Easily the best comedy of the year – and the best film of the year to star Joseph Fiennes and feature Queen Elizabeth as a major character – Shakespeare in Love gets a hands-down recommendation for all filmgoers.

The clever premise follows one William Shakespeare (Fiennes), stuck with writer’s block while trying to pen “Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate’s Daughter” and unable to get his own love life going to boot.

Enter Viola (Paltrow), an upper-class woman with aspirations of acting in the men-only theatre who sneaks in (in drag) to audition for the part of Romeo. But not only is Viola a woman, she’s betrothed to the Duke of Wessex and is set to sail for the New World in a matter of weeks. It’s only natural that young Will falls for the lady.

Wacky hijinks ensue, but Shakespeare never falls into the syrupy love story trap, and the insight into what-might-have-been is a real treat for fans of the bard. Fiennes does excellent work here, as does Paltrow, who always seems to act better when affecting a British accent.

The six Golden Globe nominations are right on target – definitely check Shakespeare out at an art house near you.



Willy gets jiggy wit' it.