Phantom of the Opera coming to the big screen! I can't wait!

[kbanmen]

I sure hope not! That is THE best part for me too. The story is cool, but, the music sends chills up my spine!

Me too..every time I play my CD it brings tears to my eyes..I hope it is the same music as the play..IT has to be..you figure..I am getting misty eyed just thinking about it,,sigh!!!!

[cstephens]

I'd heard, probably a year ago, that Antonio Banderas was being considered for the part of the Phantom, in the movie. Not sure how I feel about that, but, loved him in Evita as Che'.

Yes, he was attached to the film after his performance as Che in "Evita", but thankfully, that fell through, though I don't recall the reason.

I didn't hate him in "Evita" like I thought I would, and he didn't suck like I thought he would - but his performance was very one-note for me. Belting out a song can be good. Belting out EVERY song, not so much. After seeing the movie, I put my CD in of the Broadway musical again and confirmed absolutely how much better Mandy Patinkin was as Che. His Che had a character that evolved and changed, and you saw the reasons for his change. Antonio's Che was just there and abruptly flipped for no apparent reason.


For me, the best part is the music. They can't ruin that , can they?

From listening to the CD, the music sounds awesome. Full orchestra performing the songs. Wow. Now, the singing on the other hand...

[I Heart Disneyland!]

[QUOTE=cstephens]Yes, he was attached to the film after his performance as Che in "Evita", but thankfully, that fell through, though I don't recall the reason.

I didn't hate him in "Evita" like I thought I would, and he didn't suck like I thought he would - but his performance was very one-note for me. Belting out a song can be good. Belting out EVERY song, not so much. After seeing the movie, I put my CD in of the Broadway musical again and confirmed absolutely how much better Mandy Patinkin was as Che. His Che had a character that evolved and changed, and you saw the reasons for his change. Antonio's Che was just there and abruptly flipped for no apparent reason.
QUOTE]

I've not heard Mandy Patinkin as Che...I should check it out. I sort of agree with you about Antonio's Che, he was an angry Che. (ha) And most of the songs were so forceful. I did love him in that part though, a guilty pleasure I guess. I thought Madonna did exceptionally well too, though I am not really a Madonna fan from NOW. The 80's Madonna, when I was in my 20's, I was all over that stuff! ha! Man, I'm getting old! :( But, I digress to the subject at hand, and I still can't wait to see Phantom on screen. It may send me screaming into the streets, and running to the first stage performance I can get my hand on.

[Flint]

UHHHHHHHHH!?!?! :eek: Phantom the movie? Or Phantom overall?

the musical. The soundtrack was mostly bearable, but coupling it with the show killed it for me. I can only stand to listen to someone copy bad Puccini (and bad Puccini is a redundant phrase) for so long, particularly after several years of Phantom overexposure.

Then again, I'm a musician, so my tastes don't follow most of the nation.
/mourn music education and appreciation in America.

[Maus]

Carina Chocana reviewed the movie in the LA Times today and it wasn't pretty.

"But the real problem with "Phantom" is the problem with Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals in general. It's a slow-moving orgy of lowbrow grandiosity that's as tedious as it is overblown and pretentious. Songs, scenes, dance numbers, lyrics and set pieces all blend together into an indistinct, ludicrously self-serious mush, while repetitive melodies get spread across entire sequences like cheap carpet. It's as if "Showgirls" had been production designed by Toulouse-Lautrec and Victoria's Secret and convinced itself that it had class."

LATimes calendarlive.com: 'The Phantom of the Opera' (http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/reviews/cl-et-phantom22dec22,2,2771085.story) (must be registered to view)

The article also states that the musical will be a permanent resident of the Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas in 2006.

[ModHatter]

Sounds like a pretty pretentious reviewer who would like a lot of "high brow" movies that lack any content or consideration of the audience. I've read reviewers like this. Heck, one of my sisters essentially responds to films on these criteria. These are often people who thing Shakespeare is a genius, but soap operas are drivel without ever watching either.

Not to say that the film won't be bad. I still have my fears of Joel Shumacher. But if I had to guess, I'd say this reviewer probably loved Moulin Rouge, despite the fact that if you lop of the first sentence of that paragraph, it pretty accurately describes that movie to a T.

[Wfoxx]

We just got back from seeing it. We loved it. We have seen the show twice in Chicago once at the opera house and in a theater. I think they did a great job with the sets, costumes and the music. Minnie Driver was ok but, the girl who did Christine did a great job. I've read she did her own singing and has a great voice. Raoul wasn't too hard on the eyes either. In EFoxx's opinion it rated just behind Master and commander. Our twelve year old daughter wants the DVD and our 10 year old liked it. We have the CD so they hear it alot. If you like Phantom I think you will enjoy the film. If you don't like Andrew Lloyd Webber then you won't like it.

[cstephens]

Carina Chocana reviewed the movie in the LA Times today and it wasn't pretty.

