Netflix's THE PROM Reviews & Reactions- Page 8

[iluvtheatertrash]

TheatreFan4 said: ">and be famous enoughto basically share top billing with Meryl Streep?

Imagine thinking that James Corden is on the level of Meryl Streep. It's laughable honestly. The role didn't require someone on Meryl or even Nicole Kidman's level... because you already have both of them. And who else could play the role who has Hollywood experience other than Nathan Lane? Neil Patrick Harris (even though I don't really like him), Sean Hayes, Jesse Tyler Ferguson?"

Imagine erasing weight from a character’s story and only naming trim actors that fit our body shaming society.

[iluvtheatertrash]

TheatreFan4 said: ">and be famous enoughto basically share top billing with Meryl Streep?

Imagine thinking that James Corden is on the level of Meryl Streep. It's laughable honestly. The role didn't require someone on Meryl or even Nicole Kidman's level... because you already have both of them. And who else could play the role who has Hollywood experience other than Nathan Lane? Neil Patrick Harris (even though I don't really like him), Sean Hayes, Jesse Tyler Ferguson?"

Each of those actors is far too slim and fit for the role. Please stop with erasing body types of all sizes.

[Sutton Ross]

Oh Jesus. I doubt that was their intention.

Just watched, it was cute, nothing special or extraordinary.

[CT2NYC]

I loved the stage show, and I loved this, including Corden. I thought it was a near-perfect adaptation, and all of the additions really worked for me. On stage, I thought the sentimentality bordered on cheesy in parts, but in this I was genuinely moved, and much of that came from Corden's performance. I was expecting some cringey moments, but they just weren't there, and I really can't think of a single complaint. I even liked Ryan Murphy's direction, which I usually find problematic. I was very, very pleasantly surprised by all of it.

[MemorableUserName]

Joviedamian said: "Also, the film was produced by Netflix, with which Murphy has a production deal. So he likely had to get Netflix on board with the casting, but it seems doubtful that outside investors needed to be attracted and Corden was a sop for them.

That is correct. But what usually happens in deals like this is, that Netflix negotiated a contract with an independent contractor (in this case Ryan Murphy), to help bring in work for Netflix to help produce to make money for the company. Just because Netflix produced it, still doesn't mean that there are not independent investors. New Line Cinema was the head ""producer/distributor" for the movie Hairspray, but still had investors from China in order to secure funding for the project. The same usually and or could have happened here. As Max Bialystok would say "Never use your own money". But Netflix itself could have easily just said we will fund it. We often sometimes get confused between what "Produced/Producing" means and what "Fund/Funding' means. And if that's the case, then the investors could have had a say in the casting or lose funding. There are many seniors here! Either way James was cast."

Netflix has a completely different business model than most studios, one which doesn't really lend itself to outside producers, since those people wouldn't be likely to make any money. Even awards bait projects like this are only given a token theatrical release (where they often don't report box office and Netflix sometimes pays the theater upfront as a rental) before the film ends up where it's intended--on Netflix. For the most part, they don't make money in the usual way; it's only to benefit Netflix. It's the reason they throw hefty deals at movie stars upfront, to make up for the back end profits/residuals that won't exist since the film will only really exist on its platform. That's why the idea that they would have had to choose actors to appeal to investors is so farfetched. (As farfetched as the idea that any openly gay actor would have turned down a starring role in a Meryl Streep/Nicole Kidman project that was aiming for awards attention if he'd been offered it. Which we known none was, since Corden, sadly enough, was Murphy's first choice.)

[n2nbaby]

This was lovely and honestly better than I even dreamed that it would be.

All of the characters are cast perfectly (yes, even Cordon) but dammit, Meryl is damn near iconic. It made me laugh, it made me cry and I’m just so happy that this is now available for the world to see. It’s been a rough year, but it made my unruly heart melt.

[Call_me_jorge]

I absolutely loved this, Jo Ellen Pellman is going to be a star

[Kad]

iluvtheatertrash said: "TheatreFan4 said: ">and be famous enoughto basically share top billing with Meryl Streep?

Imagine thinking that James Corden is on the level of Meryl Streep. It's laughable honestly. The role didn't require someone on Meryl or even Nicole Kidman's level... because you already have both of them. And who else could play the role who has Hollywood experience other than Nathan Lane? Neil Patrick Harris (even though I don't really like him), Sean Hayes, Jesse Tyler Ferguson?"

