ARTHUR

"If you get caught between the Moon and New City
The best that you can do................. best that you can do is fall in love".

First and foremost this Christopher Cross song is what I most remember about the first ARTHUR from 1981. Wisely, the remake found it important to include a version of this tune in its closing credits.

Thirty years ago when I first saw this movie, I was well aware of Dudley Moore's talent as "10" was fresh in my mind. I was entertained by this picture but, since that day I had never watched it again. So, going in to this 2011 remake my memory had to be jogged a bit and, this current creation brought it all back.

First, let it be known......I am a huge fan of Russell Brand and his wife, Katy Perry. If you watch closely there is one scene where "Arthur" is checking his speed dial and Katy is listed. I found Brand's version of the lovable, wealthy drunk very much as charming as Moore's.

Changing Sir John Gielgud's butler to Helen Mirren's nanny was quite delightful. God love the acting of the Brits. As always, they steal the show. The other supporting cast did not vary that much from the original version. Jennifer Garner's portrayal of Susan was played pretty much the same as Jill Eikenberry's in 1981. However, the fatal flaw in this movie was casting Greta Gerwig to reprise the great Liza Minnelli's Linda. In this '11 romp Linda became Naomi and totally as bland as her name. They might have done better casting Katy Perry in this role as there might have been some chemistry.

I enjoyed the movie but, like the original, it is a one time watch for me.