"But the real problem with "Phantom" is the problem with Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals in general.

So they got someone to review the movie that doesn't like Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals. Gee, surprise that she doesn't like the movie? I remember hearing a snippet that the critics in London aren't too fond of the movie either. Oh well, still need to decide for myself.


The article also states that the musical will be a permanent resident of the Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas in 2006.

I'd read about this a while ago, but it's going to be a shortened version of the musical. Can't imagine what they'd be able to take out without screwing it up.


But if I had to guess, I'd say this reviewer probably loved Moulin Rouge, despite the fact that if you lop of the first sentence of that paragraph, it pretty accurately describes that movie to a T.

Ummm, some of us *love* "Moulin Rouge", which is certainly not high-brow entertainment. How high-brow can you get with two men singing "Like a Virgin"? So don't go around bad-mouthing people who like the film! :~D

[ModHatter]

Ummm, some of us *love* "Moulin Rouge", which is certainly not high-brow entertainment. How high-brow can you get with two men singing "Like a Virgin"? So don't go around bad-mouthing people who like the film! :~D

Certainly didn't intent do badmouth ALL people who like MR. Just the people who will die of love for it, and hate Phantom before they've even seen it, like my sister, and if my guess is correct this Carina as well.

[Disneyphile]

My honey and I have tickets for tonight. I've been dying to see this film, but swore I wouldn't until I finally got to see it live on Broadway, and I got that chance last month! So, now I really can't wait! :D

[ChipmunkStar]

I enjoyed it. I'm certainly glad that I've seen the show live before, otherwise I probably wouldn't have gone to see the musical.

Christine was amazingly pretty (so jealous...), Minnie was OK- I feel that whoever sang her role probably could have done about the same job. Raoul was pretty hot, but I prefer short hair boys. The Phantom was way too old to be chasing after Christine, so that was kind of disturbing... I was kind of annoyed by the "flash forwards", but I'm glad how they wrapped it up.

All in all, B+.

[kbanmen]

I FINALLY saw the trailer on Tv for this movie..and I live in the LA area..My mom has seen this a few weeks ago and she lives in canada..it looks soooo good.. I am hoping to see it next week sometime

[KD Didd]

I can't remember what other shows they're going to be on (probably Good Morning America), but ALW and the principle cast are going to be on The View Dec 24th.

It's a pretty basic interview, but fun to see/hear ALW doodle on the piano.

[ModHatter]

Well, I have to say, forewarned is fore-armed. Knowing it was Joel Schumacher, I was really afraid. But, as soon as Lot 666 came on, I started bawling because this project I have been waiting over 14 years to see on film was finally here.

There were certainly some odd choices, some of which were actually choices I thought were odd in the stage version too, but details aside, I'll probably give it a B for now (which very few movies have even gotten THAT high from me in a couple of years) and see if it holds up to repeat viewings.

[I Heart Disneyland!]

Well, I have to say, forewarned is fore-armed. Knowing it was Joel Schumacher, I was really afraid. But, as soon as Lot 666 came on, I started bawling because this project I have been waiting over 14 years to see on film was finally here.
.


I Heart DL lets out a HUGE sigh of relief! I really trust your thoughts on this subject, Mod! I almost cried when I saw the PREVIEWS when I went with my daughter to see Bridget Jones (which was terrible, in my opinion). I was all chills! I can hardly wait to get out and see it. With Christmas this weekend, I fear I won't see it until next weekend, and I can hardly stand it. No more details, unless you do the spoiler thing, I don't want to know anything!!! Ha! :D Well, I do like knowing it was good, in your opinion, but, nothing else! NOTHING! hahahah!

[Boingonut]

I really really hope this film is good since Phantom is one of the best musicals ever! But I have my reservations about the director Joel Schumacher...he was the guy responsable for killing the Batman franchise with Batman and Robin, and his last film bombed like crazy, anybody say Phone Booth? Didn't think so. He is one of those people in Hollywood that seems to get work no matter what he does! I still have hope for this film though since the source material is so great. I guess I better go see it so I can judge it for myself.

[wood_is_mine]

I'm a HUGE musical fan, like, seriously, but for some reason I know practically nothing about Phantom. It's really hard for me to think about the show with an open mind because...a lot of people who I know keep bashing it, so when I hear someone say they love it I unconciously sigh. I wish I didn't have that problem. Anyway, I'm seeing it today with my dad and I'm looking forward to it.

[ModHatter]

You know, when Sky Captain came out, some reviewer said "If you don't like Sky Captain, you don't like movies." So, I guess I don't like movies. But I feel like saying the same of Phantom. If you don't like this music, you don't like music. There are things about the movie I would do differently, but the core of Phantom, the music, is just shivers-up-the-spine good.

So, if someone doesn't like the movie, fine. But to dislike it enough to bash it? I don't get that.

