Romeo + Juliet
Say what you will about Luhrmann, but he’s going to make you remember how his films look, and this loose adaptation’s visual style is often striking and occasionally inspired (neon crosses, the lovers looking at each other through a fishtank—just, holy shit). The magic fades, though, when the actors open their mouths and spit dialogue they exhibit little understanding towards, and the leads are the worst offenders. As an adaptation for the MTV generation, this could have been a lot worse, and it’s worth seeing at least once; then, go watch a version made with a more comfortable cast.
5