Kenneth Branagh's second joust with the Bard is a bit of a mixed bag. Most successful in its comedy content, especially the dialogue shared by Branagh and Emma Thompson, it fares less well with the plot's heavier melodrama, while the musical interludes have much the same effect as one of Harpo Marx's solos or a Bing Crosby ballad in a 'Road' film: yup, just time to get the popcorn. The main interest lies in seeing stars more familiar in other kinds of film: Denzel Washington (very good) as the noble Don Pedro - here depicted as a kind of John Wayne loner - Michael Keaton, rather too obnoxious as the constable, Dogberry, and Keanu Reeves, working hard on his sneer as the dastardly Don John. There are nice supporting performances from Phyllida Law (Emma's mum) and from Richard Clifford as one of Reeves' henchmen. Branagh and Thompson invent some tasty bits of comic business (especially one involving Branagh's trying to erect a medieval deckchair) and it all runs along like a roistering and raunchy pantomime. On balance the best bits are worth waiting for.

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