Is National Theatre Live: The Magistrate Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2013)

📖 The Core Premise

National Theatre Live: The Magistrate stands as a 2013 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Comedy landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Academy Award nominee and Tony Award-winner John Lithgow (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Shrek, 3rd Rock from the Sun) takes the title role in Arthur Wing Pinero’s uproarious Victorian farce, directed by Olivier Award-winner Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You and Into the Woods, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London). In a similar vein to the National Theatre’s smash-hit classic comedies, She Stoops to Conquer and London Assurance, The Magistrate is sure to have audiences doubled up with laughter. When amiable magistrate Posket (John Lithgow) marries Agatha (Olivier Award-winner Nancy Carroll, After the Dance), little does he realise she’s dropped five years from her age – and her son’s. When her deception looks set to be revealed, it sparks a series of hilarious indignities and outrageous mishaps."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, John Lithgow's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is National Theatre Live: The Magistrate worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, National Theatre Live: The Magistrate is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 152 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.