1998, 2 hrs 2 min., Rated R for sexuality and nudity. Dir: John Madden. Cast: Gwyneth Paltrow (Viola), Joseph Feinnes (William Shakespeare), Judi Dench (Queen Elizabeth), Ben Affleck (Ned), Colin Firth (Lord Wessex), Rupert Everett (Christopher Marlowe).

Someday I dream of a world where smaller budget films get to be shown in the larger movie cinemas. Me, my brother Scott and sister-in-law Jenn, and sister Stacy and future brother-in-law Joe traveled the extra minutes to see Shakespeare In Love at the Ridgeway Four on Christmas night. But the cinema is so uncomfortable! The seats are too tight even for my plump rear, the screen is tiny and the sound is sub-par.

Of course, I probably shouldn't complain because we saw the movie for free. Jody Koster, a friend of mine and Jenn's from high school who graduated with us in '93, works there, and allowed us to enjoy the spoils of comraderie. Very cool.

Shakespeare In Love is not supposed to be true to life, so don't think it's a historical work. But name me a person who knows anything about Shakespeare's life. The film's a comedy, with some solid drama intertwined. And the comedy works, providing several belly laughs, especially when we see how Shakespeare's life affects his work, namely "Romeo and Juliet."

The film also gives a good lesson in the theater business during the Elizabethan Era, specifically the Rose Theatre where Shakespeare showcased his trade. The behind-the-scenes business workings, play rehearsals and the people add to the enjoyment of exploring Shakespeare's life. As Paltrow portrays a man, I thought of how the 16th Century audiences had to adjust to a boy playing the lead woman and how awkward that must have been many times. I also thought of what it would be like to be at the premiere of such classic plays, especially "Romeo and Juliet".

Gwyneth Paltrow is a gem of an actress. The bubbliness of her personality carries onto the silver screen, and she dares you to dislike her. And it doesn't count if you're a woman and you dislike her because she's beautiful and a sweet person.

Joseph Feinnes was believable as Will Shakespeare, who at the beginning is experiencing writer's block. He needs a muse, no longer satisfied by the easy women throughout London. Thank the lord that he didn't pursue "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter". I think we can all agree that "Romeo and Juliet" is one of the best, if not the best, love story of all time.

Feinnes and Paltrow also give us a moving performance of the play, and would most likely excel draw a sizeable audience in a major show. And the action, swordplay and dialogue prove that "Romeo and Juliet" needs to always be read to our nation's youth.

Judi Dench may be typecast as a Queen, but who cares? She's perfect for it! Who else could play the older, wiser Queen Elizabeth, a woman of unparalleled knowledge of people as a whole. And in Shakespear in Love she delivers and comes across regal and sympathetic, demanding respect while giving it back.

Ben Affleck proved he has a promising future in major and independent films, being better than I thought going in. He was a commanding presence in a minor role, strong and sincere. Kudos to Ben, and here's hoping in five years he's no longer referred to, even jokingly, as "Matt Damon and his friend."

My favorite line, or the one I got the most substance from, says that life like in theater the show will work out for the best. How? Well, it's a mystery. But it does. I like to believe that.

Shakespeare in Love is a good period piece, with lush costumes and actors with rich chemistry. Don't expect to be able to understand every phrase, but also don't be afraid to expand your horizons with a little of the queen's Old English.

However, I did not like the very end, where the allusions to "The Twelfth Night" begin. This, naturally, is because I know nothing of the play, and was left out. It's easy to use "Romeo and Juliet" as a standard, because everyone knows the story. But that can not be said of "The Twelfth Night" so I know that I wasn't alone in being lost.