re: High Fidelity Reviews — Page 3

It's stupid to now compare EVERYTHING to WS, how many times does that need to be pointed out? That being said, I'm going to agree with Munk, this musical was plain uninspired and I'm actually surprised the reviews weren't worse. I expected a good old fashioned bitch slap from just about everyone. And none of the reviewers were that blown away by the cast (which has been singled out by just about every poster, incl me, since the board started talking about it). Most got *faint* praise and the rest, esp the Jack Black character, were almost completely overlooked.

I don't think this show has even a slim chance of survival and I for one, mostly blame Bobbie. I've said it from day one, he had NO business directing a musical like this.

i shudder as I read that. Is it really 2006? Jack Black is star .

Well, I did say Jack Black is a two-bit film star.

I am sick of Ben Brantley being so snarky and mean-spirited with his reviews.

can't remember which Times critic raved over MAMMA MIA, but if it was Brantley, then he should at least be consistent. These characters certainly show more depth than those (i have nothing against a fun evening like MAMMA, but this show doesn't try to be much more than that). The movie changed things from the book, and the musical changed things from the movie. Shocking! that's never happened before, EVER. The show is bright, has some wit, gathers a strong group of performances, and was loved by the preview audience i saw it with. Sometimes Brantley can be really insightful, but when he decides to show off his own writing instead of actually covering the assignment, his stuff sounds like is should be in SPY or the LAMPOON. i also don't like the generalizations, like when B'way characters alter for movie versions, and vice-versa. They aren't constructive, and when stretched to make his own point without specifics, they are pretty unfair.

Go see this for yourself, don't just trust the buzz on it.

---

We see it Sunday. Hope it lasts long enough for a cast album. I kinda figured the critics including the high & mighty Brantley would not like it. Everything worthy of Broadway, according to them, must be as boring as sin

---

Glad to hear you are an elitist prick

Glad to hear there is at least one on the board. Glad you enjoyed it

---

From the peanut gallery, thought Wedding Singer much more entertaining that some other highly praised shows with a better pedigree

---

Personally, I think Brantley is a pompous jackhole, regardless of his opinion. It's how he presents it that makes me want to hit him with my car.

---

My only problem with Brantley is that sometimes I can't tell if he liked a show or not. That hasn't been the case lately, it seems like he's less afraid of stating his opinion now. I don't know, I thought he gave great reviews for Company and Grey Gardens. I'm starting to warm up to him.

---

"People only have a problem with Brantley if he hates the show they like.

Please."

I have a problem with Brantley because I feel the job of the critic is to help a reader understand why THEY would or wouldn't like a show. Brantley acts like the job of a critic is to help the reader understand why HE did or didn't like a show. It's a seemingly small distinction, but it honestly makes a world of difference. I have read Frank Rich's "Hot Seat" cover to cover, and I find him to be an incredible critic under these guidelines. Obviously, this is just my opinion, but I finally figured out how to articulate why I dislike Brantley.

---

Good point Infinite.
And it was Brantley who gave MAMMA MIA a rave.
Not that it would have mattered, that show was un reviewable.
Even Brantley blames his good review on 9/11.
Too bad We weren't bombed before HIGH FIDELITY opened.
Well in a way we were.