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Merchant of Venice

Is it any wonder why I went to see The Merchant of Venice once you take a good look at the cast list? I mean, Hot Bad Guys Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons and Wanna Be Hot Bad Guy Joseph Fiennes in the same movie and wearing hose? Sign me right up. Okay, here's the really short story: Antonio (henceforth known as Mr. Mopey Doublet, because he doesn't smile At All) borrowed money from Shylock to aid his friend (or whatever) Bassanio to woo the Rich Portia. Mr. Mopey Doublet loses his ships and his fortune and cannot repay the loan. The contract between Mr. Mopey Doublet and Shylock specifies that if Antonio cannot pay, Shylock can take a pound of Mr. Mopey Doublet's flesh (although where there's an extra pound on Jeremy Irons is anyone's guess). Of course, everything comes out well in the end, except for Shylock who loses all his money and is forced to convert from Judaism to Christianity or he will be executed, but I suppose the important thing is that the rich and beautiful people are happy.

This is one of the Shakespeare plays that you don't see very often, likely because of the anti-Semitic undertone to the entire plot, never mind that it's a product of its time period. This production of it was simply amazing, wonderful acting, fabulous plot, great clothing, an excellent moment involving the actual written contract, everything about it was amazing, including the fact that it was cut down to a very manageable time of just over two hours. And Hot Bad Guy Al Pacino was absolutely incredible. Sure, it's not as cheery as some of the other plays, like Much Ado About Nothing or Romeo and Juliet, but it's definitely worth watching.