The Fantasticks
|
List Price: Our Price: $9.39 You Save: $5.59 (37%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $5.81 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of The Fantasticks
Movie Review: Charming, but flawed adaptation of a classic
Summary: 4 Stars
The Fantasticks has a unique place in theatre history, being one of the most performed pieces, both in professional and amateur circuits. The simplicity of the story and orchestrations mask the truly philosophical nature of this piece. The challenge of bringing such a unique work to film, then, is to maintain the originals innocence and simplicity while expanding it to the level that can fill a screen. Michael Ritchie, helped along by the the original writer, has managed to do just that, making a piece that is expansive and beautiful, yet siginificantly more simplified that the original. This process was more evolutionary, than revolutionary, however, since the film production bears a tremendous similarity to the author's revised version toured the country starring Robert Goulet as El Gallo. For the Fantastiks purist, however, all is not lost, but available for viewing on the Bonus materials of the DVD. As with most films, looking at these "outtakes" shows how the thought process of editing brings about a better film. I will admit, however, that this film is an aquired taste, and those who have a pre-disposition to hating musicals should avoid it at all costs. I also fault the producers, somewhat, at their selection of Brad Sullivan as Hucklebee -- his portrayal is too gruff to be the father of Doe-eyed Matt and stands in too stark a contrast from the tone of the rest of the characters. Despite this small flaw, I find the film enchanting as ever and it helps to keep in mind that love is sweeter when it is earned.Movie Review: hurray, Ritchie...shame on you, Francis F. C.
Summary: 4 Stars
At first I bought the VHS. I could tell there were some major "diamonds hidden in the rough" here. So...I went out, bought a DVD player and purchased this as my first ever DVD disc. What a difference!! The deleted songs, scenes, full song versions, and director's voice-over of the entire film is worth the price of the player alone! We catch a glimpse of what might have been had someone other than Coppola (who I WORSHIP!!)had gotten their hands on the editing scissors. The DVD extras restore much of the magic, delicacy, and strength of this classic. While on the VHS, I didn't warm up to the actor playing El Gallo til the 2nd act, in the deleted songs and scenes on the DVD, I saw all of the facets I was missing.We actually see where TRY TO REMEMBER was initially supposed to be introduced. We learn of the location, weather conditions, live singing, etc. There is a three-time recurring policeman role which creates a past-present-future thread to the traveling carnival's purpose. Ritchie truly attempted to preserve the original other-worldliness of this story, and the DVD gives a much clearer glimpse of his very near miss at success. I would love to see the original, flawed film as Ritchie conceived it. P.S. I recently loaned this to a friend who played Matt in the Sullivan Street production many years ago, and he felt the DVD was lovely, charming and captured the essence of the original. What more can I say?
Movie Review: Good, but requires an open mind
Summary: 4 Stars
My friend and I watched this for no other reason than to get a sense of the play because our high school was doing a production of it. We ended up getting, respectively, Matt and El Gallo and when we had our read through, we saw the many differences between the play and the movie. In many regards, the contrast is very much like "Chicago" where the concept behind a very simplistic show was given a new aspect (in Chicago, the little dream sequences, and in this the carnival bit) in order to make the film work. Similar to "Chicago" (which I enjoyed, but remain a much bigger fan of the stage show), the movie works in a way that is different than what makes the play work. Outside of Joel Grey (I highly recommend listening to his performance of Amos Hart in the revival album of "Chicago" - I never want to hear anyone else sing "Mr. Cellophane"...ok, I did it once, but that's beside the point) who is just outstanding in anything he does and Jonathon Morris who made me want the role of El Gallo a thousand times more than I already had, I was not impressed with the cast. Honestly, I didn't care at all about the Matt or Luisa, and Hucklebee and Henry were majorly underacted. However, I also wasn't too impressed with Queen Latifah or John C. Reilly in "Chicago". I do think that this is a very interesting experience, and I actually recommend it, however one must bear in mind that this is not at all the stage version.Movie Review: 'FANTASTICKS' charming, yet slightly flawed
Summary: 4 Stars
Take away the lights, bangs and smash of Andrew Lloyd Webber-ish big-time Broadway productions and you might have 'The Fantasticks'. Its charm, simplicity, and beauty, as well as a superb songwriting and lyrics make the stage production of the Fantasticks STILL Fantastick after all these years!Translating the same spirit of the stage show to film was a challenge, and it's none more apparent in Micheal Ritchie's "The Fantasticks". Still retaining it's clever, charming, and magical spirit, the film version's main problem is in it's editting. No wonder it took 5 years before they released it! Songs have been taken out, characters such as the ever-lovable Mute have been removed, characters (some quite needless) have been added, and as you can gather, it's slightly disturbing for anyone who knows "The Fantasticks".
For this reason, I recommend getting the movie on DVD, which contains deleted scenes, songs, etc. which should quench your passion for more of a feel of adhesiveness to the film.
Other than that, "The Fantasticks" on film is a delight to watch, real eye candy! If you have ever been in love with "The Fantasticks", you'll love, love, love what Schmidt, Jones, and Ritchie have done with it! And that's far greater than a metaphor could ever, ever be! Try to Remember... and get Fantasticks on DVD!
Movie Review: The Fantasticks
Summary: 4 Stars
Ok - I'll admit it. I only went to see the movie because it starred Joe McIntyre. And since I'm being so honest - I was pretty disappointed the first time I saw it (in the theater). This coming from someone who loves cheesy musicals (Newsies, Grease, Sound of Music, etc.). Regardless, I bought the DVD the day it was released (again, to raise McIntyre's stock) and I loved the movie this time. This is definetly the type of movie you'd want to see on video. The songs are cheesy - but really cute and the plot is so very sweet. I was definetly impressed with the DVD. It was interesting to hear Micheal Richie's commentary and watch all the deleted scenes (the plot made more sense after seeing it). Ok - so the story is a bit outdated, and highly unrealistic (there seem to be only 4 people in the town - of course the kids will fall in love) - but anyone into cheesy musicals and romantic stories will fall in the love with this movie (being a Joe Mac fan won't hurt either)