We gay people have been normalised (and that's a very good thing) to the point we can make movies just as bland as straight ones. I guess that's good news.
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julioramosest22 December 2020
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The Prom is the movie adaptation of a Broadway show bearing the same name. It has an important message, and for the most part, is entertaining. And while most of the music is good, the way it translates to the silver screen is, unfortunately, quite hit or miss.
Since music is what makes or breaks a musical, let's start with that. Most songs were catchy and fun, and the ones that were meant to be more emotional worked fairly well. Had that not been that case, The Prom would've been an absolute disaster. While some musicals may save the singing for the most important story points, this one used them for everything. It's song after song, and the breaks in between tend to be quite short. Some, I'm sure, will be opposed to that as is, but I didn't mind it too much. However, when the entire narrative is told through song, they need to be good. And most of them certainly are. In fact, I don't think that there was anything wrong with the songs themselves, unfortunately though, some of the performances worked well in a movie form, while others didn't. What makes musicals on a live stage good is the sense of wonder and admiration. It's always more impressive to watch someone sing and act and dance live on stage, rather than in a movie. And on stage, even if the song itself isn't the most memorable one, the props and grandeur of the whole performance make it come to life, literally. So when you take music and performances designed for a stage and put them into a movie, they are already at a disadvantage. And while watching The Prom, it's easy to see that. However, movies do also bring their own possibilities. And it was those songs and performances, that used and benefitted from the movie format, that worked the best. While others, unfortunately, felt like cheap and lifeless copies of what they could've been on stage.
The story, which introduces us to a group of dishevelled broadway actors who have lost their charm, is quite good. While the group of four actors are the main focus of the story, we also follow the life of Emma, a 17-year old girl who is trying to fight for a prom that welcomes everyone, no matter who they love. The group of actors help Emma on her journey, while learning a lot about themselves, as well. Although the story didn't offer anything new or groundbreaking, it does come with a crucially important message. The message that we should all be proud of who we are, and we should all be free to love whoever we want to. And it's that message that really carries this film.
However, while the story and the musical performances were great, the movie as a whole wasn't. What baffles me the most, is how slow The Prom felt. You'd think that a movie that is basically one colourful and striking performance after another would go by in a whim. But, this one did the opposite. I checked how much there was left at least three times, and every time I was amazed by how much there was. The only reason I can come up with for its sluggish feel is an overuse of music. Since the story is quite a simple one, it could've been told much quicker in a non-musical format. While the songs and performances are fun, they also make the narrative take a lot longer. And although I did enjoy most of the songs, I guess they just lacked the effect that they would've had on stage.
It's quite unfortunate that The Prom felt like it was twice as long as it actually was. Had that not been the case, I think I would've enjoyed it quite a bit more. It has a good message, as well as a good heart, and what it lacks in originality, it tries to make up for with entertaining musical numbers, and for the most part, it succeeds. While it does a lot of things right, the end product just felt underwhelming and lacked the charisma and wow factor that it would have had on a stage. -
charles-limcw11 December 2020What do you expect?
It is exactly what it is meant to be - just brainless song dance camp faux-emo theatre w very mehh story and loopholes gala. As such, not great but sure good enough.
The songs are far catchier and flow more naturally into the scenes than other musicals of this genre. Everyone sang better than expected - Meryl Streep's assured singing exceeds her shaky performance in Mamma Mia.
I don't particularly like James Corden either (but certainly not to the extent of his compatriot Piers Morgan whom I find a total yuckky loud ego fake), but to be fair I can't fault his good-enough performance here as with every cast member. Also, everyone else (except for Keegan-Michael Key who played it pleasantly 'normal', surprisingly) was camping it up so why shouldn't Corden? And his level of campiness suits the character and is by no means overdone. I don't know why so many people have an issue with him, when nobody seemed to bat an eyelid when Eric Stonestreet (who is totally straight also) camped it truly all the way up in Modern Family - why the double standard? Gays play straights, straights play gays - who cares as long as the performance suits the characters.
I recommend this good-enough brainless musical. Enjoy! 😊 -
blanche-217 December 2020The Prom is a wonderful, bright musical, great to look at, with a marvelous cast, good music, and an old but so often ignored message - the world is for everyone. Everyone deserves to be who they are.
