Tag: Musical

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Movie Review

Dear Evan Hansen (2021) Movie Review

Dear Evan Hansen – Movie Review

Discover the power of self-discovery and acceptance in Dear Evan Hansen, a Tony and Grammy Award-winning film adaptation.

ABC Film Challenge – High School/College Movies – D

Director: Stephen Chbosky (Wonder)

Writer: Steven Levenson (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Film adaptation of the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical about Evan Hansen, a high-school senior with social anxiety disorder, and his journey of self-discovery and acceptance after a classmate’s suicide.

Runtime: 2 Hours 17 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: the movie starts as we meet the socially awkward Evan Hansen (Pratt). He struggles to get through each day at high school, using letters to himself to focus his mind. However, most days he is alone at school, barely noticed, until a chance clash with fellow outsider Connor (Ryan) changes his life.

When Connor signs Evan’s cast, he doesn’t think much about it. However, a tragic event sees Connor kill himself and Evan becomes seen as his only friend. Connor’s parents turn to Evan for stories about his life, and Evan struggles to tell the truth, finding himself drawn into a world he never felt comfortable in.

Verdict on Dear Evan Hansen

Dear Evan Hansen is a musical drama following a socially awkward teen dealing with a change in his life. After one of his fellow students commits suicide, he finds himself becoming the centre of attention. While he struggles with the new spotlight, he does see the good it does for other people struggling with mental health problems.

This is a movie which shows how difficult growing up during a newer high school era. It shows how disconnected people have become through changes in technology, which leaves people incredibly alone in life. This touches on suicide and how it can be caused by loneliness and how it could be prevented with a connection. It is an important subject to discuss and helps prepare everyone to learn people are always going to be different in life.

Where to Watch

JustWatch

Final Thoughts – Dear Evan Hansen shows the struggles to understand life extremely well.

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Movie Review

Wicked For Good (2025) Movie Review

Wicked For Good – Movie Review

"Wicked For Good" concludes Elphaba's journey, showcasing strong performances and visuals, despite some uneven supporting roles and less engaging songs.

First Reaction – Wicked For Good is a well-made conclusion to the story.

Director: Jon M Chu

Writer: Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox (Screenplay)

Writer: Gregory Maguire (Novel)

Cast

Plot: Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. The second of a two-part feature film adaptation of the Broadway musical

Runtime: 2 Hours 18 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Wicked For Good starts when Oz has turned on Elphaba (Erivo). She continues to fight for the voiceless in hopes of exposing the Wizard (Goldblum). However, Madame Morrible (Yeoh) moves on with her plans to make Glinda (Grande) the new face of Oz.

Elphaba searches for more solutions and now she is left to make a difficult decision. However, her kinder nature is tested as Morrible searches for ways to bring her down.

Verdict on Wicked For Good

Recap

The movie follows the end of Elphaba’s journey to bring down the Wizard of Oz. However, he attempts to lead her down a dangerous path, where she must learn who to trust. Meanwhile, Glinda must understand the motivation for everyone involved.

Best Parts

A lot like the first movie, the set design, costumes and everything visually is beautiful. Elsewhere, the performances are fantastic from the lead two. It does feel like one people who enjoy the musical would love.

Worst Parts

Some of the supporting performances struggle with the singing side of the story. Elsewhere, some aspects of the story are not as engaging as they could be. Finally, the songs don’t feel as catchy as the original Wizard of Oz.

Final Thoughts –Wicked For Good is a solid conclusion to the saga.

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Movie Review

Emilia Perez (2024) Movie Review

Emilia Perez – Movie Review

Get mesmerized by Emilia Perez, a captivating movie about a lawyer's unexpected offer that takes a thrilling turn in Mexico.

First Reaction – Emilia Perez brings an important subject matter to light, even if it is about a questionable person.

Where to Watch

Emilia Perez is available to watch on Netflix now.

Director: Jacques Audiard

Writer: Jacques Audiard (Screenplay)

Writer: Boris Razon (Novel)

Cast

Plot: In Mexico, a lawyer receives an unexpected offer to help a feared cartel boss retire from his business and disappear forever by becoming the woman he’s always dreamed of being.

Runtime: 2 Hours 12 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Emilia Perez starts when lawyer Rita Moro Castro (Saldana) receives an unexpected call from a cartel boss Manitas Del Monte (Gascon). He wants to retire from the business, disappear and become a woman. Rita must research the procedures and find the best option for Manitas to have it done without the world seeing it.

