William Shakespeare's

A Midsummer Nigh't Dream

Starring: Kevin Kline, Calista Flockhart, Michelle Pfeiffer, Stanley Tucci, Sophie Marceau, Rupert Everett, Chritian Bale, Anna Friel and David Strathairn. 115 min., PG-13

A note to anyone planning a production of one of William Shakespeare's plays, please limit the number of big stars you use to three. Conflicting egos and acting styles ruin the newest attempt at one of the bard's works. If you do not know the story, or even if you do, you will most likely not like this reproduction due to its attempt and ultimate failure at overachieverness. Why do directors feel they can screw with the acting and script if they show us a "pretty pretty background"?

The story has been moved into the 19th century and follows the story of many characters trying to make others fall in love with them, and of course Robin Goodfellow, the trouble making fairy who, with the use of his "pixie dust" makes things all that more difficult for the lovers. However never fear, true to his early comedies, Shakespeare makes you and all the characters happy in the end. What's with all those little faries?

If you insisist on seeing Dream however, take my advice, show up about an hour and a half late, then you can see the only true piece of magic in this film. I am of course speaking of Pyramus and Thisbe, the play put on by the workmen at the reception of the marriages. This is the only scene in the entire film that looks like it took time to produce and wasn't rushed. It was also the only seen in which Calista Flockhart didn't look like she was yelling at a dancing baby or about to kickbox Georigia. This scene almost mad me forget what a piece of crap this film was, but then the seen ended and I quickly remembered. What the hell is with all those little faries?

With the one scene aside, this film is not worth its phenominal budget. I have a suggestion, anytime anyone ever wants to make a film based on a Shakespearen play don't, unless of course your name starts with a K and ends with enneth Branagh. If you must get a fill of A Midsummer Night's Dream go rent the 1935 version staring James Cagney as Nick Bottom. Rating: C-

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