As we wrap up 2017 and say goodbye to a year that made most of us roll our eyes and up our alcohol intake, it is important to take a few minutes to remember some of the good things to come out of the last 365 days. Thank goodness for the world of entertainment, providing both joyous escapism and thought-provoking drama. Here is my list for the best of 2017 in Broadway, film, and television.
The Greatest Showman: Film Review
The sixteen-year-old version of myself probably would have loved the film The Greatest Showman. It’s a movie musical that paints with broad strokes of emotion, sings with melodies of gloriously exhilarating repetition, and it celebrates the misfits of the world, making the idealistic assumption that if we just believe hard enough, the world will embrace us. On one level, it is a musical fantasy and should be enjoyed by anyone who can subscribe to such misguided optimism. On another level, the adult version of myself wants to slap the sixteen-year-old in me for being so naïve, so eager to embrace such folderal and humbug. But then, The Greatest Showman is based on the life of flim-flam man Phineas Taylor Barnum, the man who supposedly said, “There’s a sucker born every minute” (There is no evidence that he actually did), so buying into folderal is exactly what this tale is about. To a degree, I must admit that I bought into this film. Even if it isn’t perfect, its colorful world of humbug makes you feel good. It’s illusion instead of substance, but that can transport just as easily.
Tony Award-Winning Best Musicals: A Stroll Down Memory Lane
With the end of 2017 almost upon us, I thought it would be fun to reminisce. I thought it would be fun to look up Tony Award-winning musicals and watch clips from these celebrated shows. As I was doing that, I started thinking: wouldn’t it be fun to share these clips with everyone. I did my best to find a clip from each original production. For certain years, I just couldn’t find anything from the actual show, so I stole from movies, video montages, and/or the original performers singing a song from the show outside of the context of the original performance. For better or for worse, here are the Tony-winning Best Musicals in chronological order. I hope you enjoy what I’ve put together.
Nine Things About The Last Jedi that Failed Audiences
SPOILERS AHEAD – Don’t read on if you haven’t seen The Last Jedi yet!
Disney just released the latest Star Wars film The Last Jedi, a film that is receiving a mixed reception from ardent fans who feel that this installment is a major misstep in this iconic film franchise. I, myself, was dismayed and disappointed by this film. Let down by the supernova sized plot problems, unanswered questions, and abrupt deaths that are casually glossed over, I am at a loss as to how this film was ever allowed to become the final product that it is. Here are nine key reasons why I, a lifelong Star Wars fan, am dubious of the direction that the franchise is headed.