However, everybody being who they are does not, in my opinion, extend to acting. Acting is playing someone different from yourself - not in all ways all the time, but certainly in some ways. This is why I can't understand the insistence on casting a gay actor as a gay character, referring to the bad reviews James Corden received. Ridiculous. Grow up. He did a great job. I don't know about anybody else's gay friends, but my gay male friends loved him.
If you're sick of hate, and want to feel some optimism about anything (and of this writing, I don't know about anybody else, but I need it) this is the film for you. Take it for what it is. It's not Citizen Kane. It's a typical Ryan Murphy, somewhat campy production. I'm not a particular fan of Ryan Murphy, but I enjoyed this immensely. -
noahpandalover11 December 2020I am a massive fan of the Broadway show, and I was looking forward to this movie since it was announced. I didn't think it would be fantastic, but I knew it would be fun to watch, especially as a fan already.
And fun it was. As expected, Ryan Murphy really did Ryan Murphy, with all the glitz and glamour, colour, and vibrant look of his work. I do wish it wasn't a Netflix film so I could see it in a cinema (if this was a normal year), because a bigger screen would certainly benefit it.
However, it wasn't great. Yes, I had a lot of fun with the film, it was certainly enjoyable. I wanted more Andrew Rannells, and the fact they cut almost all of "The Acceptance Song" makes me annoyed, because that is one of my favourites in the show.
Additionally, the auto-tuning and overly done pitch correction of many of the actors is hard to listen to. I didn't know Keegan Michael-Key could sing, but the rest of the main cast all can.
Love him or hate him, but James Corden can sing. His accent isn't great, overly done in some scenes, but he can sing. He was probably the one I noticed the least editing done on his voice, him and Meryl Streep. Andrew Rannells was in "Book of Mormon" on Broadway, he doesn't need his voice altered, nor did Ariana DeBosse, who was in "Hamilton."
As mentioned, the severely shortened "The Acceptance Song" was annoying, as well as cutting Emma and Alyssa's verse from "You Happened." I can take changing some lyrics, and while a great joke is removed in one change ("Just Breathe"), it ultimately isn't a big deal. Luckily, no full songs are cut (though I wouldn't have minded the removal of "Zazz").
The pacing of the film is good, with songs coming in reasonably quick succession. It helps that the musical creators wrote the screenplay, they can make sure the film follows their show from a script perspective. The ability to change scenery a lot mid-song helps at times, but it makes you question Murphy's choices a bit (like, why does part of "Just Breathe" take place while Emma is swimming backstroke? Why is she singing then?)
Everyone does a fine, competent job, but it isn't a movie that is going to win any Oscars. I had fun watching it, and I went back and watched a few performances again. I would watch it again, but unless I want to hear a little Andrew Rannells, I am sticking with the Broadway cast. -
alessatropea17 December 2020Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman are my favourite actors. However, the script and score of Prom didn't use this stellar cast's potential.... not even in the slightest bit. Every song sounds the same... and follows the same unremarkable, easily forgettable form and melodic styles and resolutions.
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If you can get past the disastrous first 30 min and James Corden awful over acting the movie is pretty good. At times the film is bad really bad but then other times it's a lot of fun. It's one of those movies where you just have to go with the flow it is what it is. It's over the top but I think that's the point but does it work well at times it does and other times it's doesn't. The actors are underused there good but they could of been better but I'm not blaming the actors they did there best for what they got. Is this the best film or musical ever made no it doesn't come close but it's a fun musical.
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thespira11 December 2020I'm a bit tired of Ryan Murphy doing the same thing all the time. I really loved Glee and thought it was groundbreaking but this movie is so disappointing. Okayyyyyy it's about inclusion , I'm all for it trust me and it's a good start. The cast was promising too. I think Meryl Streep can play anything and she can sing. James Corden is a great talk show host but not a good actor. Nicole Kidman seems completely lost and does not bring anything to the table. Shame. The only positive point is the two girls who are truly a revelation.
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dansmith-586-99571712 December 2020I'm a 50 something straight man and I loved it. As a parent you can do nothing more than love your children for who they are. A joy of a film.
