In 2012, just after finishing principal photography on Avengers Assemble, director Joss Whedon had 12 days off before starting the post-production of the film. Where most directors may go off somewhere on a break for some fun, Whedon decided to stay at home and hang out with friends. His way of relaxing was by making a film with them. This was the result, a modern look at Bill Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.

This story takes place in a swish modern home that acts as a backdrop for some romantic liaisons. First there is Hero (Jillian Morgese) and Claudio (Fran Kranz); they are very keen on each other, to the point where they decide to wed.

Other members of the family have all descended on the house, including Beatrice (Amy Acker) and Benedick (Alexis Denisof); this pair are constantly fighting and bickering, but those around them believe this friction masks an attraction to one another. So much so that their friends decide to do a bit of match-making by informing each of how much affection they have for the other. A simple plan that works remarkable well.

Meanwhile Don John (Sean Maher) takes umbrage at the union of Hero and Claudio and takes it upon himself to throw an almighty hammer in the works. It's his actions that lead to changing the course of true love into something far from smooth for all concerned.

Sally always finds it awkward when her roomies role-play their sexual fantasies in the kitchen.

Even if you're not a fan of Whedon's past work – particularly his cult TV shows including Buffy, Firefly and his current ratings hit Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, you have to admire his enthusiasm and work ethic. This film is actually shot in his family home, which his wife built, and the cast are friends he has made over the years from his various TV projects. The fact that he filmed this in only twelve days is remarkable in itself. Superhuman even.

It all certainly shows a passion for film-making and for the bard's play itself, but it does pose the question of whether it was necessary. After all, Kenneth Branagh, who knows a thing or two about Shakespeare plays, brought his version of this play to the screen in 1993. Although Whedon has set it in modern day – and does so beautifully in black and white which lends itself to the light and dark tones of the play perfectly – he's kept the original script intact.

What you get then are sharply-suited men, armed with mobile phones and iPods, discussing love and betrayal in Shakespeare's original prose. The result, although stunning to watch, is all too jarring. The modern environment just doesn't lend itself naturally to a modern-day setting. It worked superbly in Baz Luhrmann's 1996 Romeo + Juliet but here it feels slightly strained and insipid.

It will no doubt prove useful for anyone studying the play, and would certainly work well as part of the national curriculum, but doesn't feel quite as approachable as other versions.

Whedon continues to impress with his film-making skills but sadly, this time around, fails to fully impress on the entertainment front. Woe indeed.