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Post by Phantom of London on Dec 11, 2020 16:28:55 GMT
Firstly, please accept my apologies for my delay in posting this. I will try my best not too give too much of the actual plot away. I knew the basic storyline and one or two of the songs so going in with minimal knowledge, I LOVED it! First of all the the cast are, each in their own way, outstanding. Meryl performs a song called 'It's Not About Me'- of course it is. Watch for her Eva Peron reference. Personally I didn't have a problem with James Corden- but each to your own. For a big boy, he's so quick and nimble on his feet (Basically) Nicole Kidman and Andrew Rannells are supporting characters- that said, each get a whole song to sing- Nicole sings a song called Zazz- a very Fosseque routine and Andrew sings a song called Love Thy Neighbour set in a shopping mall. It's like Glee!, but turned up a notch! Nicole Kidman is so tall! In fact there is a reference to her 'antelope legs'. Also look out for the regular references she makes to Tina Louise (of Gilligan's Isle fame) and Andrew Rannells makes regular references to the fact that his character attended Juliard School of Acting. There is lots of glitter and sparkle. Choreography is slick and the vocals are very clear and strong, Each song is 'sold' It's great to see such diversity in the ensemble. There are also a lot of humorous throw away lines. So I'm sitting there, foot tapping away and as if that all wasn't enough in the last 15-20 minutes of the film is Tracey Ullman appears, I LOVE Tracey Ullman in anything she does. Maybe I'm just easily please but I really enjoyed it! There is character development and progress with a sensitive message about acceptance. I believe this premieres on Netflix tomorrow? I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did. Does anyone know if this eventually will be released on DVD? Exactly what Anthony said and just maybe a little bit more. With this dreadful year, Santa has started given out his presents early and this is one of the first. This should be behind your door on 11th December on your advent calendar. Saw this originally at the Longacre Theatre, New York and dare I say it, it blew this straight man away and I gave it 5 stars. However this feel good and uplifting show didn’t find its market and closed prematurely and headed for the graveyard of shows, until Netflix snapped up the rights and put this on film. Where I saw it with 4 other people in a cinema in Oxted, last night. So did this jump from a great stage musical to a great movie? Well I was tapping my foot and had a tear in my cheek at the end. I didn’t mind the casting and enjoyed James Corden and he was much better that Bustopher Jones last year in that I’ll judged Cats, this wasn’t I’ll judged. Ariana DeBose and Kerry Washington were both great. Meryl Streep I enjoyed her Dee Dee Allen. Wasn’t keen on Nicole Kidman. Who would of know I could be the perfect high school principal? |
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Post by musicalmarge on Dec 11, 2020 16:36:40 GMT
Just seen this.
Broadway 10/10
Netflix 10/10
IT WAS PERFECTION!!! I’m so so so so happy!!!! It was amaaaaaaazing!
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Post by jaqs on Dec 11, 2020 19:12:55 GMT
Found it thoroughly enjoyable. Thanks for the heads up.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Dec 11, 2020 20:05:26 GMT
Heartwarming, funny and fabulously camp. Streep IS playing Patti Lupone here, right?
Loved it!
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Post by Being Alive on Dec 11, 2020 20:40:13 GMT
Heartwarming, funny and fabulously camp. Streep IS playing Patti Lupone here, right? Loved it! She LITERALLY is 🤣whilst being dubbed for the top of her range by Donna Murphy apparently 😬 |
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Post by anthony40 on Dec 11, 2020 21:11:30 GMT
I forgot to reference the wonderful Kevin Chamberlin (Uncle Fester in Addams Family -Broadway) as the befuddled and bemused manager.
A small part but loved him too!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2020 0:57:08 GMT
Well I thought on the whole this was fabulous, the perfect tonic at the end of a dreadful year.
Loved Meryl and Nicole, thought Kerry Washington was great, as was Keegan Michael Key, and James Corden was not as bad as I feared once I managed to ignore the constantly changing and awful accent. I found Andrew Rannells annoying but I suspect the character is written like that.
The film belongs to Jo Ellen Pellman and Ariana DeBose though, they are both exceptional.
My only real complaint is that there wasn't enough of them, compared to a bit too much Meryl and far too much Corden (and also the camera work in the finale was far too busy to fully appreciate the choreography). But again my guess is the show is written that way as it is the story of their attempt at good publicity. It's a shame, as the scenes Pellman and DeBose had together were huge highlights.
