The Greatest Showman

Release Date: Dec 20, 2017 
Runtime: 1 hr. 45 min. 
Director: Michael Gracey
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson.

I should probably preface this review with the fact that I'm a sucker for musicals. It's subjective and not everyone's cup of tea but throw in a good soundtrack and I'm usually intrigued. Loosely based on the life of P.T. Barnum, "The Greatest Showman" is a dreamer's story of rags to riches. Hugh Jackman stars as the man himself, bringing all of the charm and star power that we've come to love about him. After seeing his talents at the Oscars and in "Les Mis," it's great to see him flex his vocal chords with some original songs. Touted as featuring the lyricists of "La La Land," it's hard not to make any comparisons in this new age of modern musicals. While "Showman" does have its array of catchy numbers, they come off as sounding more generic and 'pop' than being original. The so-called show-stoppers are good examples of this, but that's not to say they aren't enjoyable in the least. The ballads offer up memorable moments, with "Rewrite the Stars," featuring Zendaya and Zac Efron, being a personal favorite. Where songs meets spectacles is when the film really soars – getting us lost in the wonder and magic of being at the circus. It's this escapism that I've come to love about musicals and "Greatest Showman" does not disappoint. The choreography and cinematography are absolutely gorgeous, whereas the whole cast looks to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. In lieu of this, the story falls into the ways of being conventional, ignoring the darker and less favorable aspects of Barnum's life. But honestly, that shouldn't be the take away of the film, as its main message stretches far deeper than that. At the heart of it all, "The Greatest Showman" revels in celebrating individuality and diversity. After all, given the current circumstances, what's more culturally relevant than that?

Rating: 4 stars

La La Land

Release Date: Dec 09, 2016
Runtime: 2 hr. 7 min.
Director: Damien Chazelle
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend, Rosemarie DeWitt, J.K. Simmons.

Rarely has a film been so spellbinding, nostalgic and wondrously inspiriting than "La La Land," a melodic masterpiece destined for the stars. Written and directed by Damien Chazelle and composed by Justin Hurwitz, the duo delivers another knockout production of musical achievement. Whether you enjoy musicals or not, it's hard not to appreciate the gravitational pull of each magical number. Set against iconic landmarks of dreamy Los Angeles, the story of Sebastian and Mia unfolds in conducted succession. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are the defining embodiment of old Hollywood, perfectly paired and evocative of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Where Gosling lacks in vocal strength, he makes up for in charm, while Stone is a bona-fide performer. Together they tackle the pitfalls of love, dreams and everything in between –  a cliched story of sorts if not for the score. Hurwitz's fusion of contemporary and jazz blends seamlessly with topnotch choreography and gorgeous cinematography. Whether it's the captivating melody of "Mia & Sebastian's Theme," the mellow duet of "City of Stars," or even the toe-tapping spectacle of "Someone In The Crowd," the film is not short of memorable tunes. Chazelle directs with effortless precision –  an admirable feat for someone so young. Following the success of "Whiplash" and now this second feature, it's suffice to say he has a promising road ahead. While most great films invoke thought and reflection, not all can quite linger like "La La Land."

 Rating: 5 stars 

Les Misérables

Release Date: Dec 25, 2012
Runtime: 2 hr. 38 min. 
Director: Tom Hooper 
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, Eddie Redmayne.

There are songs that get stuck in your head, popular songs you know by heart and replay like a broken record. Then there are songs you just know innately, like a fleeting memory that ebbs in and out of subconsciousness. "I Dreamed A Dream" is audibly one of them, and if you don't know it by now then you've been sorely missing out. Deeply rooted and emotionally stirring, it is the heart and soul of "Les Misérables," the world-renowned Broadway musical based on the novel by Victor Hugo. Sung by Anne Hathaway in what could be deemed as the role of a lifetime, her singular performance can only be described as completely riveting. Case in point: the audience remained silently transfixed through her impassioned rendition, at which point the conclusion was met with a collective sigh. While credit duly lies in the intimate capture by director Tom Hooper, it's all Hathaway when it comes to invoking heavy despair, a justification for the Oscar she's inevitably set to win. That's not to say the rest of the cast is completely outshone. Hugh Jackman as central protagonist Jean Valjean is terrifically on point, while Helena Bonham Carter and Sasha Baron Cohen make for a rousing duo. If anyone gets a second tier rating amongst the thespians, it's Russell Crowe, who does give a concerted effort for the most part. Despite his domineering presence as antagonist Javert, his vocals get lost in the grandiosity of the film, neither projecting nor leaving much of an impression. It may be due to the fact that all of the singing is performed live, an aspect that Hooper is all too proud of; but it does add a quality of realism and rawness that extends beyond the borders of the silver screen. In a way it's like watching an actual production of a show, with greater the capacity and special effects. Moreover, the transitions between scenes are seamless in scale, moving from one height of perspective to another. It's evident that film editing is key in telling a story of such proportions, especially one as cherished as "Les Misérables." Albeit, the film does lose its stamina by the last hour of singing and bereavement, it does spark a revival of a genre that's all too often forgotten. Even if you aren't a fan of plays and musical now, it may be time you pay a visit to your local theater.
 
Rating: 4 stars

The Muppets

Release Date: Nov 23, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 38 min.

Director: James Bobin 

Cast: Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones, Steve Whitmire.

It's not everyday you see a film with pure happiness bursting at its seams; but it's also not everyday you get to meet "The Muppets." After a hiatus of more than ten years from the silver screen, Kermit and the gang are back and livelier than ever. But first they must put on the show of all shows to outbid ruthless oil tycoon, Tex Richman, and save the theater that they once called home. From its opening musical number, the movie draws you into the memories you had as a child, when life was carefree and full of whimsy. Writing duo Segel and Stoller tap into every bit of that nostalgia to make the 50's homage feel vibrant and new, while director James Bobin adds a contemporary look. With a variety of celebrity cameos and ridiculously catchy tunes, "The Muppets" are everything fans long to remember, and an introduction to those who are unfamiliar. What's more is that the puppets are now self-aware and infinitely mobile, constantly breaking the fourth wall and making parodies upon parodies. That's the genius behind the marketing of the film, which utilizes its colorful cast while keeping the humor intact. And laugh you will, if not at least smile, for what is a show without an audience. But for those who have a low tolerance for uber cheesiness, be prepared for sudden break-outs in song and mob dance routines. (Hey, this is Disney, after all.) At any rate, "The Muppets" leaves a lasting impression, and seeing Chris Cooper rap is well worth the ticket.

Rating: 4½ stars

Mamma Mia!

Release Date: Jul 18, 2008 

Runtime: 1 hr. 48 min.

Director: Phyllida Lloyd 

Cast: Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfried, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard.

  

Despite being a musical, the film version seemed to have an overabundant amount of singing from beginning to end. It would have benefited from having additional dialogue to keep the story in a steady flow instead of having words thrown in whenever possible. A major positive of the film, however, is Meryl Streep's performance. Regardless of age, she rocks every song and steals every scene. While there are humorous moments every now and then, it's mostly thanks to the ABBA songs that keeps this film alive.
 

Rating: 2½ stars