[Merm8fan]

Saw the movie this past Sunday... I, too, was eagerly awaiting it, driving my co-workers crazy counting down the days until I could see it.

The music was -of course- fantastic. The costumes were beautiful. Minnie Driver was funny as heck. Total shivery goosebumps when the chandelier rose and the cobwebs and dust started to blow away... awesome.

Overall, I liked it, but it can't touch seeing the musical live. While the movie was able to give us detail and close-ups, it has none of the scale or intensity of the stage version. Also, I agree with prior opinions of this Phantom's voice. The "rock opera" statement is correct, as there was none of the finesse or seductiveness that the character requires. Whenever Christine went into "trance mode," I kept wondering why, as his voice was not at all hypnotic or compelling.

Most disturbing aspect: it is winter, in Paris... snow is on the ground. The heroine is constantly in low-cut bodices and no warmth-providing outerwear. I shivered through the entire movie on her behalf... even as the fake snow clung to her lips. Raoul strips down to his shirtsleeves as he descends to the depths of the opera house... getting dunked underwater, and doesn't even appear chilled.

This movie, for my own tastes, is the flip side of Chicago in going from stage to screen. I have seen both live and on film. With Chicago, I thought the film was even better than the live version. With Phantom, I would highly recommend the stage version over the movie. Of course, if you do not have the opportunity to see the stage version, go see the film - or, it appears you can simply visit us here in Las Vegas in the near future and see the "real thing."

[wood_is_mine]

So, what are your feelings about other Lloyd Weber shows? Joseph was one of the first shows I knew backwords and forwards, and while I don't think it's way up there, it'll always have a special place in my heart. Then there's Evita, which I have never seen live but I like the music a lot. Then there's Cats and Starlight Express, which unfourtunately I cannot say the same about. :mad: :rolleyes:

But other musicals....wow. Amelia <3's Urinetown. Shiver.

[ModHatter]

ALW is really a mixed bag for me anyway. Been thinking of downloading Sunset blvd., but i like the movie so much, don't know if it's really advisable. Evita is a winner. Cats... not so much. Memories is an awesome song, but the other 2+ hours... not gonna go there.

One of his projects I want to hear more from is Tell Me On A Sunday, or whatever that one's called. Hearing the Marti Webb rendition of "Take that look off your face" kicks... And of course, JCS was amazing. I had the same experience watching that movie though. Loved the music, the orchestration, but some of the performers weren't doing it for me. My theory at the time I first saw that at Calarts was that the film was deliberately sung weak so it would not replace the live show, but would be just good enough to hook people and make them see the play too.

[tarzansgirl]

I saw PTO last night and loved it! The opening with the chandelier and the restoration of the Opera House was chilling and eye candy. Some people were not impressed with the actors singing but I thought the whole cast was great esp. the Phantom, he was manly in a way that Michael Crawford never was. The girl who played Christine was ok, she kinda stood around with a blank expression on her face. Overall I would give the movie a 9/10. A must see for musical fans.

[Maus]

Saw it today. Loved it. The music was wonderful and it seemed true to the stage production. I appreciated the added background to clear up any questions. I thought the ending was fabulous.

Butler was not a good Phantom. I agree with Merm8fan--not compelling enough or even memorable. Wow, did I miss Michael. I thought Christine and Raoul were great, however.

Unfortunately I do think it's too long. During some of the scenes I was thinking "will this never end?" That's not a good thing to be doing during a 2 1/2 hour movie. Daughter, who has not seen the play, was bored until the last half hour.

Overall score = B

[wood_is_mine]

Saw it yesterday.

My thoughts:

Roger Ebert was WRONG when he said that Raoul was boring. Patrick Wilson was the best part. Not only was he really good looking, but for the first time I really liked that duet that he and Christine sing in the snow.

Was I supposed to feel sorry for the Phantom? Because I didn't.

I liked Emmy Rossum as Christine, and I totally believe that she is a real singer, but after all of the electronic stuff they did to her voice made it ssound reaally bad, I thought. I want to hear her sing something else though, because I'm sure she would be amazing.

I've come to the conclusion that the only musicals that can be successfullly turned into films are musical comedies. At least in Chicago the singing/dancing parts weren't supposed to be "real" so they were more believable, and in Moulin Rouge (which I didn't like, either) everything was SOOO stylized that I at least believed that anything could happen so nothing surprised me. But in Phantom, it just seemed weird when they opened their eyes and these big voices came out! That's why I think Les Miz would NOT work on screen. Everything in it is supposed to be real life, with no crazy pop songs or crazy costumes. It's somber, just like Phantom, so when these crazy things happen on screen in dramas they seem out of place.

But Patrick Wilson, OMG. :rolleyes:

[CoasterChickie]

Saw it, loved it, I danced in my seat, my husband squirmed, my daughters loved it too, wish I could sing as well as Christine, stage is still always better!