Childish 'Arthur' takes Brand to new level

Unlike some of my peers, I have always been a fan of Russell Brand and his work. I think he is a wonderfully over-the-top comedian and actor. So, as you can imagine, from the moment I saw the hilarious trailer for the new remake "Arthur," starring Brand as an eccentric millionaire with an affinity for all things childish, I screamed and giggled like a little girl. I was, however, concerned that, since the trailer was so funny, the movie itself might not compare. But now, I am pleased to announce this was not the case at all.

The main premise of "Arthur" is that, in an attempt to reign in the behavior of her son Arthur, Vivienne Bach decides to give him an ultimatum: either he marries the authoritative and power-seeking Susan Johnson (Jennifer Garner) or he will be cut off from his inheritance.

This may seem a bit dubious or drastic, but, even from the first two minutes, it's understandable why Vivienne would want to tame her rowdy progeny. It's certainly not a mystery how dressing up as Schumacher-era Batman – complete with rubber nipples – and leading police on a Bat Mobile car chase could shake investor confidence in Bach Worldwide.

After he is strong-armed into agreeing to enter into a loveless marriage with Susan, Arthur randomly meets a strange, quirky New Yorker named Naomi (played by the relatively unknown Greta Gerwig) and immediately falls head over heels in love with her. This "love" triangle is where the central conflict of "Arthur" arises.

I fell in love with "Arthur" from the very beginning for one, simple reason: Brand shows me exactly what I would be like if I were that rich; buying movie cars and other memorabilia by day, and partying it up by night. Also, being the romantic that I am, it makes me think that, if money were no object, I would plan crazy, outrageous dates much like the one that Arthur plans for his first date with Naomi.

While I would have still enjoyed this film if it had just revolved around the main triangle plot and the players involved, I did enjoy the performances of some of the supporting cast. I really liked the interaction between Arthur and his nanny, Hobson (played by fellow Brit Helen Mirren). It was interesting to watch Mirren be so versatile in her acting and be able to so easily wrap up the personalities of loving mother, stern nanny and loving friend, and combine them into the character of Hobson.

As I said, I would have still probably enjoyed "Arthur" without the supporting cast, but Mirren's presence in the film was not only excellent, but it also facilitated Brand bringing something to the film that I don't believe I've ever seen from him before. When Hobson falls ill late into the movie, it affords Brand an opportunity to show off some nice, dramatic acting chops.

There is so much more I want to say about this movie – like how I am now in love with Greta Gerwig, how Nick Nolte plays his token crazy old man role as Jennifer Garner's father, and how funny it was to see Evander Holyfield shake in his boots when Helen Mirren threatens to bite his other ear off – but there is just not enough ink on the planet. What I will say is, if you are a romantic, child-at-heart type of person, then go see "Arthur."