Imagine erasing weight from a character’s story and only naming trim actors that fit our body shaming society."

Weight ISN'T part of the character's story, unless you count a throwaway lyric about him wearing Spanx.

[theblackumbrella]

I wanted to like this. I think it just works better as a stage musical. The film could’ve taken some moments to expand conflict and resolution. The scene towards the end where they’re trying to cobble funds together for the prom has no tension because you know DeeDee is going to turn around and foot the bill. In a stage musical where you are moving pretty quickly creating problems only to resolve them after works far better than in a filmed production.

Yes, the cast overall is good. I just agree with people wishing someone of Meryl’s vintage would’ve played Barry. And yes, Nathan Lane immediately comes to mind. In the beginning his flamboyancy is a lot, but then he hits his stride with "Tonight Belongs to You".

Ryan Murphy at this stage of his career is far better finding content to create than overseeing that creation. By that, I mean his direction leaves much to be desired. Way too many fade to black or overuse of turning a song into a music video. Musicals work on film when you expand the scope in a way you can’t on stage. I think people cite The Sound of Music as a prime example of this. The Prom excels when it does this during songs like “The Lady’s Improving” – where we cut between Meryl in the office and on stage or “Barry Is Going to Prom” where Corden dances with young Barry.

Not every song has to be a dreamlike sequence drenched in purple and blue lights. Bigger is not always better and when you operate at a 10 there’s no room to breathe.

Yes, Casey Nicholaw directed and choreographed the stage production and returns here to produce and choreograph the film. I did not see the show on Broadway, but do agree with the criticism that these moves were inspired by strobe lights.

Finally, I am somewhat disappointed that the two most prominent LGBTQ films of recent memory, The Prom and Happiest Season both center around lesbian couples where one member is too afraid of coming out that they injure their significant other by denying who they are. Ultimately they choose honesty and the films resolve happily, but it just is a regressive message for 2020. I know this is a reality for many people and the song “Alyssa Greene” does a good job expounding on this, but wish we had content that moved beyond this.

It’s like when Hollywood received criticism for only celebrating films where black people were slaves or impoverished – I’m thinking of 12 Years a Slave or Precious. Obviously those are good films, but I wish there was more diversity in the queer stories we told. Groups that aren’t well represented are often clamoring to see themselves that we’re told to rejoice when a project exists – even though it would’ve been boundary pushing 15 years ago.

Then again ABC announced The Bachelor Season 25 is going to have its most diverse cast ever where caucasians are in the minority. I guess at some point progress is progress. End ramble.

[uncageg]

Just watched it and overall really enjoyed it.

I saw it on Broadway. I will say that I am glad that they retained the choreography from the stage version. I know some people were not crazy about it. I actually first saw it at a press preview and was like "well, ok". After realizing that this takes place in a small rural town it made sense. I remember moving west and people not knowing the latest music or dances. That is what I think he was going for so I really enjoyed the choreography both onstage and in the movie.

For me, the movie really opened up some scenes and that was nice to see. I was not a big fan of the lighting during production numbers though. Especially for "Zazz". But that was minor.

As for the cast. I would have loved to see Leavel reprise her role but she would have overpowered the rest of this cast. The Broadway cast was matched very well and knew how to do over the top without really overdoing it. I thought Corden was wonderful, and he was one I was "worried" about. As for Streep, she did fine. I thought her best scene, and a nice surprise, was "The Lady's Improving". Really enjoyed that scene. As I was watching her it came to mind that Beth Leavel is one of those actresses that can put an indelible stamp on a role that is hard to match or come close to. It was hard not to compare. I thought all but Kidman's characters were ramped down a bit so this cast worked well together. Rennels was wonderful and loved the mall scene. Kidman was fine but they seemed to  give he less dance screen time. And her character is a dancer. But I love Nicole Kidman. Joe Ellen Pellman nailed it and I really enjoyed she and DeBose together. This is the first I have ever seen DeBose act but know who she is.