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4,993 posts
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Post by Someone in a tree on Dec 12, 2020 8:06:55 GMT
I thought this was great and I'll be recommendeding it to friends.
I'm looking forward to listening to the different recordings over the next few days and I'll watch it again in a month or so.
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Post by couldileaveyou on Dec 12, 2020 11:08:24 GMT
Considering that it didn't do great on Broadway I'm not sure if there will ever be a West End production, but if so Hannah Waddingham and Gavin Spokes would be fantastic as Dee Dee and Barry
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Post by Being Alive on Dec 12, 2020 11:38:00 GMT
Considering that it didn't do great on Broadway I'm not sure if there will ever be a West End production, but if so Hannah Waddingham and Gavin Spokes would be fantastic as Dee Dee and Barry It had a year on Broadway, which is longer than some things we've had transfer. I think a lot rides on how successful the Netflix film is. Fully agree Gavin Spokes would be fun, as would Hannah. Joanna Riding or Mazz Murray also a good shout for DeeDee |
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Post by Mark on Dec 12, 2020 16:34:21 GMT
If not the West End, the hopeful exposure and success from Netflix could pave the way for a UK tour in the next few years.
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Post by david on Dec 12, 2020 16:43:06 GMT
If 2020 ever need an uplifting feel good film then Ryan Murphy has delivered it with The Prom. A fantastic cast with great musical numbers and wonderful choreography that puts a big smile on your face by the end credits. I just hope that the film gets plenty of nods come awards season next year as there are plenty of contenders to pick up the prizes. 5 stars.
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Post by musicalmarge on Dec 13, 2020 4:18:06 GMT
Considering that it didn't do great on Broadway I'm not sure if there will ever be a West End production, but if so Hannah Waddingham and Gavin Spokes would be fantastic as Dee Dee and Barry Everything in life is about TIMING. This film musical is now STRATOSPHERIC!!!!!!! The National tour starts in the US in 2021 and will now SELL OUT. Just like Hairspray this musical is going to get bigger and bigger AND will be performed MANY times in the UK Wait and see!!! |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2020 8:35:34 GMT
Considering that it didn't do great on Broadway I'm not sure if there will ever be a West End production, but if so Hannah Waddingham and Gavin Spokes would be fantastic as Dee Dee and Barry Everything in life is about TIMING. This film musical is now STRATOSPHERIC!!!!!!! The National tour starts in the US in 2021 and will now SELL OUT. Just like Hairspray this musical is going to get bigger and bigger AND will be performed MANY times in the UK Wait and see!!! I wouldn't get too excited, it's only number 13 in the UK Netflix rankings. It was always going to be more of a success in the US, it's a very American theme for a universal story. I'd be surprised if it comes over here, except perhaps to Southwark or the Menier. Pleased if it does become a bigger success here, but surprised. |
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Post by anthony40 on Dec 13, 2020 12:50:57 GMT
Anyone know if, in time, this may be released on DVD/Blu-Ray?
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Post by Being Alive on Dec 13, 2020 14:49:12 GMT
Anyone know if, in time, this may be released on DVD/Blu-Ray? Based on other netflix films that also get cinema releases (like Roma) it should do |
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Post by viserys on Dec 13, 2020 17:38:23 GMT
Well, count me among those who loved it. Very uplifting and warm-hearted and while the music was a bit generic, it did work well and I loved the little insider nods to musical theatre (could have done with less of the product placement though, especially that ham-fisted bit of Corden driving past a McDonalds in his prom limo).
What gets me now is that I could have seen it on Broadway (twice even) and didn't even bother to look into it (i.e. read a full synopsis or listen to the music), I just wasn't interested at all because the American Prom thing is alien to me and the short blurb of the story didn't sound particularly appealing either. Which makes me realize how much I'm part of the problem that I struggle to give things a go, that aren't either based on a familiar movie or book or has a starry name in it. Now I'd definitely be up for seeing it live on stage as I think all these big dance numbers will be fabulous - and they really wouldn't work in a place like Southwark. Maybe it's a slow-burn on Netflix, but I hope it will get enough exposure and popularity for them to consider a West End production...
