Saturday, August 27, 2022

Movie review - "Tick, Tick.. Boom!" (2021) ***

 Jonathan Larson's story is one of the great romances of Broadway - struggling composer who made Rent then died. Andrew Garfield's performance was deservedly acclaimed - nervy, jumpy, wild, driven, talented. Alexndra Shipp is a star who just needs the right vehicle. It's fun to see Vanessa Hudgens a a singer (they could've given her something to play) and even more fun to have Bradley Whitford as Steven Sondheim.

Warm, affectionate and full of talent. It still felt stagey - the story telling devices (cutting back to Garfield/Larson telling his story in a show etc). More could've been done on the central conflict - like we never really believe Garfield is going to leave showbusiness - and the central relationships (would've been good if we'd seen more of the history of him and his BFF and GF, even in montage -these don't come alive).

Still, a lot of talent and heart on display.

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