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acjacobsford13 March 2021One of the only movies like this that acknowledges how liberalism doesn't do much to change minds. It's also not a coming out movie, which is nice, as that has been done too much and doesn't show the true experience. So, yeah, it's not the best, I'm guessing the musical is better and would be fun to watch. James Corden is kinda annoying, hetero side relationship is boring, it's still kinda forced. But hell, they finally got queer actors to play queer characters (besides James Corden, seriously, why dude). I like that the "gay makeover scene" is a gay character dressing a gay character. I like Emma's first song. My liberal family likes it, so it certainly reaches its audience. I hope it hasn't/doesn't win any awards though. There are much better, more artistic or unique, less flashy and Hollywood, gay movies out there.
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jeanette_fjeldheim14 December 2020This was so boring. Even Streep could not save this movie. Cliche after cliche. The songs are terrible and they all sound the same. Moving on.
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sigridsteinvall11 December 2020I truly can't understand the people who rated this 1, I mean come on people its really worth more than that! You gotta take this movie for what it is, sure its not the greatest movie of all time but its a heartfelt feelgood movie who just makes you happy. Instead of scoffing James Cordon for his accent laugh with him for it. Its just like Stellan Skarsgårds singing in mamma mia, yet another fun adding to the prom.
Go see this film if you wanna have a good time and escape from reality!
Ps: I have to mention the catchy songs! They have been occupying my mind ever since a saw this. -
sonjagodbout12 December 2020Just what we needed, a little bit of campy fun. Thought the production was well done. Acting was over-the-top campy. Excellent singing. A little long, but to be expected when doing a film of a Broadway play. Why not just sir back and enjoy yourself.
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mosflorencia12 December 2020Absolutely crap. Where is the talent of Ryan Murphy in this film?? Unnecessary long... so stereotypes personajes waste of a magnificent cast! It was impossible to connect with the personajes and the story... so cliché
The movie has all the ingredientes to be great (actors, director...) but got lost in the way.. -
rusinharmoni16 December 2020First off, there's a few bad reviews on this movie simply because it's a musical. You signed up to watch a musical without liking musicals? That's a recipe for disappointment. Secondly, I thought they did a great job touching all the very scary and very real problems that people (especially kids/teens) struggle with in the LGBTQ+ community. And lastly, the bit about cherry picking the Bible is something I've been saying for years. The Bible isn't a choose your own adventure story, if you think so I think you're missing the point. Love. Thy. Neighbor. Above. All.
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crush-727-1791497 February 2021Meryl Streep, why did you made this awful movie?? Nicole Kidman!? What did you see in this?? Very cheesy, bad songs and dancing. Awful acting from everybody especially James Corden.. It is a disaster...
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ferguson-63 December 2020Greetings again from the darkness. The success of his TV series "Glee" and "American Horror Story" has delivered Ryan Murphy the creative freedom to explore other projects. This time out he directs the cinema version of a Tony-nominated musical, and blends star power with newcomers in an extravaganza meant to fill the gap left by the darkened stages of Broadway during the pandemic. Created by Jack Viertel, with a book and screenplay from Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, it's a story of homophobia and narcissism, and the battle to defeat both.
Meryl Streep stars as Dee Dee Allen, and along with James Corden as Barry Glickman, their opening night exuberance for "Eleanor! The Eleanor Roosevelt Musical" fades quickly when the reviews hit. Licking their wounds at Sardi's, the two are told by the producer that nobody likes narcissists. Joined by chorus girl Angie Dickinson (played by Nicole Kidman) and Julliard-educated actor/bartender Trent Oliver (Andrew Rannells), they decide what's needed to revamp their careers is a 'cause celebre'. Thanks to Twitter trends, they locate the plight of Emma Nolan (newcomer Jo Ellen Pellman), whose Indiana High School PTA has just voted to cancel prom rather than allow Emma to bring another girl as a date.
