Ahoy, squirts! Quint here with another review from that test screening of THE PRODUCERS. This one echoes a lot of what the first review said, which is a great thing for those of us who want this movie to rock our socks off. Even in this early stage the film seems to be working very well. I can't wait!
Last night, my girlfriend and I saw the first ever screening of 'The Producers' in Edgewater, New Jersey. It was the first early screening of a movie I've ever been to (I was invited to see 'Derailed' early, but couldn't make it), so I was very excited. I became even more excited when Mel Brooks passed us in the lobby.
Right off the bat, I want to say that I loved the flick. I understand that some people won't want to read the whole review to see if I liked it or now. It was excellent. I highly recommend it to everyone. Even if you don't like musicals, I'm sure you'll find something to love. I haven't seen the musical on Broadway, so I'm just reviewing the film and can't compare the two. Also, I don't intend to give any spoilers.
The film isn't in it's finished state, but it's pretty close. The sound was near perfect, and the picture was beautiful. Some of the lighting didn't match in a few scenes, and the few effects in the movie definitely needed some work. The opening shot in particular was very cheesy looking, but I'm sure it'll look great when it's finished.
Watching the movie is almost exactly like watching a Broadway show. Most of the time it worked, but sometimes it failed. Examples:
Worked: The opening scene was excellent, and set the tone perfectly. It was well choreographed, had a beautiful set, and was very funny. It got you in the mood for what was ahead, and made you feel almost like you were watching a live performance,
Didn't work: The start of the scene after this, which is the introduction of Matthew Broderick (Leo Bloom) and Nathan Lane (Max Bialystock). Nathan Lane was great in this scene, but Matthew Broderick took a few minutes to warm up to, His performance would have fit right in on Broadway, but came across as over acting. But, once you get used to it, he's brilliant.
Lane and Broderick are so comfortable with these roles that they really do become them. As the movie goes on, it becomes such a joy to watch them sing, dance, and interact. They play off of each other very well. Very reminiscent of some of the old great pairs, like Abbot & Costello.
The supporting cast is just as great (for the most part), if not better. Uma Thurman was the highlight of the movie for me as Ulla. She was just so wonderful, that I never wanted her to be off camera. She was very funny, very relaxed with the character, and absolutely beautiful. Will Ferrell was great as Franz Liebkind for the most part. A few times he crossed the line of funny a bit and just lost me, but I couldn't have imagined a better choice. Gary Beach was great as the director. I mean, he really surprised me with just how funny he was. Roger Bart was very good as the assistant, but seemed a little forced at times.
Besides them, there were some great cameos. Jon Lovitz can make me laugh by doing just about anything, and was priceless even though he had maybe 5 lines. Richard Kind came in toward the end with a pretty amusing turn as a member of the jury. And then the man, Mel Brooks, popped his head in at the very end.
It's a very different movie from the original. You really can't compare them at all. To me, no one can replace Gene Wilder, but thankfully Broderick doesn't try to imitate him, and you really forget about the original while watching it.
When the film ended, my girlfriend and I were part of the focus group. 20 out of the 21 people called the movie either excellent or very good. The only one who didn't like it said it was because it 'felt too much like an old movie.' Yeah... Anyway, judging by the thunderous applause after almost every scene, and theater full of laughter, I'd say she was one of the very few who didn't absolutely love it.
If you like old musicals, comedies, Mel Brooks, or having a good time, see this movie when it comes out. You won't regret it.
Chris M. W.
