Overall Thoughts: Creative and moving tribute to Jonathan Larson.
I have a soft spot for true stories being brought to the big screen. Now, sometimes, they aren't done well. But if a director and actor approach it in a way that truly captures the imagination and passion of the person focused on, then it becomes something special. Making his directorial debut, Lin Manuel Miranda approached this project in awe of Larson and his body of work. And, casting someone who is new to the movie musical like Andrew Garfield was an interesting, if risky decision.
But, many of the decisions made here pay off nicely. Miranda's choice to have Larson tell his story to an audience, while also serving as a narrator of sorts works very well. This leads to a handful of creative perspectives. It helps connect the dots between the serious and emotional themes the story tackles. And, it also helps give necessary exposition and development to important characters in the story.
Garfield is a terrific force in this movie. Not only does he sing well, but he fully and convincingly immerses himself into the complex emotions and struggles his character goes through. He is being seriously considered for an Oscar nomination, and I definitely believe this is a performance worthy of a win. If only that category was not so competitive this year. I would definitely be interested in seeing Garfield sing again in a future project as well.
The supporting cast does a nice job too. Bradley Whitford is almost unrecognizable as Stephen Sondheim (in sad timing, the legendary songwriter passed away the day after I watched the movie). Vanessa Hudgens and Alexandra Shipp are solid in their supporting roles as well. The film also has some surprising cameos here and there that I won't spoil.
Visually, Tick...Tick...BOOM! has some memorable set-pieces. A couple of imaginative moments where Jonathan imagines his life as a musical number are very creatively crafted. The cinematography and lighting choices reflect the mood and tone of the characters well also. Sometimes, the cutting back to Larson talking about his challenges to an audience is a little jarring, but it works well with helping moving the story forward.
In the film's first half, I did feel like it was a little too talky in spots, which gave it a bit of a slow pace to start off. Thankfully, this issue does resolve as the film heads towards its' second act, and it continues to engage more and more as it goes. The film also does not quite end in the "happy ending" way I expected it. While based on true events, it also worked as a realistic reflection of how hard it is to make it in musical theater and in the entertainment business.
I can say I was fairly impressed with Miranda's overall work here as a first-time director. He not only adapts the music of one of Larson's famous plays very well, but he also creates a compelling and imaginative portrait of the songwriter's (sadly too short) life. The creative approach, terrific acting, great music, and emotional story all make Tick...Tick...BOOM! a very solid winner all around. And while it hits a few pacing road-bumps here and there, it still retains a sense of creative spark that I don't see much in movies today.
Grade: B+
Grade: B+
Is this movie family friendly? Tick...Tick...BOOM! is rated PG-13 for "some strong language, some suggestive material, and drug references." The film does hit on some emotional topics, including the AIDS/HIV struggles of the 80's and 90's. Characters are seen in the hospital suffering from the virus. As far as language goes, we hear one f-bomb in a song early on in the movie. Other than that, there are five s-words, two uses of "J***s", one of "G**d****", and one each of "h***" and "a***". Some kissing and low-cut outfits, and one scene where Jon makes out with his girlfriend on a bed (it stops before it goes too far). We see a page in a catalog with women wearing underwear. We briefly see a poster with two men kissing. Beer and alcohol are seen in a couple of scenes, with the obvious implication of drunkenness in a couple of situations. When asked to describe America, Jon mentions, "empire, racism, genocide and Vietnam." In the end, this movie is not appropriate for children. However, for teens and up that are fans of musical theater and are understanding of the serious topics addressed, it might be worthwhile.