Four years later, the two meet again, Emilia has finished her transition and started a fresh life. Meanwhile, Rita has her own life, but Emilia needs another favour, to bring her family to her. However, they never knew about her decision.

Verdict on Emilia Perez

Recap

The movie follows a lawyer who gets an offer to help a cartel member go into hiding by transiting to a woman. However, years later, she wants to be reunited with her family and she must help her reconnect and reveal her secret to them.

Best Parts

On the positive, we get the support given to somebody who wants to go through a sex change. It shows what everyone involved must go through and unlike most, we see the long-term effects of doing it in secret. The sense of feeling like an outsider while getting reunited with your family is the highlight of the film. It shows the emotional impact and the known fact that the secret is important.

Worst Parts

When we dive into the negative side, the big one must be why the cartel boss gets the support they do. They go into hiding and the sex change is their disguise, but not enough is made of their previous actions even if they do try to start making amends for things.

Performances

In the performances, we get strong performances from the whole cast. Karla Sofia Gascon is fantastic and seeing Zoe Saldana in a less flashy role shows more depth than the blockbuster she is most known for. Selena Gomez gives a career best too, with the supporting cast being great to watch too.

Final Thoughts –Emilia Perez is an entertaining story, with an important subject matter.

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Movie Review

A Nashville Wish (2024) Movie Review

A Nashville Wish: A Movie Review for Dreamers

A Nashville Wish: A Movie Review for Dreamers

Director: Demetrius Navarro

Writer: Ty DeMartino (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A country singer falls for the girl of his dreams and has to choose between love and his dreams of stardom in Nashville.

Runtime: 1 Hour 39 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: A Nashville Wish starts when a Virginian boy Tucker (Camp) dreams of going to Nashville to become the next big country music star. He has shared that dream with his best friend Chewie and as high school starts ending, it looks like their dream could come true. However, Tucker starts dating Lisa (Bullard) his dreams start wishing they could be together.

Tucker and Lisa find their star-crossed lover experience challenged by Lisa’s parents. While both have dreams, they don’t know where to take the next step in life.

Verdict on A Nashville Wish

A Nashville Wish is a musical romance following an aspiring country singer caught between following his dreams and his high school sweetheart. In a world where not, everyone approves of their relationship, young lovers must figure out what they want from their futures.

This is an enjoyable country music love story. It shows how difficult chasing a dream can be and how people you love might not always be around to help you. The movie breaks out into musical numbers which add plenty to the situation our characters are going through. If we talk just about the music, we have a host of lovely songs pouring in emotions. If you are into country music, this is a real treat to watch.

Where to Watch

2/2/24 theatrical – 2/27/24 VOD

Final Thoughts – A Nashville Wish is a musical treat in the country music world.

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Movie Review

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (2022) Movie Review

Matilda the Musical – ABC Film Challenge – Catch-Up 2023 – M – Matilda the Musical – Movie Review

Matilda the Musical – ABC Film Challenge – Catch-Up 2023 – M – Matilda the Musical - Movie Review

Director: Matthew Warchus

Writer: Dennis Kelly, Tim Minchin (Screenplay)

Writer: Roald Dahl (Book)

Cast

Plot: An adaptation of the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical. Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.

Runtime: 1 Hour 57 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Matilda starts when Matilda (Weir) has her imagination run wild. However, her parents Mr Wormwood (Graham) and Mrs Wormwood (Riseborough) don’t like her dreams. They reluctantly send her to a strict school run by the ruthless Agatha Trunchbull (Thompson).

Once Matilda starts school, she starts helping her fellow students, with Miss Honey (Lynch) seeing her potential. However, her life is a lot more difficult than others imagined as she is trying so hard to escape the abusive conditions, she is living in.

Verdict on Matilda the Musical

Matilda the Musical is another version of the Roald Dahl book following the adventures of a genius young girl. It follows her as she takes on the biggest bully of all, the headmistress of the school. We see how her family abuse her and her ability to tell a story helps her escape this life.

The singing, all dancing side of this movie does entertain. However, it does take away from the much darker tone the story puts into play. It is strange to see what feels more like a jolly little movie, instead of one about escaping the horrors of her life. This doesn’t mean the performances are bad, everyone is very good, it is more about the musical side lacking the magical feeling the 1996 movie offered.

