Directed by: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Written by: Steven Levenson & Jonathan Larson
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Robin de Jesus, Vanessa Hudgens.
Jonathan Larson is on the cusp of his 30th birthday, where he struggles with the pressures of life as a promising young composer in New York City, trying to navigate love, friendship, and break through as a successful theater artist.
This musical is an adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s life, his struggles living in New York, and his breakthrough with the hugely successful musical Rent. As the title suggests, a countdown is underway in Jonathan’s head. As they continue to count down, Larson (who is portrayed by the amazing, Andrew Garfield) feels he has a rising sense of his own morality – and despite his relationship with his girlfriend Susan (played by Alexandra Shipp) fading out, his friends giving up on the Arts and getting well paid jobs, Jonathan refuses to give up. He believes he will make it as a successful Musical Theater artist.
Tick, Tick… BOOM was the name of Jonathan Larson’s biography, which led to the 12-year success of Rent. Unfortunately, Larson never lived long enough to see the success from the first night, as he died of an aortic dissection at 35 years old.
In this musical about Larson’s upcoming success, it shows him and his struggles living in a cramped apartment in New York, writing down ideas for musical songs and musical theater, and using an old Macintosh, all while making a living as a waiter at Soho Moondance Diner.
I really enjoyed watching this film on Netflix and have seen it a few times now. I have to admit its because I like how Andrew Garfield leads the role and shows full commitment to portraying Jonathan Larson, with placing every bit of himself into the character role, the acting and also the singing – which I am very impressed at how great Garfield’s singing is – considering he had some vocal training for this role in the film. He has a fantastic singing voice, and I’m now obsessed with the playlist!
If you haven’t seen this yet and love musicals, I can guarantee you’ll enjoy this one. Let’s face it, you can’t help but enjoy the enthusiasm of Andrew Garfield in this film – he’s excellent!
I love the songs “Louder Than Words”, “30/90”, and “Therapy” the most, and, obviously, Andrew Garfield. It is now streaming on Netflix!
I rate this film 4.5 stars.
Room For A Review 