Romeo and Juliet

The latest big-screen incarnation of Romeo and Juliet is hardly what William Shakespeare intended. It’s hardly even what he wrote.

As adapted by Oscar-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes (TV’s “Downton Abbey”), the film waters down the text of the original play, most likely in an ill-conceived attempt to make the timeless romantic tragedy accessible for contemporary teenagers.

In other words, it seems more concerned with eye candy for the Twilight crowd than in seriously introducing a new generation to the source material.

The classic story, of course, follows star-crossed teenage lovers Romeo (Douglas Booth) and Juliet (Hailee Steinfeld) from the feuding Montague and Capulet families, respectively, in 16th century Italy. Their courtship is forbidden and carried on mostly in secret, with the exception of close confidants on each side. In particular, Juliet’s father has arranged for her to marry the count Paris (Tom Wisdom), which leads to tragic consequences.

There are some attempts at reverence on the surface. The teenage actors are the correct age for the characters, which is rare in most stage and screen adaptations. Plus, the handsomely mounted period sets and lavish costumes are visually striking.

However, the film otherwise fails to distinguish itself favorably amid numerous attempts to film the same material. The script emphasizes melodrama at the expense of genuine passion, especially during some overwrought kisses set to a score filled with overbearing piano swells.

Some sequences are powerfully staged by Italian director Carlo Carlei (The Flight of the Innocent), such as the famous balcony scene, which feels both grand and intimate.

Steinfeld (True Grit) delivers a nicely expressive and understated portrayal of Juliet, standing out among a collection of uneven performances. Some of the young actors seem to struggle with the verse, while others are too theatrical for the screen. The chemistry between the two leads, which is critical to any version of this story, is lukewarm at best.

The supporting cast features some capable talent, including Paul Giamatti in the pivotal role of Friar Laurence, along with Lesley Manville as the Capulet family nurse, and Damian Lewis as the headstrong Lord Capulet.

For those students interested in cheating on a book report, this Romeo and Juliet hits the highlights but only mildly captures the spirit of Shakespeare’s original.

Rated PG-13, 118 minutes.