FAQ: How Does the New Arthur Compare to the Original?
Not that anyone really asked for it, but, like it or not, you're getting a new Arthur movie this weekend. If you're a fan of the original film about an booze-loving millionaire, you may be at least curious how this new version stacks up to the original. Is Arthur still a mad, drunken fool? Is it a scene-for-scene remake? Since you may have some questions before you fork over your hard earned money, Movieline compares the two films so that you won't be lost between the moon and New York City.
[Spoilers follow]
Does the new Arthur Bach still enjoy alcohol?
Yes, he very much does.
Does excessive alcohol still turn Arthur into a rather loud but downright lovable scamp?
The loud part remains accurate.
Does Arthur drink as much as he does in the original film?
I think? Look, it's Russell Brand; sometimes it's hard to tell.
Do we first meet Arthur riding in his limousine in Central Park?
No, we first meet the new Arthur, dressed as Batman, on his way to a banquet riding in the Batmobile from Tim Burton's original Batman film.
Was there a scene in the original Arthur of the title character dressed as a superhero?
No. Then again, Dudley Moore was approximately 5'3" tall.
Is Arthur still forced to marry a woman named Susan, or else loose his inheritance?
Yes. In the original, this was meant to help Arthur finally grow up. In the new version, Arthur's actions become criminal (he winds up in jail after the first scene) and are more of an effort to preserve the stock price of his family's company, Bach Worldwide.
Does Susan (Jennifer Garner) love Arthur?
No. As opposed to the original, much more is made out of the fact that Susan one day wants to run Bach Worldwide.
Has there been demand for a new Arthur movie that I've somehow missed?
My only guess is that someone got the alcoholic playboy Arthur confused with the very popular children's cartoon about an aardvark.
Does Arthur still meet a tough-as-nails waitress from Queens named Linda (Liza Minnelli)?
Not quite. This time, Arthur meets a tough-as-The Snuggle Bear NYC-tour-guide-without-a-license named Naomi (Greta Gerwig) -- who, yes, lives in what looks like a very pleasant Queens neighborhood. She is described in the film as a "free spirit."
What does that mean?
She likes Looney Toons cartoons. Oh, and she wants to write a children's book (perhaps about an aardvark?).
How many Star Wars references are in the original Arthur?
Zero.
How many Star Wars references are in the new Arthur?
Two.
How many Back to the Future references are in the new Arthur?
One.
Does Susan's father (Stephen Elliott) still attempt to kill Arthur with a butter knife?
No, like a lot of things the new film, the ante is upped with Nick Nolte's use of a table saw on Arthur's tongue.
Is the new Arthur a horror movie?
Not in the way you're asking.
Is Christopher Cross's "Arthur's Theme" used in the new film?
A cover version of the song by Fitz & the Tantrums is used over the closing credits.
John Gielgud won an Oscar for playing the role of Hobson in the original film. Will Helen Mirren win an Oscar for her portrayal of Hobson?
No.
The original Arthur was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture...
Stop. No, it won't.
In how many scenes did Dudley Moore run around in a Speedo in the original Arthur?
Zero.
In how many scenes does Russell Brand run around in a Speedo in the new Arthur?
One.
How many degrees has Dudley Moore rolled over in his grave? Just 180 degrees or the full 360 degrees?
I'd say 180 degrees at this point. By Monday, he should be back to normal.
Check back with Movieline on Thursday for Stephanie Zacharek's full review of Arthur.
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Comments
No one can replace Dudley Moore...his character was lovable, charming and affable. This new Arthur is impertinent, grating, and vulgar. I suppose it is more appealing for the "new" generation. I miss Dudley Moore, he was the perfect Arthur...impish without being overbearing.. He created a character to root for, to care about and to laugh with not at. Russell Brand is an unappealing charlatan. An original movie that touching should be left untouched. God Bless Sir John Geilgood and Dudley Moore...I am glad they are both gone and don't have to sit through this foolishness. I hope Liza Manelli stays at home, it may break her heart!
While I see how some studio exec came up with the idea to redo Arthur with Russell Brand, it was a MILDLY inspiring idea executed extremely poorly.
I don't think many expected this to compare in quality to the original. But how does it compare with the 1988 sequel? Actually it'd be cool to have the original series come back. Arthur 3: Dead and Loving It!
When I first heard about the remake it was a bad idea nothing has changed my mind about that. Dudley Moore is spinning about this crap.
Minor detail, the Batmobile shown is the one from the Joel Schumacher masterpiece Batman & Robin. The original Batmobile from the Burton films is intelligent enough to recognize a big steaming pile of shit when it sees it, and politely turned down the cameo offer.