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Post by iamamazing on Dec 13, 2020 23:48:46 GMT
I’m watching it for the second time today I’m in love with it such a beautiful film with a beautiful story. I hope and pray that a producer in the UK the Will tour or produce it in London, i think a run at the other palace would be awesome for this :-)
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Post by showgirl on Dec 14, 2020 4:20:17 GMT
I'd have loved to see this despite the comments about the casting of James Corden. However, it only stayed in (London) Curzons - & maybe other cinemas - for a week so I had no chance and won't be able to see it at all now unless it receives a further, wider cinematic release - shame.
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Post by danb on Dec 14, 2020 6:04:07 GMT
I'd have loved to see this despite the comments about the casting of James Corden. However, it only stayed in (London) Curzons - & maybe other cinemas - for a week so I had no chance and won't be able to see it at all now unless it receives a further, wider cinematic release - shame. ...or borrowed the netflix account of a kind friend? |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2020 7:01:01 GMT
I'd have loved to see this despite the comments about the casting of James Corden. However, it only stayed in (London) Curzons - & maybe other cinemas - for a week so I had no chance and won't be able to see it at all now unless it receives a further, wider cinematic release - shame. Why not pay for a month of Netflix then cancel? |
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Post by JJShaw on Dec 14, 2020 22:01:35 GMT
Watched it tonight and I'd say it was very nice. Nothing spectacular and certainly not a train wreck.
I was familiar with two songs and the general plot but not much more, it felt very American is the way to describe it (not a bad thing, but the language and coming out, if you compare it to say Everybody's Talking About Jamie, the treatment of characters and accepting yourself and such if very different and I prefer it but I am British so it's just what I'm used to. Some of The Prom felt a bit saccharine at times but I fully understand that for some young people that is the story they need to be told.)
I watched with a friend who loved the broadway production who could help me with some Q's about changes, she said very little was changed from stage to screen which is nice to hear, and funnily enough while watching Andrew Rannells' song I said to her that I would have reversed the order of Love Thy Neighbor and Alyssa's song, which is actually how it plays out on stage (Alyssa's song then LTN) how funny that even watching a movie sometimes you just know the dramaturgy of shows!!
Nice songs, loved Nicole Kidman and Kerry Washington, Meryl and Keenan were great, Andrew was great in a rather bizarrely sized role (Same with Nicole but she got more chances to flesh out her character). I didn't take offense to James Corden's portrayal but I certainly grimaced every time he opened his mouth to start with that awful accent. His singing was fine.
Apologies I forgot her name but the actress playing Emma was lovely! Very warm on screen, very Drew Barrymore. The pacing of the film felt a bit wonky at times and moved so quickly I couldn't quite get really invested in what was happening since we just zipped from scene to scene (sorry zazzed!) I did absolutely loathe and despise the constant blue/pink colour motif that was so obnoxious throughout the film, the lighting the costumes the little sofas in the mall it was just bizarre!
Certainly a positive step forward in getting movie musicals a good reputation back, personally after the flat disappointment of Into the Woods I thought Chicago and Hairspray were flukes but this does show that you can do them well.
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Post by theatrefan77 on Dec 14, 2020 23:47:33 GMT
I enjoyed this, liked it but didn't love it . It's fun and I was entertain until the end.
I thought all the actors were very good including James Corden. Don't really get all the bad press about his performance. He was funny and played his part really well imho.
Some nice if unmemorable songs. I felt that the book was a bit weak, it has the heart in the right place but the situations created are a bit cliché.
Overall nothing to write home about, but a pleasant enough way of spending a couple of hours.
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Post by showgirl on Dec 16, 2020 4:41:43 GMT
danb and @posterj TY for the suggestions re Netflix and I thought someone would suggest this. Nope! I don't have a tv; haven't watched tv for about 30 years; have only a small laptop & no plans or wish to resume watching at home anything which I would normally see in a cinema or theatre. Plus I don't know anyone who does have these gadgets or subscriptions but my choice so I'll hope for more cinematic releases in the new year, both locally and in London if/when the latter drops back to tier 2.
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Post by dazzerlump on Dec 16, 2020 8:46:56 GMT
I hope we get an extended version available at some point with the full versions of the songs. Having seen a promotional post on insta they clearly filmed more of the acceptance song.
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