Today we are reviewing the hotly anticipated feature film adaptation of THE LAST FIVE YEARS, starring Jeremy Jordan and Anna Kendrick, now available nationwide on VOD and in select cinemas.
The Next Ten Minutes 5. Richard LaGravenese. The ultimate coup in bringing Jason Robert Brown's intimate two-character Off-Broadway musical to the silver screen was and is exactly that - making it happen. The simple fact that LaGravenese translated the character rich and emotionally complex musical to the screen in such a vital, entrancing and vivid manner only adds to the acclaim more than merely warranted by a film this fresh, dynamic and alive. Clearly, as LaGravenese told me himself in our extensive InDepth InterView all about the film (available here), this was a passion project for the respected director and screenwriter, yet the fact that each and every frame is bursting with so much love, life and luster brings the entire enterprise to the next level. Could this be one of the most idiosyncratic movie musicals ever made? Undoubtedly. Is it one of the most applicable of all movie musicals to a 2015 audience, as well? Unquestionably. But, is it one of the best movie musicals of the 21st century? Yes, yes - that, too. Maybe ever. A breathtaking directorial achievement with two ideal actors married to parts absolutely indelibly played by each and brought to a whole other plateau by LaGravense's sensitive, spirited and specific direction. On top of all of that, the score is rendered exquisitely well - and as approachable and appealing as Brown's songs are, they are not necessarily the easiest material in the world to pull off; certainly not with the ample panache and palpable ferocity exhibited by both of the actors and the overall mise en scene of the cinematic experience as it exists. Terrific.
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