The Producers Movie - Go Stro!

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 1/3/06 at 7:53pm

Yes, I saw THE PRODUCERS before RENT. But, hey, I do like TP.

I went not expecting anything. However, if you enjoyed the show, you most likely enjoyed the movie. Why? Because they are virtually the same thing - right down to costumes, script, and choreography (well, almost the whole choreography).

I do, in fact, happen to love this sho. Is it overrated? Yes. But I still find it highly enjoyable, highly comedic, and highly well-done. Nevertheless, I was expecting for at least something new. I was practically mouthing the lines with the actors (though not as well). I was hoping for some changes in direction and some changes in the script. But, I guess, if you have a good thing = keep it. For those who never saw the show, it is definitely worthwhile to see the movie. For one tenth the price and minus three songs, the movie is virtually the stage show on tape.

Nevertheless, Stroman's use of the same, well, everything, gave greater insight into her idea of staging the show. Perhaps certain things she did in the movie show the audience how she meant them in the show. Nothing profound, of course, but it was still fun.

It was also nice to see two Bialystocks - actually three - in the movie, with the exception of Lane (Richard Kind (who I saw), John Tracey Egan, and Brad Oscar as the taxi driver (also saw him). It was also nice to see so many Broadway cameos.

Now, I saw the original cast on Broadway. Like RENT fans, it was nice to get most of them back....Nathan Lane gave a great performance in the movie. Naturally, of course. Between channeling Zero and channeling his stage self - he gave a hilarious performance that was worth the price of admission alone.

I remember Matthew Broderick to be...how to say...better on stage. He just seemed out of it. For most of the movie. Only occasionally did he show a sign of "caring." Yet in the show, he was funny. Fortunately for him, or unfortunately for us, Uma Thurman was completely miscast. I wasn't expecting much of a voice - but she wasn't great with the "look" either. She was fine - when she wasn't singing. But of all the actors in Hollywood, I think they could have found someone better.

Gary Beach and Roger Bart were just as good as they were when I last saw them on Broadway - about 3 years ago. There's nothing bad to be sad about their chemistry together and with the others. It was great getting to see them - and hopefully Beach gets some heavy recognition for his talent.

Lastly, Will Farrell. Pure genious. He did his thing, but it wasn't overbearing. He stole the scenes when he was on screen, but he didn't steal the movie. And that's what Franz should do. My parents, who hate Will's work, actually found him hilarious. I was surprised. And his voice isn't as strong as Brad Oscar's, but coupled with his acting, he gets by just fine. And the finel "The Hop Clop Goes On" is worth hearing. It was also great to see Mel Brooks at the end of the movie.

This movie is exactly what it should be, nothing more. It's a duplicate - not an exact duplicate - of the stage show. After the stage show closes, we'll have this movie to remind us of the hilarity and comic genious of Mel Brooks' THE PRODUCERS: THE MUSICAL.


Updated On: 1/3/06 at 07:53 PM

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 1/3/06 at 7:55pm

I wonder if her job well done on this movie will boost her chances of her intentions to adapt CONTACT for the big screen.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 1/3/06 at 8:11pm

Stro should not give up her day job. Fosse could make the transition but I do not believe she can

[Magdalene]

Posted: 1/3/06 at 8:16pm

Right on, BSoBW2!!! I'm not looking for anything deep, I'm looking to laugh, and that is exactly what this movie provided (and I agree about Will ferrell---my mom found him hilarious, and she usually thinks he's too juvenile for her taste!)

[greeneyed_one]

Posted: 1/3/06 at 8:18pm

BSoBW2 you took the words right out of my mouth. Great review- I agree 100%!

[eltenor]

Posted: 1/3/06 at 8:41pm

A perfect recap of the movie. I agree with everything you said. I'm a HUGE fan of the show (it was my first Bway with the original cast in previews) and thus I was worried but I think it came out pretty well. It was enjoyable but nothing hugely spectacular. Great analysis!

[ALWrules]

Posted: 1/3/06 at 9:32pm

I'm not saying I didn't enjoy the movie, because I did, but I wish that there could have been something special that would have made it more exceptional. It really is a fun musical, and I think Stro just put the stage version on screen without adding anything that would make it more interesting. Look at what Marshall did with Chicago; he added some interesting elements to the movie, and Stroman didn't really do much of that to the Producers, meaning it didn't turn out quite as special. There wasn't any interesting camera work or other outstanding direction. She did a good job, but nothing special in translating the movie.

[SallyBrown]

Posted: 1/3/06 at 9:36pm

I agree 100 percent with what you said except I never saw the original show. Still hope to.

[PerforMeg]

Posted: 1/3/06 at 9:51pm

I agree about Uma-it was really nothing she could have changed to make the role better. She just didn't work in that role. I can't put a finger on exactly why. Yeah, the voice was just not there. But would Nicole Kidman have been any better?

Did anyone else find it odd that Debra Monk and Andrea Martin were billed at the end but they were essentially extras? You saw a lot more of Debra but she definitely didn't do hardly anything. I was expecting a line or something at least. And Karen Ziemba did NOTHING. NOTHING. I just thought it was interesting-I guess it's good that they got to do it at all. A little bird told me Hunter Foster was in it too-anyone know where?

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 1/3/06 at 10:08pm

Hunter Foster was listed as ensemble but I didn't see him.

Also, Debra Monk is listed as "Hold Me Touch Me." But that wasn't her.

[crzyrocket]

Posted: 1/3/06 at 11:03pm

I believe Andrea Martin and Debra Monk had extended scenes during "Along Came Bialy" but they were cut. There were small snippets in the UK trailer of their scenes. It doesn't really make sense though to cut their parts but leave them in the credits. I suppose it was an oversight.

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 1/3/06 at 11:09pm

ALWrules - like I said, Stro had a good thing with the stage show, why not keep it? Of course, I agree - I wish she redid things. Then again, they have been advertising this movie as a highly awarded Broadway musical (aka "see the movie, it's just like the 12-time Tony winner play").

Hunter Foster may have only lended his voice. His name is listed in the soundtrack - but I did not see anyone else's name, such as Monk.

I'm sure Monk and Martin got special billing because of their agents - "my clients will do the movie for special blling." I was upset Richard Kind - who non-theatre people may recognize - did not get any special billing.

FOAnatic - I think imdb.com has it wrong. Eileen Essell played Hold Me-Touch Me. She was also listed before Debra Monk and Andrea Martin.
Updated On: 1/3/06 at 11:09 PM

[hypertruffle]

Posted: 1/3/06 at 11:11pm

Wonderful review BSo! I agree with nearly everything (I also have seen the movie). Except, I didn't find Mr. Farrell that hilarious. For me, watching his first scene was like watching a SNL sketch. Nonetheless, I gotten used to it by the end.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/4/06 at 12:10am

As was mentioned, Monk's and Martin's big moments were cut. But they are still Emmy-award winning stars who should have billing.

[sabrelady]

Posted: 1/4/06 at 5:08pm

AND who may have contractually required billing-
Hey all the folks mentioned got paid- work is work.

[theatreboi11]

Posted: 1/4/06 at 5:13pm

First, I love The Producers and I have always loved and admired Susan Stroman!

However, I HATED this movie! I don't know what was wrong, but I just was very very disappointed. I remember seeing this show on Broadway and laughing so hard! I couldn't remember when I had as good a time at a musical before! This movie was the exact opposite for me. It is such a shame. Through this, I am still a fan of the show and Susan Stroman.