If the entire feature version of the “Arthur” remake is as funny as the two and a half minute trailer, Russell Brand might ride this one to mega-stardom. Sure, Brand has made it, but over here in the US he’s not found his blockbuster. Last year, he made a terrific match for Jonah Hill in the critically lauded “Get Him To The Greek,” but with “Arthur” he may have found a role that offers him a chance to be bad and pull out our heart strings at the same time.
“Arthur (2011)” is a remake of the 1981 Dudley Moore vehicle. The original had a great cast with Liza Minnelli as the uncomfortable love interest and Sir John Gielgud as Hobson, the perfect man-servant. It was a smash hit making something close to $90 million at the US box office. The success spawned a splashy and less successful sequel, the aptly titled “Arthur 2: On the Rocks.” But the original made the diminutive Moore a huge star and inserted the character deeply into 1980s pop culture.
As the remake trend continues, “Arthur (2011)” has attracted a marvelous cast led by Brand but featuring Helen Mirren in the role once held by Gielgud. Luis Guzman appears as Arthur’s driver and buddy, and look closely for a fit and trim Nick Nolte giving Brand a helping hand in the trailer.
“Arthur (2011)” opens on April 8th.