Final Thoughts –Matilda the Musical lack the magic and horror the story presents.

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Movie Review

The Ghastly Love of Johnny X (2012) Movie Review

The Ghastly Love of Johnny X – Movie Review

Ghastly Love of Johnny X

Director: Paul Bunnell

Writer: Steve Bingen, Paul Bunnell, Mark D Murphy (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Will Keenan
  • Creed Bratton
  • De Anna Joy Brooks
  • Reggie Bannister
  • Les Williams

Plot: THE GHASTLY LOVE OF JOHNNY X is a quirky adventure that defies categorization. It combines elements of science-fiction, film noir, teen angst and even musical comedy to create an entertainment unlike any other.

Runtime: 1 Hour 46 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: The Ghastly Love of Johnny X starts when Johnny X (Keenan) is set to Earth from his own planet. Order to remain there until he completes a selfless act. He didn’t follow that order and continued his rebellious ways. Meanwhile on Earth, Bliss (Brooks) is on the run from Johnny who had been controlling her.

Bliss joins forces with Chip (Williams), as she looks to escape the control, he has over her. This sees Chip learn about the bigger picture on Earth and the battle between the two sides go into battle.

Verdict on The Ghastly Love of Johnny X

The Ghastly Love of Johnny X is a fantasy musical that steps outside the box with how everything is brought together. It follows one being as he is sent to Earth to learn a lesson. This brings all the retro vibes of classic America.

The dive into the sci-fi side of the film works very well, the whole Resurrection Suit concept feels original and looks great. It is nice to see an original idea, having an original look that never feels like we have seen it before.

There are some fun musical moments, with great dance routines. The performances in the film help spark the movie along, bringing the entertainment factor needed.

Where to Watch: The Ghastly Love of Johnny X is available now on Tubi.

Final Thoughts –The Ghastly Love of Johnny X is a wildly original and unique movie.

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Movie Review

The Tubular Bells 50th Anniversary Tour (2022) Movie Review

The Tubular Bells 50th Anniversary Tour – Movie Review

Tubular Bells

Director: Matt Hargreaves

Plot: Tubular Bells, one of the iconic musical works of the 20th century, and the highest-selling instrumental album of all time is approaching its 50th anniversary. To mark this, an epic new stage production has been commissioned that re-invents the album with an incredible cinematic score, live musicians and performers.

Runtime: 1 Hour 26 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on The Tubular Bells 50th Anniversary Tour

The Tubular Bells 50th Anniversary Tour is a live concert experience. As the famous orchestrator brings together their biggest musical works for a spectacle performance. This includes the iconic tubular bells, which made them stand out from the rest for decades.

The most famous musical work is performed with ‘The Exorcist’ theme. Getting a standing ovation upon the first chimes. We have seen other famous live performances from famous composers throughout the years, with this being one that will appeal to that audience.

The music and dance performances compliment what we are hearing and seeing, making this a beautiful hour-and-a-half performance to experience.

Tubular Bells will be in UK Cinemas for one night only on 22nd September

Final Thoughts –The Tubular Bells 50th Anniversary Tour is a beautiful performance to experience.

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Movie Review

Tomorrow Morning (2022) Movie Review

Tomorrow Morning – Movie Review

Tomorrow morning

Director: Nick Winston

Writer: Laurence Mark Wythe (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Tomorrow Morning is the story of one couple seen in two separate timelines, a decade apart. This is a story of life, love, misunderstanding and hope… a universal and timeless tale.

Runtime: 1 Hour 45 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Tomorrow Morning starts as we follow artist Catherine (Barks) in the two big moments of her life. Preparing for her wedding and going through a painful divorce. Will (Karimloo) is on the other side of this story, seeing his career tested with the divorce.

The pair get to reflect on their time together and what went wrong in their relationship. This explores the good and bad times they had together, as they both look to accept this is going to be the end.

Verdict on Tomorrow Morning

Characters

Catherine is an artist, she is going through the final settlement of a divorce. This final day sees her reflect on the times she has with her husband and remember the ups and downs they had along the way. She has the support around her to make sure she can move on with her life.

Will is an advertising man, he is on the other side of the final settlement. He uses the final day to look back too, see how much changed in his life too.

Apart from the pair looking back on their relationship, this is all we learn about the two characters. They are easy to relate to because nearly everyone has been through the ups and downs of relationships.

