This remake finds whiny British bad boy Russell Brand trying to fill impish Dudley Moore's top hat in the role of Arthur Bach, a pampered, profligate playboy with oodles of money to spend on booze, babes, and clothes. Despite reprimands from his dignified nanny Hobson (Helen Mirren), Arthur recklessly zips through Manhattan with his chauffeur (Luis Guzmán) in one of many cars and enjoys his Upper East Side penthouse with its $1.5 million bed and regulation boxing ring. But his disapproving mother (Geraldine James) threatens to deprive him of his $950 million inheritance if he doesn't shape up and marry Susan Johnson (Jennifer Garner), a domineering businesswoman with a formidable father (Nick Nolte). Meanwhile, Arthur falls in love with Naomi (Greta Gerwig), a naïve wannabe children's book writer who leads city sightseeing tours and lives in Queens. Inventive Arthur woos her by diverting trains from Grand Central Station for 45 minutes, strewing the floor with rose petals, and arranging a dinner for two near the information booth. Of course, Susan finds out, leading to trouble. The original Arthur was a fine screwball comedy, and director Jason Winer's remake is reasonably close, aside from casting Mirren in the haughty “butler” role for which John Gielgud won an Oscar. Unfortunately, carefree alcohol abuse and lavish spending just don't entertain the way they used to; plus, Russell is no Moore. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include additional scenes (10 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is an “Arthur Unsupervised!” behind-the-scenes featurette (11 min.), a brief gag reel, and bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a small extras package for a disappointing remake.] (S. Granger)
Arthur
Warner, 110 min., PG-13, DVD: $28.98, Blu-ray: $35.99, July 15 Volume 26, Issue 3
Arthur
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