As you would imagine, becoming an activist for the wrong reasons (publicity) can make things messy. These flamboyant city slickers aren't exactly welcomed with open arms by Midwestern folks. Plenty of touching moments occur between Barry and Emma, Barry and Dee Dee, Angie and Emma, Dee Dee and school Principal Mr. Hawkins (Keegan-Michael Key), and mostly, Emma and her closeted girlfriend Alyssa (Ariana DeBose, who will also star in Steven Spielberg's upcoming remake of WEST SIDE STORY). PTA leader and leading homophobe Mrs. Greene (a fiery Kerry Washington) does a nice job as a bigot and caring parent.
So while a story exists and messages are conveyed, this is, more than anything, a glitzy musical covered in primary colors as only Ryan Murphy can. Each of our main players gets a featured song, with Ms. Streep's campy "Not About Me" a highlight, along with Ms. Kidman's Fosse-esque "Zazz". Mr. Corden probably gets more than his fair share of screen time, while Ms. Pellman and Ms. DeBose shine brightly in their numbers, and both possess lovely voices. Young Ms. Pellman is especially impressive holding her own on screen with Oscar winners Streep and Kidman.
There likely aren't many gay teen rom-com musicals set in middle-America, especially ones with a Tina Louise reference, but leave it to Ryan Murphy to make it work. There is some quality humor, though it's likely the song and dance segments are what will draw the audience. Choreographer Casey Nicholaw takes full advantage of the athletic youngsters and fills the screens with backflips and leaps - complimenting the dance moves of the stars. It's a shame inclusivity must still be addressed, but at least it can be battled in a fun and colorful way. Opening in theaters December 4, 2020 and on Netflix December 11, 2020 -
Like most Ryan Murphy vehicles, 'The Prom' soon overstays its welcome. It overdoses on sparkle and star power to overcome the inconsistencies in its story and characters. The film's biggest crime may be stuffing itself with too many subplots, some of which are just time consuming, and, at the end of the day, aren't needed. But despite its shortcomings, 'The Prom' has its winning moments with the cast is having a blast throughout, and it's utterly infectious.
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I'm just a basic middle aged white lady from the Midwest who had never even heard of this musical on Broadway. But I thought the movie was delightful. It's just an old-school campy shiny musical with a really great message. It's exactly what you would expect it to be. And by the way James Corden is great I don't know why everybody felt the need to call him out on the other reviews. His performance actually brought me to tears twice. All the actors were great.
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jessevasse11 December 2020Despite all of the glitter, glamour as well as the renowned cast, The Prom (2020) fails to become the Oscar contender it aspires to be. The subject matter is definitely worthy of attention, but this movie will probably not stay in your mind for long. An easy movie to watch that is close to deserving a failing grade.
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hnhnyc12 December 2020I'm so disappointed in Ryan Murphy and, frankly, most of the cast. As a huge fan of everything he's done in every genre, I almost can't believe he had a hand in this. The cheese level worked live and loses its charm here and then some. I am a huge fan of movie musicals, especially ones that adapt existing Broadway shows. This movie wasted its potential to add more poignant plot elements, opting for unnecessary, less-than-charming camp and boring filler scenes. Kerry Washington is insufferable beyond what her role calls for, James Corden's portrayal of a homosexual actor is offensive, and the writing is lazy. Such a bummer that folks who didn't get to see it live are getting this instead.
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terrapowers27 December 2020I tuned in for the cast alone, and from the get-go I was carried away. The acting, the songs, the script - all were top notch, but can we talk about the PRODUCTION VALUE??? It's a visually beautiful movie. Loved the whole thing, start to finish! (Pro tip: keep some Kleenex handy.)
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king_of_snowboarding11 June 2021I went in having no expectations. Didn't know it was a musical, had not watched a trailer. People from work talked about watching it and I wanted to be part of that... I am a fan of Broadway and musicals. The homage given was fun and the story line hit the right punches but due to length, a cast that were too recognizable for other similar roles everything feels forced and takes the audience out of the show. I wouldn't suggest this for a date night in but for a rainy Saturday (or Thursday night) it is worth the watch.
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thomasbgleeson11 December 2020I wanted to hate this film because of James Corden's offensive depiction of a homosexual man but the rest of the film is great. The lead of the film shines and the songs are catchy AF. It really doesn't need Meryl or Nicole but they gain 2 stars for their casting alone.