Romeo & Juliet — Rated R — 2 of 5 stars
“Romeo and Juliet” may be the world’s oldest story ever told. Not because Shakespeare (William Shakespeare from “Shakespeare In Love” – at least that’s how I think of him) wrote it more than four centuries ago, but because when Eve met Adam it was love at first sight, and then a problem arose.
While this story has been done hundreds of times, this movie version has not been done since 1968. That being a faithful telling of the story set in the proper period with the Old English set dressings and Shakespeare’s dialogue.
Now, Italian Director Carlo Carlei (“Il generale Della Rovere”) shines his light from yonder movie projector to give us his lavish spectacle of this tender young love story. The movie was pretty, as was young Juliet (Hailee Steinfeld from “True Grit”) in capturing the attention of Romeo (Douglas Booth from “LOL”). The performance of the leads was passable. They delivered the lines but not the full emotional impact you want from these characters. To make up for this, the filmmaker has added a pounding score to pull at your heartstrings. Even in the balcony scene, the music was so loud I could hardly hear the actors.
Just because it’s a great story does not mean I can’t attack the plot, or at least its presentation in this film. The two schemes Romeo and Juliet hatch with Friar Laurence (Paul Giamatti from “Rock of Ages”) come off like a bad “Three’s Company” episode. I am not sure if some of the blame belongs to screenwriter Julian Fellowes (“Gosford Park”), but I am not going to blame the other writer.
I admit that I don’t know the real Shakespeare work, and I prefer the modern homogenized versions of the story. I dug the Baz Luhrmann edition (Romeo + Juliet – 1996), which had one foot in the 16th century. Going in, I wondered why anyone would make this movie, and who would want to see it. Coming out I understand why they tried, and I wish they had succeeded, because now I want to see this masterpiece in all its period glory. While the sets were beautiful, they are just backdrops. The words of Shakespeare are merely spoken. But the power of the story cannot be achieved with cheesy music and “Reservoir Dogs” style slow motion.
There was more good than bad in the movie, but I have to grade on the Shakespeare curve. When you set out to tell the greatest story ever, you better get it right. I can only give them 2 stars out of 5, and I am certain this film will soon fade from yonder flat screen windows.
Tom Basham is an indie filmmaker. Here is a link to his movie review site:?  bashmovies.wordpress.com/
Recent Stories
Join us on Friday, January 10, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special Ribbon Cutting at 2 p.m. Be inspired by keynote speaker Rita McClenny, President & CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation while enjoying a light reception featuring classic Fredericksburg favorites.
Location: 601 Caroline Street, 1st Floor, Fredericksburg
For event inquiries, contact: 540-372-1216 | [email protected]
Do you have an event you’d like to share with the community? Submitting your event to Potomac Local News is FREE and easy! Just fill out our form using this link: Submit Your Event.
Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
The Stafford location features state-of-the-art equipment, including strength machines, free weights, a dedicated area for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and a functional training room with turf for agility exercises. Members can also access amenities such as fully equipped locker rooms with showers, a mobility and stretching space, and free WiFi.
A highlight of the facility is the Black Card Spa, available to those who pay for a higher membership tier. The spa includes Hydro Massage Loungers, massage chairs, recovery loungers, and salon-grade tanning beds, offering members an opportunity to relax and recover post-workout.
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
Assault
– Marion Manor Nursing Home: A staff member assaulted another during a disagreement. The suspect was charged with assault and battery and held without bond.
– Shasta Place: A male suspect bit the victim during a verbal altercation. He was charged with assault and battery but released on personal recognizance.
DUI
Deputies discovered a car in a ditch on Courthouse Road. The driver admitted to drinking beer, with three empty cans found in her vehicle. She was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, and refusal, and held on a $3,000 bond.
Hit and Run
A vehicle struck a VDOT sign and two unoccupied trucks at EZ Auto Sales before the driver fled. Deputies identified the suspect using evidence left in the vehicle, and warrants for hit and run and property destruction were issued.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
Essential personnel will report at specified times.
All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled.
—
King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
