A new musical film adaptation of William Shakespeare's tragedy "Romeo and Juliet," titled "Juliet & Romeo," premiered this week to unfavorable reviews from critics. The movie, directed and co-written by Timothy Scott Bogart, attempts to reimagine the classic story with a modern musical approach featuring pop-style songs.
The film is set in Italy in the year 1301, according to narration within the movie. It blends language from Shakespeare's original play with contemporary phrasing, creating a mix of old and new in its dialogue and lyrics.
Critics noted the film's self-serious tone despite its use of pop music. Songs in the movie were described as attempts to imitate the style of popular artists, with lyrics ranging from the generic to the awkward.
Unlike the successful comedic jukebox musical "& Juliet," which offers a different take on the heroine's story, "Juliet & Romeo" was assessed as lacking fun and suffering from execution issues. One reviewer described the film as a "farce."
The cast includes Jamie Ward as Romeo and Clara Rugaard as Juliet. Other performers featured in the movie are Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Nicholas Podany, Martina Ortiz Luis, and Rupert Graves. Actress Rebel Wilson is also associated with the project.
Commentary surrounding the film suggested it targets a young audience, aiming to replace traditional verse with accessible pop music and themes. However, the critical consensus points to a disconnect between the ambition and the final product. Moviegoers looking for viewing options may consult resources like the May Streaming Guide.
Released with a PG-13 rating and running just over two hours, the movie struggled to connect with reviewers who found its musical numbers and narrative choices ineffective. Those interested in seeing the film can Find Tickets.
