Saw the phantom movie- Page 2

[Laluna579]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 6:30pm

I don't know if this was posted or if anyone has seen this, but it's part of a very positive review of the movie. (I shortened it since it was really long but I'm giving you the highlights.

"It's very scary to go out on the tightrope alone… and I don't really like to make declarative statements in the heat of a still developing Oscar season… but here I go…

The only movie that can keep The Phantom of The Opera from winning Best Picture is The Aviator.

Breathe.

Let me say it again. This is not about locking in a nomination. This is not a guess because the film is one my favorites, so it's got to happen. This is a film whose buzz has come, so far, 100%, from a handful of people who saw it in long lead screenings and have been pissing on it ever since. But they are wrong.

The Aviator is the only movie still little seen that has the size and the potential weight to kick Phantom out of a Best Picture win. It could do it two ways… it could beat The Phantom outright or it could create a split in the voting for the two big Old Hollywood pictures and allow a smaller film to sneak in through the back door. So it's not 100%. But anyone who thinks The Phantom Of The Opera isn't being nominated is, well, to be kind, just wrong.

I was expecting that the film would be pilloried by critics… and some will shriek. I would now estimate a Rotten Tomatoes response in the high 70s, a little lower for "The Cream of The Crop" perhaps. But the negatives will be for what the movie is, not for how the movie was made.

I'm not going to get any further into the movie itself, since I saw it only as an accomodation to prepare me for tonight's MCN Screening Series screening, which will be followed by a Q&A by Joel Schumacher. It is not the time for anything remotely resembling a review. (Honestly, I'll probably get yelled at for saying anything at all…)

But I can say this… it delivers on its aspirations. And even if you are not a Lloyd Webber fan, if you let yourself get into it, you will be drawn in.

To put it in Oscar terms, if Chicago was the new millennium answer to Cabaret, The Phantom of The Opera is the new millennium answer to Oliver. 11 nominations, 5 wins, including Best Picture. "
David Poland

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 6:34pm

Thanks, you two. Luv ya both. Wow. That is a great review. Go Phantom. Woot! Woot!

[Kimsus123]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 6:36pm

what a shame!! ahh i really wanted the movie to turn out well...

[Menken Fan]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 6:36pm

Check out this review from the great Ain't It Cool News site...
Ain't It Cool News Phantom Review

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 6:42pm

Ok, here is something I noticed. Those saying they didn't like it, have stated that they weren't fans of the show either. Well, if you aren't fans of a certain musical on stage......more than likely you won't like the fillm version. Has anyone else picked this up?

[bronxboundexpress]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 7:03pm

I just realized something. Could th reason that Gerard sounds strange when he sing and like he has down syndrome or a speech impediment be because the Phantom is actually a deformed maybe mentally challenged character? Even if that wasn't his intent, could it still work that way? I think it's fine that the part is not sung operatically since it's not an opera.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 7:11pm

Well, I like Gerard's take on the Phantom and I don't care what anyone else thinks (but I will argue if need be) so there! **sticks tongue out**

[bronxboundexpress]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 7:30pm

Oh, I like Gerard too. He almost does sound like a rock singer.

[EponineThenardier]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 7:55pm

I really have grown to love Gerry's voice. I love it now. But I do think that he sounds a bit like Cookie Monster in parts of "Down Once More/Track Down This Murderer." A very sexy cookie monster, I think his accent was getting in the way at times when he was trying to sing.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 8:01pm

I just read a review on phantomfans.net that is really positive, but it also gives it's flaws (mainly "Masquerade"). I mean, those people are the really HARD ones to break because of their devotion to the show and so far they all seem excited about this movie and actually love Gerard as the Phantom (As do I, as previously stated). Again, I understand that it is your opinion that the movie was bad, but can you please go into detail about why it was bad?

[Dollypop]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 8:22pm

Not all songs in movies are lip-synched. Doris Day insisted on performing live several of her numbers in the old PAJAMA GAME movie.

[BlueRose]

Posted: 11/12/04 at 8:32pm

Actually, the people on phantomfans.net have found quite a few reviews out there that are positive. There was one in the NY Times in September, and one of the posters on PFN saw a screening yesterday. I would encourage people to look through that site. If there is something about the movie, it is there-both positive and negative. I have noticed that the people who give negative reviews tend to be very vague. I wish they would give details as to what they dislike. Otherewise, I tend to be skeptical that they saw the movie.

[kec]

Posted: 11/13/04 at 4:05am

"During the mirror clip, I got really annoyed with Emmy's lip syncing(Sp). "

I just watched that clip a little while ago, and there was nothing wrong with her lip synching. When I watched it a few days ago, however, there were problems, but I think it was more my computer. The clip itself would stop while the music kept going, so when it started up again, it seemed that Emmy's lips and voice were out of synch.

[kec]

Posted: 11/13/04 at 4:10am

"Check out this review from the great Ain't It Cool News site... "

Interesting to note that the poster was not a fan of the musical to begin with. Also interesting to note he did not get the names of the actors playing the Phantom and Christine correct, and his big complaint with "Emily" Rossum was that she seemed like she was in a trance most of the time. As someone pointed out in another message board, she's SUPPOSED to be in a trance, around the Phantom at any rate.

