New to DVD: All's Faire in Love (Review)

• Title: All's Faire in Love
• Date Release: February 7, 2012
• Platform: DVD
• Genre: Drama, Fantasy
• Director: Scott Marshall
• IMDB Link: IMDB Information
• Movie Website: All's Faire in Love Website

Summary:

Set in the world of Renaissance Faires - unique societies of actors, singers, glass-blowers, ale merchants, sword-smiths, and other crafts people dedicated to preserving the living memory of the golden age of the European Renaissance - All's Faire in Love...is a film reminiscent of such successful films as Shakespeare In Love and The Princess Bride. The tale begins when college football star Will (Owen Benjamin) arrives at "All's Faire in Love... Renaissance Faire" to work off his class non-attendance obligation to Prof. Shockworthy (Cedric the Entertainer) by joining the rag-tag peasant Greenbriar Theater Troupe.

The same is true for Kate (Christina Ricci), a performer who left her investment banking opportunities to join her cousin Jo (Louise Griffiths) to blossom on stage and in Will's heart. Will and Kate get the chance to prove themselves when the Faire's chief benefactress create the ultimate competition to determine who will be a "Royal" and who a "Common Peasant" threatening to hand over the Troupe's most coveted Shakespearean stage at the Faire - to a the treacherous and devious Troupe of Royal lead by Rank (Chris Wylde). Will and Kate must overcome all manner of opposition and treachery to prove their worth, win the day, and perhaps... together ...fall in love.

My Thoughts:

I have always been a fan of Christina Ricci's, from her days in Casper to starring in the remake of the Addams Family.  Many people see her as a "dark" actor, but with this new film, they will see the fun and playful side of Ms. Ricci.

Each year my family attends the local Renaissance Fairs, and we can't get over how the actors get into character and stay in character. This film is set around that premise -- with Christina Ricci walking out of a job interview to pursue her dream of being an actor/performer.  Her co-star, played by Owen Benjamin, arrives at the faire, in order to work off school requirements.  Together, they work together to win the coveted title of top Renaissance troupe.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get into this movie.  It seemed to drag on and was as funny as one would suspect, when you get a bunch of Renaissance actors together.  And, even though in real life Ricci and Benjamin were briefly engaged after meeting on set, they lacked chemistry on screen.  At times, they looked uncomfortable working side by side, which also made the viewer lose interest in the film.  Again, I was hoping to like this movie, as I am a fan of Christina Ricci, but ended up shutting this film off before it was over.

Did you see this movie?  If so, what did you think of it?  Was it moving at a snail's pace for you, too?  Could you get into it?  What did you think of Ricci and Benjamin's chemistry? Were they believable as a couple?  I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.  Maybe I missed something, or who knows, maybe watching it for a second time will change my mind.  We'll have to see...

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this DVD from the vendor, in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.