I had no clue that Mary Kay Place and Tracey Ullman were in it. Those were the best surprises for me. Ullman had me in tears. I am also becoming a big fan of Key. Loved him in Jingle Jangle and he was equally as good in this. Kerry Washington was quite good also and I think smart casting having a woman of color in that role. (And I loved her dress at the end!)

The movie did to me what the Broadway production did. I started getting choked up during the scene where they were putting the money in to have the second prom and by the end I couldn't wipe the smile off my face or the tears away fast enough. So really nice that the movie kept the overall feel and impact of the stage production that I experienced. I will probably watch it again. I think it was well done and for those of us who saw the stage productions we may have our quibbles about this film. I think for those who have not seen it, it is a really good adaptation of the stage play complete with a lot of the book and it did not really stray away or try to add anything really new, with a few exceptions, that I thought only lent to and enhanced the story. Just my random thoughts.

 

[theatretenor2]

Watching now. What happened to the rest of the Acceptance Song?

[bwayphreak234]

I disliked this even more than I liked the stage show. I know I'm in the minority, but just like the stage show, I found the film to be juvenile, amateur, and tacky. Just not for me.

[bwayobsessed]

It was cute and sappy with too much green and pink but I found it a fun time. Lots of catchy songs. I didn’t see the show and only knew a few songs beforehand.

[BroadwayStar4]

Does anyone else feel like Titus Burgess should've played Barry?

[theatretenor2]

That would have been amazing.

[KingOfTheMine]

I thought this was fantastic, much better than I imagined when the project was announced. I liked that they remained faithful to the stage version, and the few additions/changes they did make were all for the better. Agreed on the praise for Meryl Streep, she's on fire in this part. And though I went in with low expectations for James Corden, I thought he delivered a good performance. Glad that many more people will get exposed to the message of the piece with this solid adaptation.

[DramaTeach]

I was worried based on reviews, but while James Corden shouldn't have been cast and the show itself is still preachy, it is a ton of fun and I'm humming the songs again. A bright spot in this darkness.

[windowwaving]

I've never seen the musical itself, but have listened to the soundtrack plenty and have seen YouTube videos of their taped performances. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and thought it was a lot of fun. I'm normally not a fan of the bright neon pinks and blues, but I thought it worked well for the overall imagery. 

After reading all the reviews, I thought I would hate James, and I think in the beginning I had a hard time really believing that he was this flamboyant, but I think as the movie progressed, especially towards the end, it made more sense and found his character a little heartwarming. 

At first I found it kind of lazy that they would re-use the Broadway choreography, but it translated really well on screen. I could see the difference when the performers don't have to sing and dance at the same time live versus when they can lip sing and shoot multiple times. It just made Casey's vision a little clearer. 

If this was in theaters, I probably would re-watch it there.

[Hairspray0901]

I loved absolutely everything about this!!!! The cast was incredible! I was nervous I wouldn’t like James Corden based on reviews but I thought he was fantastic. Meryl and Nicole were definite stand outs - which is no surprise to anyone who has seen either of them in literally anything. Always enjoy the choreography from Casey Nicolaw. Such a fun watch - full of zazz and so much heart!

[ljay889]

I really enjoyed this! Shockingly, think I enjoyed it more than on Broadway.

[little_sally]

ljay889 said: "I really enjoyed this! Shockingly, think I enjoyed it more than on Broadway."

I felt the same way!

 

[ljay889]

little_sally said: "ljay889 said: "I really enjoyed this! Shockingly, think I enjoyed it more than on Broadway."

I felt the same way!

"

I almost feel guilty admitting it, lol. The slight shift in tone for the film really worked for me.

[Jordan Catalano]

While I don’t think this was better than the show on stage, I will say I think overall, it’s the best movie musical in many years. I have thoughts I’ll write tomorrow but I’m tired now.

[ljay889]

I really look forward to reading your thoughts, Jordan!

[Jordan Levinson]

The other Jordan also has lots to say but won’t share all his thoughts now. I was pleasantly surprised, just like when I first saw it on stage. I had my hesitations going in and for the first couple scenes or so, but I was full on smiling by “Tonight Belongs to You” and that grin did not go away for the rest of the film.

The new changes/scenes were mostly good, with a couple of clunkers (same with the flashbacks). This one is going in your “good” pile, Murph. Congrats to you and to all involved.