Movie Review #06
As an additional note, this review is gonna be based on not only the presentation of the taping of the Broadway presentation, but also on my opinion of the actual stage play itself.
While Hamilton was created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the director of this project belongs to Thomas Kali, whose background consist of other Broadway productions in various TV episodes, Live TV specials, or feature film presentations, including Grease: Live, The Electrical Company, and In the Heights. Thus, given his knowledge of directing “on the stage”, the idea of Kali helming this project is quite ideal; approaching Hamilton (with Miranda) with the intent of a highly entertaining and enjoyable stage production that easily translates well into a feature film. Although Hamilton isn’t quite labelled as a theatrical movie (technically), the spirit, energy, and overall presentation of the original Broadway musical is ever present and is quite accessible format to view the production, especially with the original cast members playing their respective roles . Kali did serve as the director for the original music and serving on the Hamilton filmed stage production is equally impressive in all variants of the production, including the lead actors, songs, choreographing, story, and stage managing of everything; making for quite an experience to view that keeps the nuances of the stage play, but have a little bit of splash of theatrical feature film mixed in. Such is the case with the camera angling of certain scenes and sequences by panning shots and facial close up shots; something that the Broadway show couldn’t pull off as Kali offers up some facial expressions to some of the more dynamic character built moments and / or musical numbers (such as King George III’s comical songs) as well as splicing a few editing scenes for some more powerful cues. Altogether, Hamilton feels like the Broadway experience that everyone wanted to see; getting chance to see the full stage theatrical production of the big numbers and charismatic performances.
In terms of the actual stage play of Hamilton, I personally liked it. As mentioned, I never actually got to see the Broadway production (neither on or off-Broadway plays), but I kept on hearing plenty of “rave reviews” about it. Thus, I was definitely curious to eventually see Hamilton in some shape or form and I do have to say that it certainly lived up to the inherit hype.Rather than the straightforward way that Broadway musical shows are produced Miranda, who also help write the music, pull from different styles of music genres to play apart in the play’s songs; incorporating the influences of hip-hop, R&B, soul, and pop as well as traditional showtunes. It may sound like a jarring compilation of music for a Broadway show, but the end result is sheer brilliant and entertaining, with a great majority of Hamilton’s songs being solidly fun, energetic, heartfelt, and impactful. This is also plays a part in the stage presentation, which certainly plays a central focus, and gives off a beautiful usage of color stage lights and a revolving circle that projects play of different elements (i.e. body movements, stage handling, scene changes). Additionally, Miranda does make the most of his stage play and charges the tale of Alexander Hamilton without enough fun and charm (both in energy and dramatic) as well as talking about history during this time without become tedious or boring. Lastly, I did find it interesting that most of the play’s cast were of a non-white acting talent that play most of the major characters in the story. While some people might hesitate that idea, but anyway it really didn’t bother me at all. In truth, it’s kind of added to the play’s energy and charismatic nuances. Like Miranda said about on this subject by describing Hamilton as about “American then”, as told by America now. Thus, I really enjoyed Hamilton.
There are those who might dislike how the movie doesn’t get to focus on everything that transpired in Hamilton’s life and / or the amount of historical facts that occurred during such a poignant moment in American history. However, given the amount of singing / musical numbers (it is a musical play after all) and how the there’s a particular end point to reach, this notion didn’t quite bother me as much.For all of its prose and acclaim that both the play and this film version of Hamilton has received, there were a few minor criticisms that have with presentation, which (again) is a combination of the actual stage play creation and in the filmed version. On the matter of the theatrical play, I have to say that there are a few elements (both story and character ones) that aren’t fully utilized in the production. Of course, the talent of the on-stage performances presence certainly masked those problems, with many giving charismatic energy to their respective roles, but I felt that some of them kind of get “dropped off” …. especially with characters like Hercules and Layfette, who definitely makes a stirring character (via their performances), but sort of get dropped off by the end of the first act. The same with Madison in the second act. He’s there in various scenes, but there’s not much to him.
Following him, actor Anthony Ramos (Monsters and Men and A Star is Born) gives a fine performance as John Laurens and as Hamilton’s son, Phillip. As Laurens, Ramos gives willful persona that’s both fun and sincere at the same time, while his portrayal of Phillip Hamilton is one of a young scrappy character of that of his father (brash and righteous). Both of which are well-played by Ramos. Of this trio, I think that actor Okieriete Onaodowan (Station 19 and The Get Down) gets the least amount character development time for his dual respective characters of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison. Granted, Onaodowan is terrific in both roles and certainly has the screen presence to make the character, but (as I mentioned above) both Hercules and Madison seem to be pushed to the backburner in various scenes and is limited by the stage play, which is a bit disappointing as you can tell that Onaodowan is quite talented and does give quite the impression of a “larger-than-life” character persona in his portrayal of Hercules.
Looking beyond those characters, I do have to mention that actor Jonathan Groff (Frozen and Mindhunters) is terrific as King George III. While his scenes are scattered throughout the play, Groff’s portrayal England’s presiding ruler is quite comical and he certainly embraces that ideal whenever he’s on-screen and the result is pure hilarious magic. As for the two Schuyler sisters (Angelica and Eliza), both actresses Renee Elise Goldsberry (One Life to Live and The House with a Clock in its Walls) and Philippa Soon (Smash and The Code) do exceptionally jobs. Goldsberry is riveting as the witty and sympathetic Angelica in her performance as well as her more seductive secondary role in the play as Maria Reynolds, a person who Hamilton has an affair with, while Soon is quite hopeful and helplessly heart-wrenching as Hamilton’s dutiful wife. Rounding out the cast, actor Chris Jackson (Oz and Bull) gives an impeccable job in the role of George Washington; commanding each scene that he’s in with great ease.
In the end It was definitely something great and certainly deserves all the praise that it received. There were a few minor nitpicks that I had with it, but the stage play production, acting, and singing were all well-played and entertaining. Thus, my recommendation for this is definite “highly recommended” one as it is truly something to behold, especially if you never saw the theatrical stage play or the original cast members. Altogether, the 2020 release on Hamilton on Disney+ is truly a captivating and engrossing presentation of the famous Broadway production (with the original cast) and is the next best thing to seeing the show from…. well…. just like the song says….in the room where it happened.
Ratings 4.6 out of 5
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