embarrassed for the actors.
I'm sure that MST3K tried to get their hands on that film many times.
I'm sure. Although, it was so close to a sexploitation flick they'd've had to do some judicious editing, or standing up to block the titties or what have you.
I'm sure that MST3K tried to get their hands on that film many times.
I'm sure. Although, it was so close to a sexploitation flick they'd've had to do some judicious editing, or standing up to block the titties or what have you.
I always wanted them today more "adult" flicks as well as more mainstream flicks. I mean, it'd make it almost worth it to watch the movies if I could have seen the MST guys do smArmageddon or Showgirls and such.
Their take on MAROONED (in a cut-down, local-TV broadcast version called SPACE TRAVELLERS), which had Gregory Peck, Gene Hackman, David Janssen and a number of other recognizable actors in a big-budget, rather dull space-race epic (which was not unlike watching a slow-mo version of APOLLO 13), was hysterical.
Oh Gene Hackman, he's good in anything!
