The Producers

Let's see if I can't remember my impressions of these movies well enough two weeks after viewing them to give a decent review:

The Producers was a mildly entertaining movie. It probably would have been more entertaining had I not been familiar with the original movie or the stage musical. Expecting to view a total flop, I actually left the theater having enjoyed the movie--low expectations going in have a tendency to do that.

It's biggest flaw--the piece did not adapt for a new media. As the original movie it was funny. A a musical is was limited by the conventions of the stage. In a movie of the musical I was expecting them to take full advantage of what film has to offer, namely subtle looks, camera angles, more locations and less restriction to physical time or place (meaning the time it takes to do a scene change or how quickly an actor can change clothes). Editing is one of the magic tools of the movies.

The acting was too large for the screen--but what do you really expect when the two original cast members from the stage show are reprising their rolls. I must admit, Will Farrell stole the show. I thoroughly enjoyed his performance.

I wish I could give some credit to the creativity or ingenuity, but everything that was up on that screen was taken directly from the stage show, from costumes down to the line readings and a lot of the choreography. You have a new form of media at your fingertips! Do something more original!

If you have a choice (and given Broadway's ticket prices at the moment, I'm not sure many of you do) see the stage musical. For those seeing the movie of the musical. Enjoy it for what it is, but don't expect too much.