Final takes on the prom movie: OKAY I JUST LOVED IT.
Is it flawed? Yes, definately. But being someone who has seen the stage show, I really enjoyed this adaptation. Here's just some opinions
(Note: I am gay, enby, and was alienated for me sexuality in the 8th grade so this is one of the most relatable pieces of media to me.)
One of my favorite parts of seeing the live musical was the lesbian couple in front of me, laughing and sobbing and loving the show (very sweet people, we talked at intermission 🥺🥺)
I loved seeing that because I saw people SEEING themselves on stage. Unpopular opinion, but while Emma and Alyssa's relationship was WAY better in the musical, I still feel like they did a lot. I imagine so many LGBTQ+ people seeing themselves in Emma or in Alyssa. It could've been better, but they'll help so many people feel seen.
Second, James Corden. I am of the opinion that any actor can play any character, regardless of sexuality. Honestly, I feel like so many people are being over the top about Corden's portrayal of Barry. I don't see him as a characature at all like, don't know where some of you are coming from with that. I think this is easily one of his best roles, he was pretty adorable tbh. BUT I do still consider him the low point of the adaptation: the accent and just comparing his performance to Meryl Streep, Andrew Rannells, and most other actors.
I liked how true to the script a lot of it was, all the songs are still in it, and a lot of the scenes that were in the musical were pretty word for word in the adaptation!! (I'm looking at you, phantom, les mis, and rent) BUT I'M SO MAD THAT THEY CUT THE ACCEPTANCE SONG SHORT ABDBSBDBAB!! Rannells was still just hilarious and wonderful. I, like many others, didn't like how most of the attention was on the adults more so than the musical, but scroll back to my previous point.
I've seen so many people criticise this and it makes me so mad: Emma smiling while being hatecrimed and bullied. I said this in my previous post, but some of you clearly haven't had to smile through the hardtimes and pretend like everything is fine. In the eighth grade, I got the award in my Natural Helpers team for being the "smiliest" person. Below the surface, I was sad and stressed and scared. I related so much to Emma smiling through it, breathing, and being optimistic still. Everyone is different, and we should recognize this (also every portrayal of a character is different)
I LOVED MERYL STREEP. who doesn't though, next.
NICOLE KIDMAN!!! Loved it. Loved how they adapted Zazz, next.
ANDREW RANNELLS!!!! Ok, yeah, I stan him. Trent was one of my favorite parts of the original live show. Also, unrelated, I see a lot that The Prom is a movie made for "straight people" and I want to just ask, why is that such a bad thing? We don't hold cishet movies to the same standards as our lgbtq movies, and shit like Holiday-date still comes out. And, if this is made for straight people, I think it teaches some damn good things. Love thy Neighbor? Always a delight (one of my favorite parts of the musical LMAO) and will definately touch some young, straight people who watch it. Also, Kerry Washington is a great portrayal of many Karens that very much exist today. One thing I loved is her coming to support Alyssa. Alyssa doesn't "forgive" her like so many critics are saying; Alyssa gives her a chance because she recognizes her mom's flaws, and recognizes that she loves her and will grow for her daughter. The message of growth in this adaptation is very important I feel.
I love both Alyssas tbh! They are very different portrayals and characterizations, but they are great in their own right. Both coming out scenes are so emotional in their different ways.
Finally, I just want to say: let people enjoy things. I live in a world where criticising art while still appreciating it for what it is/loving it should coexist. Is the prom movie flawed? Yes. Will I still watch it over and over again and cry everytime? Yes. One hundred times yes. I'm so glad that a movie like this is on a very accessible service like Netflix because it will help so many people: people who never got the chance to see the musical live, peopls who don't know musicals, and queer kids in a tough place because of similar circumstances. This movie is so important and should be appreciated.
turnnoffyourmind
izzy806
kaledo-art
areudirty
2087
pixelskylines
tangentwithtanner
theartofmadeline
