The Tempest *****

2010 PG-13
After years stranded on a deserted island, exiled duchess and sorceress Prospera (Helen Mirren) exacts vengeance on her enemies, whose passing vessel she has shipwrecked. What she doesn't know is that the ship also carries a potential suitor to her daughter (Felicity Jones). Writer-director Julie Taymor's bold adaptation of Shakespeare's classic play also stars Russell Brand, Djimon Hounsou, Alfred Molina and Chris Cooper.

Cast:Helen Mirren, Felicity Jones, Reeve Carney, Alfred Molina, Russell Brand, Djimon Hounsou, Chris Cooper, Alan Cumming, Tom Conti, David Strathairn, Ben Whishaw Director:Julie Taymor Genres: Dramas, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy This movie is: Mind-bending

I loved this version of The Tempest with Helen Mirren as Prospera. Prospera as a female lends an interesting dynamic with Miranda. And what a cast! Djimon Hounsou as Caliban is wonderful. Davis Strathairn, yum. Chris Cooper doing Shakespeare? Yes, and a darned good job. Caliban's makeup is amazing and convincing. The special effects are beautiful and effective. Julie Taymor never fails to come through with exciting and innovative films. The exteriors were shot in Hawaii in some spectacular locations. This is a rich and meaty film to watch many times over.