Rosaline movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Rosaline

This modern twist on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy is now available on Hulu.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour 37 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: A-

IN A NUTSHELL:

“Rosaline” is a comedic twist on Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” in which the classic love story is told from the perspective of Juliet’s cousin Rosaline (Kaitlyn Dever), who just happens to be Romeo’s recent ex-girlfriend. Crushed when Romeo (Kyle Allen) dumps her after meeting Juliet (Isabela Merced), sharp but idealistic Rosaline schemes to foil the famous romance and win back her guy.

The romantic comedy was directed by Karen Maine. The writing was done by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber.

THINGS I LIKED:

Kaitlyn Dever is a delightful revelation as Romeo’s ex-girlfriend. It’s fun to imagine her and her life since Shakespeare doesn’t tell us much about her.
Romeo is played by Kyle Allen and reminds me a little bit of a young Keith Ledger.
I adore all of these cast members in anything they do: Bradley Whitford, Isabela Merced, Minnie Driver, and Christopher McDonald.
The movie has been in development since 2010! Several Hollywood A-listers were slated to play various roles but backed out for a number of timing issues.
The witty and modern dialogue is amusing. I never quite laughed out loud but was giggling inside.
Fun soundtrack with entertaining choices.
Gorgeous set design and costumes.
Beautiful cinematography as we get to visit Verona, Italy.
Shout-out to registered nurses! My twin sister is a Nurse Practitioner. I teach at a nursing college! Yay nurses! Minnie Driver’s character was sweet and entertaining with her dry comments about being a nurse.
I thought the running gag about the girls’ earrings getting stuck in each other’s hair was cute, but there was also an important reveal during one of those moments. The last time they hugged, they missed the gag.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

It seems odd to have so many American accents mixed with British ones.
It seemed like a missed opportunity to add some fun twists.
Some pretty cliched dialogue.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Some profanity, including one F-bomb.
Subtitles when French is spoken.
One of the characters is a gay cross-dresser.
We see a shirtless man…with 6-pack abs…not that I’m complaining…

THEMES:

Love and romance
Truth
Betrayal
Jealousy
Hope
Friendship
Support

FUNNY LINES:

“He wasn’t into me, I guess.” – Rosaline (Kaitlyn Dever)
“You’re not supposed to talk about what you want.” – dad (Bradley Whitford)
“Hello.” – handsome new guy “Whatever.” – Rosaline (Kaitlyn Dever)
“I’m such a fool.” – Juliet (Isabela Merced) “Yeah, you kind of are.” – Rosaline