Shakespeare's classic comedy is given a contemporary spin in Joss Whedon's film, Much Ado About Nothing. Shot in just 12 days (and using the original text), the story of sparring lovers Beatrice and Benedick offers a dark, sexy and occasionally absurd view of the intricate game that is love.

Leonato (Clark Gregg), the governor of Messina, is visited by his friend Don Pedro (Reed Diamond) who is returning from a victorious campaign against his rebellious brother Don John (Sean Maher). Accompanying Don Pedro are two of his officers: Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and Claudio (Fran Kranz). While in Messina, Claudio falls for Leonato's daughter Hero (Jillian Morgese), while Benedick verbally spars with Beatrice (Amy Acker), the governor's niece. The budding love between Claudio and Hero prompts Don Pedro to arrange with Leonato for a marriage.

In the days leading up to the ceremony, Don Pedro, with the help of Leonato, Claudio and Hero, attempts to sport with Benedick and Beatrice in an effort to trick the two into falling in love. Meanwhile, the villainous Don John, with the help of his allies: Conrade (Riki Lindhome) and Borachio (Spencer Treat Clark), plots against the happy couple, using his own form of trickery to try to destroy the marriage before it begins.
A series of comic and tragic events continue to keep the two couples from truly finding happiness, but then again perhaps love may prevail.

“Critics' Pick! Perhaps the liveliest and most purely delightful movie I have seen so far this year.” —A.O. Scott, New York Times

“I’d be pressed to imagine a more sure-footed Much Ado. When Shakespeare’s done right, you can’t ­imagine him ever being done wrong. The clarity is blinding.” —David Edelstein, New York Magazine

“An irresistible blend of mirth and malice” —Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

“A minor miracle…screamingly hilarious…Don’t miss it.” —Lou Lumenick, New York Post

“An absolute delight, as merry as the day is long” —Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News

“Daring and delightfully daffy” —Chris Nashawaty, Entertainment Weekly