Movie Reviews for Hedwig and the Angry Inch (New Line Platinum Series)

Hedwig and the Angry Inch (New Line Platinum Series)

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Movie Reviews of Hedwig and the Angry Inch (New Line Platinum Series)

Movie Review: Mover Over Rocky Horror, Hedwig is in Town!
Summary: 4 Stars

I don't know what's more incredible, that rock musicals keep getting better or that the best rock musicals focus on sexual ambiguity.

"Hedwig and the Angry Inch" outshines it's processor "Rocky Horror" in a number of arenas, it's better acted, the music is stronger, and the plot is far from campy. Well, it's a little campy but it's also sad and somewhat tragic, making this a very grown up rock opera.

John Cameron Mitchell plays Hedwig (formally Hansel) Robinson, a young German man who escapes Berlin with the help of an American serviceman. The two are lovers and Hansel must become Hedwig if he is to make it past the U.S. inspectors. So an operation is had, but the results are less than satisfying. Hedwig makes it to America, but there's still an inch of Hansel left. Hedwig is eventually abandoned by his/her lover. He/She experiments with music and soon mentors future rock star Tommy Gnosis. The movie starts with Hedwig far from being a "has been". Hedwig is a "never was" and is only able to score gigs at roadside Holiday Inns. All the while Hedwig's discipline, Tommy Gnosis, is a mega star, making millions off the very songs Hegwig wrote.

We learn about Hedwig's life through the movie's songs and through effective flashbacks. There is much pain in Hedwig's life and the result turn him/her into a bitter bitch who only seems to find motivation in bringing everyone else around him/her crashing down. The end of the movie provides a sort of showdown between Hedwig and Gnosis. Hedwig gets his/her chance at fame but more importantly, Hedwig gets a shot at enlightenment. Is he Hedwig? Is he Hansel? Is he Gnosis? Or is he something else...something he's been looking for since before he was anything. So, yes, the ending is complicated but the real meat to this movie is the journey Hedwig takes.

Movie Review: John Cameron Mitchell's modern masterpiece.
Summary: 5 Stars

A popular off-Broadway cult hit in the late 90s, a motion picture version of John Cameron Mitchell's "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" finally saw a release in 2001. Only four years since it was released as of this writing, the film has already achieved legendary status. Along with "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," (1975) "Tommy" (1975) and the newcomer "Velvet Goldmine" (1998), "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" is regarded as a rock n' roll movie classic.

Why has "Hedwig" achieved such adoration as well as critical acclaim? What is it, exactly; do people see in this movie? What's the appeal? Many other reviewers and sources have detailed descriptions of the plot, so I won't go into a detailed synopsis. Instead, I will state why I personally love this movie.

"Hedwig and the Angry Inch" has been labeled "gay camp," or otherwise an empowerment of gay culture and identity. While this is true, "Hedwig" is much more than that. "Hedwig" transcends being a gay cult film. While it is a film that celebrates diversity and sexuality, it mostly celebrates being true to yourself, of accepting yourself for who you are. Hedwig (Mitchell) uses what she "has to work with," just like everyone. No matter whom you are or what your sexuality is, there is a little bit of Hedwig in everybody.

A major theme of "Hedwig" that so many can relate to is unrequited love. She spends her whole life, every waking moment searching for her "other half." She thinks it may be Tommy, or maybe Yitzhak?

The way in which the movie plays out is pure enchantment. The colorful cinematography, illustrations, musical score, anecdotes, and songs are a delight to all senses. From the gummy bear scene, to the food fight, to the singing in the oven, to the band of Korean housewives, to the grand finale, every scene is mesmerizing.

As we witness Hedwig's formative years, to her failed marriage, to her preoccupation and obsession with Tommy Gnosis, we are taken on a journey. It is a ride through anticipation, melancholy, anger, joy, and ultimately self-discovery.

"Hedwig" is a film that can be enjoyed on many levels. It can be enjoyed as camp and pure entertainment, or can be analyzed for deeper meaning. That makes it a film worth owning that can be seen again and again. Every time I watch this movie I pick up something new, or rethink a particular scene or line. This movie will make you laugh, make you sing, and make you think.

Stephan Trask's songs are absolutely incredible. The songs in this film are as good as any of the bands they were inspired from (Lou Reed, David Bowie, Iggy Pop). As soon as I saw this film I had to buy the soundtrack and it remains a favorite of mine.

The supporting cast is great. Miriam Shor gives an outstanding performance as Hedwig's lover Yitzhak, Andrea Martin as the dedicated agent, Ben Mayor-Goodman as a young Hedwig, and Michael Pitt as the bewildered Tommy.

The DVD has a lot of cool extras that should please fans of the film. This includes a documentary that explains the orgins of the movie in detail, deleted scenes and cast bios.

Movie Review: Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Summary: 5 Stars

I loved it. It's different and you must have an open mind going into the film. I got my mom who is 75 to watch it and she liked it too.

Movie Review: Different Type of Musical
Summary: 5 Stars

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a different type of musical. While it includes all the elements of a musical (music, song, dance), it tells a story of a person's life. Most musicals have a point that they try to make, be it social or environmental. This is simply to tell the story of a person's life. The music is phenomonal and the acting amazing. You really feel as if this could be happening. There is no lights, no camera, it feels so real, Hedwig could be your next door neighbor. You could be in a diner eating and have this person show up. It is a moving story of one person's journey through life. A 5 Star Movie!!