Richard III

There is no need for me to say much on this one. The classic play about power and madness is updated to a mythical 1930's England with the magnificent Ian McKellen portraying the said power hungry madman of the title. Echoing the Nazi regime of the period, this all-star presentation is one of the few times I feel shifting Shakespeare's time frames actually works. McKellen who also doctored the play for the screen is once again stunning to watch, this is no surprise whatsoever, you could put him in a SIMPSON's cartoon (wait...has he done one already???) and I'll be in awe.....what is amazing is Annette Bening as Queen Elizabeth....not sure why but seeing her in such a role wasa shock for me. Pay special attention to the end, Ian is at his wry finest there!