Ooof. Listen, we like Russell Brand, and he can be quick with a quip and wit, but we just sat here watching the trailer for “Arthur” — yes, a remake of the Dudley Moore comedy “classic” — and we kept waiting for something funny to happen. It never did.
The film stars Brand in the titular role as the spoiled playboy, with Helen Mirren playing Arthur’s put-upon nanny and Greta Gerwig as the girl who forces Arthur to choose between marrying for money or love. Jennifer Garner and Nick Nolte also star with Garner playing an heiress Arthur must marry to retain his fortune, while Nolte plays her deeply religious father. So now that you know that, where the hell is Gerwig in this trailer? We understand that trailers need to sell the stars and that most of America doesn’t know who she is, but her character is the driving force of the plot so we’re a bit confused why she’s relegated to a two-second appearance. Anyway, with the focus on the jokes instead, each one comes off like a big swing and a miss. But hey, if seeing Brand and Luis Guzmán dressed up as Batman and Robin gets you off, more power to you. Also? Most misplaced use of “Under Pressure” ever.
The Jason Winer (“Modern Family“) directed film hits on April 8th. Trailer below.
