Some short theater and film reviews for you all as I reflect on my recent trips to Broadway and beyond.
Broadway:
Magic/Bird: Recommended
Leap of Faith: Highly Recommended
Film:
Bernie: Recommended
God Bless America: Recommended
In regards to my recent theater offerings, Magic/Bird was enjoyable but generic, while Leap of Faith, contrary to the negative reviews, was a breath of fresh air. It's simple, sure (one could see it playing in numerous summer stock theaters across the country), but it's top-to-bottom excellent cast (Raul Esparza leads the show but doesn't steal it) and its highly contemporary musical theatery-type songs provide an upbeat sensation within the audience. This one deserves a second look. Magic/Bird, on the other hand, means well but only skims the rivalry's surface. On the film side of things, Richard Linklater's Bernie is guided nicely along by strong performances and a clever narrative choice to frame its story as a pseudo-doc. It runs out of steam about halfway through, however. Bobcat Goldwaith's God Bless America is extremely vulgar and violent, but it's detailed approach to pop culture makes it worthwhile. Is it believable? It's a frustrated madman's fantasy, and its vigilantes sport fashion styles to die for. Recommended for people fed up with Diablo Cody and American Idol, and for Alice Cooper enthusiasts.
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