Yes, opinion is going to be divided on this film. I've seen it evident on a message board I frequent where the opinions are very sharply divided on the voices of both Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler. If you dislike the film, fine, but it's helpful if you explain your reasons. A reason such as given above doesn't make much sense to me.

Remember, it's only ONE opinion. I'm sure there will be more to come between now and when the show opens. But, ultimately, it's up to each individual to decide for him or herself as to whether the film works for that person. Updated On: 11/13/04 at 04:10 AM

[FabalaCohen]

Posted: 11/13/04 at 12:11pm

Amen kec! I don't take opinons from reviewers anymore (ironic tho... as I review CDs on side...)

Not to mention, I've read the book about Ain't It Cool-they already hate Joel Schumacher as well. Perhaps another reason why they didn't like it?

[TheaterGeek91]

Posted: 11/13/04 at 2:47pm

When exactly does the movie come out? I am anxious to see it. Sorry for such a dumb question!

[pab]

Posted: 11/13/04 at 2:50pm

December 22

[Brodybaby03]

Posted: 11/13/04 at 2:57pm

I don't know what to do.....I'm just friggin over this movie!
It's not right that they cast Gerard Butler or WHOEVER....It's just dumb. I'm laughing at myself right now because I know I'm one of 18 billion people who feel the same.
I just think there were SOOOOO many SEXIER choices so many MORE TALENTED choices...like Gerard Butler is not a name so you mean to tell me there weren't a bunch of other NON NAME actors that couldn't have been better in this role? HUGH PANARO could have done it! Marc Kudisch :) heheheh in a perfect world.
And Emmy Rossum is VERY pretty but I think she's FAR too young, and I've heard the girl sing, she does NOT have the chops to sing this role, at ALL! ANd maybe I could enjoy Patrick Wilson if he didn't have a mullet.
I'm just over this, CHICAGO took off and won OSCARS so then someone had to make this movie happen too fast and not in the right way and I doubt it will even be decent. I hope I'm wrong.
Im also laughing at myself because I was about to start a thread on how much I love XANADU :) Im such a hypocrite!

[BlueRose]

Posted: 11/13/04 at 2:57pm

December 22nd is the limited release (see phantomthemovie.warnerbros.com for the list of cities). Full release is January 21st.

[Phantom05]

Posted: 11/13/04 at 3:16pm

I have a recommendation for everyone, why don't you wait until the movie is released before you make any judgments about the film. You cannot say that a movie will be bad just because of a trailer or a clip of a song. Also, you do realize that this is the internet, and it would be perfectly easy for anyone to say that they saw a private screening of a movie, and have all of you believe them. Rather than listen to someone that most of you know very little of, try waiting for the movie's release and then make your own decision!

See Ya!

Phantom05

[LittleFish8386]

Posted: 11/13/04 at 3:17pm

When does the Soundtrack (?--do I use soundtrack or cast recording in this case? soundtrack right...)

Any way, when does it come out?

[Auggie27]

Posted: 11/13/04 at 3:32pm

Dollypop's right--sometimes people sang live in previous eras. But the last major bit of live singing was very likely Rex Harrison in MY FAIR LADY. And then Streisand did the first half of MY MAN on the set. As someone astutely explained, it's damned near impossible to produce audience-pleasing sounds without synching. (And by the way -- a ton of dialogue scenes are often redone after shooting; it's "looping" ii npost-production to change inflections, coverproblems, etc.)

I'm intrigued that everyone believes this film to be an Oscar shoe-in merely because it's big, expensive, and a musical. Golden Globes, maybe (they gave it to EVITA, and Madonna, if my memory serves, though neither got nominated for Oscars--only "You Must Love Me." And EVITA is far edgier material than PHANTOM.) Oscars often go to smaller films more widely admired. For every GLADIATOR there's an ANNIE HALL, remember. I'm sure PHANTOM will make a ton o'money, but even with positive reviews, its no guarantee as the award-winner tobeat. Smaller films this year -- like SIDEWAYS, and VERA DRAKE for example-- stand to get a lot of attn in Awards season.

[kangaroo]

Posted: 11/13/04 at 5:15pm

I cannot say that I am surprised. I guess I'll have to see when it's out... on video.

[BlueRose]

Posted: 11/13/04 at 10:34pm

The soundtrack is released on November 23rd. If you pre-order it from Sony you get a free poster. If you pre-order the two-disc from Amazon.com you get to listen to the highlights version (or you can get it from phantomfans.net).

I am looking forward to this film. I love parts of the soundtrack I have heard. Gerard Butler's MOTN makes me weak in the knees. I think the trailers and film clip look wonderful. I know some people will not like it, but a lot of the official reviews (David Pollard at moviecitynews.com for example) are extremely positive. I can't wait until this comes out in theaters.

[ajayspak2]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 12:58pm

Right On, I hated Phantom on Broadway and when i heard Shumacher was doing the movie I KNEW it would suck even more.