TheatreManiac7 Reviews

Gypsy (1962)

The material is perfect-why didn't Hollywood trust it, then?

[5/10 · 3 March 2007]

The redeeming qualities of this movie are its score (which Russell does no justice to AT ALL), Karl Malden who gives a fully developed performance as Herbie, and Natalie Wood-the definitive Louise. Natalie Wood's "The Strip" is a HUGE highlight as you watch Louise transform from a somewhat awkward girl into a beautiful, sophisticated woman who has turned what is considered a cheap way to make a living into an art. The show "Gypsy" is a masterpiece. It has the perfect libretto and a masterful score. This movie doesn't take advantage of that. It adds far too many scenes, softens the monstrous character of Rose (some blame of this goes to the completely miscast Russell), and so many moments that are supposed to be dynamic are very lackluster. Examples of this are both "Everything's Coming up Roses", the Act 1 closer that is supposed tohave the force of an army, but here has the force of a synchronized swimming team, and "Rose's Turn": the ultimate 11 0'clock number breakdown of the main character that only really limps along.

Only when the movie uses the exact material of the show, completely in tact, does it shine. Two scene highlights are Louise's birthday in a motel and the elderly strippers giving Louise helpful career advice (Luckily "Gotta Get a Gimmick", one of the most brilliant songs in Gypsy and in musical theatre in general, isn't ruined. It is the only other musical number highlight in the movie.) For any movie buff, and musical buff, I recommend they see this movie to see what a bad adaptation is. They should read the original stage script, listen to the score as sung by either Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury or Bernadette Peters (Tyne Daly, though a brilliant Rose, was the least vocally experienced of the bunch) and know what a perfect piece the original stage version of Gypsy is. And how stupid it was of Hollywood to not trust it enough.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

Pirate's of the Caribbean 2: Dead

[2/10 · 14 January 2007]

Special effects can only go so far in a movie. Watching a plot less 9 hour movie (okay, so it's really just under 3, but the movie feels like it goes on until the end of time) isn't exactly a fulfilling experience no matter how good the special effects are. Johnny Depp does a commendable job and Keira Knightley as as beautiful as ever, but Orlando Bloom is as stiff as ever and no "plot" point makes sense. Not to mention, did we really need to have a 30 min sword fight between Depp, Bloom, and whatever his name was? Ghastly that this movie is the highest grossing of the year. Then again, given what America craves these days (and it's not exactly quality) I can't say that I'm not surprised. It's beautiful to watch at times, but come on, I felt like my I.Q. was dropping by the point during this movie. Do yourselves a fabor, rent the first one, which actually HAS a plot to follow, and don't ask yourselves what happens next. Because after this movie, I'll tell you what happens next: Nothing!

Dreamgirls (2006)

Fast-Paced Film, Incredible Score, Truthful Performances, Sumptuos Physical Design-What More Do You Want?

[10/10 · 21 November 2006]

I went to a trade screening of "Dreamgirls" a few days ago and from the first seconds of the film, you can tell that you're in for the time of your life. To put it shortly, Bill Condon (director-writer) delivers the goods with this film. It's most definitely the first of its kind. It moves at a rapturous pace that leaves you breathless and delivers performances that are both subtle and fittingly over the top.

The movie explains plot holes from the Broadway musical and adds many historical occurrences (Martin Luther King Jr., etc.) that gives the film a much more social awareness. Most of the sung dialogue from the musical is replaced with spoken with the exception of a few scenes. The music itself has always been wonderful, and this able cast performs it spectacularly.

The performances are something else. Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Murhpy, and Anika Noni Rose will blow you away. Murphy's vocals, though not as strong as his leading ladies, suit his character perfectly and shows a vulnerable side to him towards the end that we never knew he had. Rose makes the transition from a giggly little girl into a full-blossomed woman seamlessly, and Hudson-well, let's just say that any major hype you've heard about her does not do her performance justice. Beyonce Knowles will catch you off guard with her beautifully subtle performance, brilliantly channeling Diana Ross with her musical performances. Jaime Foxx, Keith Robinson, Danny Glover, and Sharon Leal also hand in admirable performances.

I could not recommend this film more. It gives hope AGAIN to the movie musical that "Chicago" revived and "The Phantom of the Opera", "Rent", and "The Producers" almost killed. I can't say whether this film will be the next "Chicago" (I do foresee MANY Oscar noms, including Best Pic and others), I certainly hope it will be. I dream it will be bigger. It is definitely not the next "The Producers". I can say this though: It is the first, and only, "Dreamgirls" that we will ever encounter.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Exceeds the Book on so many levels

[9/10 · 9 October 2006]

I don't even know if you could call the original source a novel. It was pretty much the author venting about her days at Vogue and thinly disguising it. There was no character development, it was way too long, and Miranda Priestley was just a cardboard cut-out of evil.

The movie is a totally different animal. And that is a good thing. It brings perspective to other characters in the novel, Nigel (Stanley Tucci), Emily (forgot the name of the actress) and especially Miranda (the one, the only, MERYL STREEP). The screenplay cuts out many plot lines from the book and mainly focuses on Andy's relationship with Miranda and the fashion world with occasional glimpses to life she's slowly leaving behind.

Anne Hathaway makes the most of a rather thankless character who we just as use as a guide into the fabulous world of "Runway" rather than look at her as a real person. Which, believe it or not, is a step up from the book which portrays Andy as a complaining brat. The supporting cast is spectacular, the movie is beautifully shot, the clothes and jewelery are incredible, and the soundtrack is great. There are many fantastic one-liners that you won't get in the over 300 page book.

The montages and wardrobe are worth the price of admission alone. Do yourself a favor and just watch the movie instead of reading the book. It is MUCH more rewarding.