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Reviews
Eternals (2021)
Marvel Tries Something New - Fans Turn On Them (Figures...)
The hate that this film is receiving is very disappointing. A diverse, well-casted group of actors with stunning visuals, an Oscar-winning director, and what do people have a problem with - the plot?? I've been trying to wrap my head around why most reviews are calling the plot "a mess" and "too complicated" and the only thing I can come up with is that people were expecting more of the same from Marvel. I am a huge MCU fan, but most of their plot points up until now have been fairly cut-and-dry and easy to follow. (Probably to also grab a younger audience.) This one is not. They are trying to explain the origin of the universe while introducing an ensemble cast of 10+ new characters, so yes the runtime is long at 2 hours and 37 minutes, but I think they did a beautiful job introducing each of these characters. The film itself is character-driven and each of them grappling with their own immortality and humanity.
So, if you are looking for another simple plot with tons of action scenes or explosions that your 6-year old will love, this isn't it. You have to pay attention for this plot to make sense. They are trying something new with this film and I am loving it! Not your everyday Marvel movie, which is a good thing.
Dear Evan Hansen (2021)
Haters Gonna Hate - Don't Listen!
Seriously - Don't believe any of the negative reviews! Everyone is so worked up that Ben Platt isn't actually 17! Yeah, like older actors have never played teenagers before... Get. Over. It. Do you have no imagination?? This is Ben Platt's role and I can't imagine anyone else doing it and he knocked it out of the park! His emotional delivery while he sings is unmatched. You hang onto every word he is saying. Extremely relatable and believable. Does he look 17? No, not really. But I didn't even care because his acting was excellent and he IS Evan Hansen! Clearly if that is what you are fixating on, you were not at all getting the message. And yes, he (Evan Hansen) is a deeply flawed human being that isn't a hero or a good guy really, but that is precisely the point! I just can't even with these people that are hating on this movie for the story. Don't watch it then! It's been a musical for years... Did you do no research or even listen to it? This baffles me...
The only reason this film isn't getting a 10 is because of the songs they cut, especially "Anybody Have a Map?" I really wanted to see Julianne Moore and Amy Adams sing that song and it gives you more insight into the families before you get into the story. However, the song they added was really good and gave Alana's character a lot more depth. Also, the pacing was a bit off at times. I would be sad/crying one minute and then we are supposed to be happy, then sad again. I haven't seen the musical in person. I've watched it on YouTube, so it seems that is how the stage production is too, but it really wasn't that big of a deal to me.
Anyway, if you like the musical, you will LOVE this movie. I thought they did a great job with the message! Also, I'm pretty sure they were all live singing, which is super impressive. (If they weren't, they did a great job making it sound like they were!)