Money doesn’t buy happiness

Director: Jason Winer,
Starring: Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Garner, Greta Gerwig

Irresponsible charmer Arthur Bach (Brand) has always relied on two things to keep him out of trouble – his limitless fortune and the good sense of his lifelong nanny, Hobson (Mirren).

But when his unpredictable public image starts to threaten the staid reputation of the family foundation, Bach Worldwide, Arthur finds himself forced to choose between an arranged marriage that will ensure his lavish lifestyle or an uncertain future with the one thing money can’t buy, Naomi (Gerwig), the only woman he has ever loved.

A remake of the 30-year-old romantic comedy starring the iconic Dudley Moore, 2011’s Arthur sticks faithfully to the original script but the two films are wildly different in terms of tone and humour.

Brand creates a distinctive character based on his own persona rather than trying to mimic Moore and puts in a thoroughly funny, charming performance.

Arthur didn’t really need to be remade, but it has been, and the results are often hilarious. Fans of the original may be a little put out, but if you go in with an open mind, you may well be pleasantly surprised.

Genre: Comedy
Age Restriction: PG-13
Runtime: 110 min