In the supporting characters, we have the best friends, family and the youngest victim in the middle of the divorce, their son. The support is there ready for them and Zack their son doesn’t completely understand everything that is changing.

Performances

Samantha Barks is always a star on the singing side of things, this is no different. When it comes to the pure acting side of the film, she is great too, even if we are just waiting for her to break into song. Ramin Karimloo shines too opposite Barks. He shows us the differences in his character over the two time periods we are following.

The supporting cast brings the laughs needed in the bigger moments, showing the friendship and support they bring the characters in the film.

Story

The story follows a couple that is looking at the biggest day and their final day as a married couple. This story gets to show how both characters have different memories of their relationship.

The story works well at showing how life can bring people ups and downs. It proves that despite the best moments, the memories will remain good, even if things don’t work out well. The split between the story of the movie can be a little harder to follow on Catherine’s side of things because Will is easy to tell apart because of his clean-shaven to full beard character.

Themes

Tomorrow Morning is a musical romantic comedy based on a theatre production of the same name. it does use the music to reflect the feelings that the characters are going through during the journey. The laughs come from the supporting characters, which are always there, usually putting things in perspective for the leading characters. With the romance side of the movie, focuses heavily on the idea that tomorrow morning, things will be different. Either being married or being divorced.

Where to Watch: Tomorrow Morning will be available on DVD & Digital Download from 17th October.

Final Thoughts – Tomorrow Morning is a feel-good journey about the start and end of love.

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Movie Review

Cyrano (2021) Movie Review ‘Simply Amazing’

Cyrano – Simply Amazing

 

Director: Joe Wright

Writer: Erica Schmidt (Screenplay) Edmond Rostand (Play)

Starring: Peter Dinklage, Haley Bennett, Kelvin Harrison Jr, Ben Mendelsohn, Monica Dolan, Bashir Salahuddin

Plot: Too self-conscious to woo Roxanne himself, wordsmith Cyrano de Bergerac helps young Christian nab her heart through love letters.


Tagline – Have you ever loved someone?

Runtime: 2 Hours 3 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Cyrano starts as the renowned poet Cyrano (Dinklage) finds himself being the talk of the town with his actions and words, until his one weakness, his love for Roxanne (Bennett) leaves him unable to speak the words he wishes to her.

When Cyrano learns that Roxanne has fallen in love with one of the soldiers in his regiment Christian (Harrison Jr), he will reluctantly help him win her heart, no matter how much pain it will bring him, it is anything to make sure she is happy.

Thoughts on Cyrano

Characters & Performances – Cyrano is a poet and soldier who will always make his impact in the city, he will challenge anyone who insults him, having heard everyone under the sun. Cyrano has one weakness, his love for Roxanne, the one person in his life that can change him, see him lost for words, being the motivation for his poetry. He helps a young guard win Roxanne’s heart, however much it pains him, he knows it would be best for her, rather than dealing with any judgement because of his differences. Roxanne is the woman who has been stuck in a society that expects her to be married soon, she is saying no to all suiters coming her way, until she meets Christian, love at first sight, with his words winning her heart on a level she would only accept in her life, not knowing Cyrano is the man behind the words. Christian is the young guard joining the regiment that Cyrano is part of, needed to be accept by him, because of his love for Roxanne, protect, guided and left to win the heart of the woman they both love. The performances from Peter Dinklage, Haley Bennett and Kelvin Harrison Jr are fantastic, bringing to life the characters we want to spend more time with.

Story – The story here follows a poetry and soldier that is looked down upon in society for his actions and image, that will help a young soldier win the heart of the woman he secretly loves, using his words to win her heart, despite wanting her himself. This is a wonderful story about love and doing anything to make the person you love feel happy, even if it means you don’t end up happy yourself. It will have the message of showing how much people are willing to risk for love, while not risking everything will leave people in a position of being unsure of anything. There is also a message about people not being accepted as equal, showing how judgment will cause even more pain in life, no matter how easily people might shake it off.

Themes – Cyrano is a romantic musical playing into the ideas that certain standards would have been expected in a world where not everyone is treated equally and love isn’t the most important part of a partnership. The set designs and costumes are brilliant here, taking us into the world, letting us experience the journey going on. The music is an extra star, being filled with songs that will get stuck in your head for days to come.

Final Thoughts – Cyrano is an amazing movie filled with brilliant musical numbers and performances.