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A slimmer version of the film was briefly released to theaters in 2000, after being cut by Francis Coppola (with the approval of director Michael Ritchie). The cutting, sometimes within songs, seems capricious--if the movie was destined to be a flop either way, why not let it play out at full length? All of this ought to set off alarm bells... and yet, it turns out there's a bit of theatrical pixie dust left in the old thing after all. Ritchie and topnotch cinematographer Fred Murphy shoot many of the songs beautifully, setting them in the film's postcard-Midwest magic hour (best seen on the widescreen DVD). The genial tone, though admittedly precious, makes for a pleasant ride. It's a movie preadolescent girls can watch with their grandmothers without embarrassment on either side. Playing the archetypal boy and girl are former New Kid on the Block Joe McIntyre and Mr. Holland's Opus songbird Jean Louisa Kelly; he fits the part of an amiable doofus very well, while Kelly has the breathless dreaminess of youth and an intriguing undercurrent of restlessness. Their feuding fathers are the able Joel Grey and Brad Sullivan, and Jonathan Morris looks every inch the carnival maestro who gives these simple folk a glimpse at their dreams. Curiously, the show's signature song ("Try to Remember") is given only an abbreviated airing at the end. And how dare they cut "Plant a Radish"? --Robert Horton
| CATEGORY: | DVD |
| DIRECTOR: | Michael Ritchie |
| THEATRICAL RELEASE DATE: | 22 September, 2000 |
| MANUFACTURER: | MGM/UA Video |
| MPAA RATING: | PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) |
| FEATURES: | Color, Widescreen, Closed-captioned, Dolby |
| TYPE: | Musical |
| MEDIA: | DVD |
| # OF MEDIA: | 1 |
| UPC: | 027616858443 |
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Customer Reviews of The Fantasticks
An enchanting little film I am one of the few people in the world who have never actually seen the stage play of "The Fantasticks". I loved this movie. This is a marvelous, magical, spellbinding story. I felt the casting was well done. Jean Louise Kelly makes an adorable Louisa while Joe McIntyre made a sweetly innocent Matt. Joel Grey was not in this movie near enough, but he pulls off a stellar performance with what he has to work with. I thought the dance segment with Jean Louise Kelly was especially touching. El Gallo portrayed by Jonathon Morris put the magical spin on this whole story. I loved El Gallo having this witty yet sexy side to him in addition to being the mystical and wise mastermind bringing these two naive teenagers together.
The extra scenes available on the DVD are terrific. If you watch the "directors comments" you can understand why a few of them were cut. Be sure and watch "It isn't easy to die". This should have been left in. Teller and Barnard Hughes are hilarious, as are Jonathon Morris' reactions to them.
The set design and surrounding scenery are breathtaking. This is a very surreal yet enchanting movie, making it easy to slip in and out of the singing segments. I only wish a soundtrack had been made. It would make a great addition to the other two that are available.
Beautifully done. Beautifully acted.
Charming, but flawed adaptation of a classic
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.
My Nominee for worst movie musical of all time.
A complete and utter stinker. Totally lacking in charm. This show has only one good song: Try to Remember. The other songs are the worst show tunes you will ever hear. The clue should be titles like Plant A Radish and The Rape Song. The cast is dismal. Joe McIntyre has no appeal whatsoever. Where did they dig up this guy? I hope to NEVER see him again. There really isn't a plot: two fathers pretend to have a feud so that their children will get together romantically. The children get together but immediately begin fighting. Something vague happens to them and they wind up together. Huh? Boring! It is sad to see a talented performer like Joel Grey completely wasted in a production this pathetic. The Arizona scenery is kind of nice. Avoid this one like the plague.
P. S. This one deserves NO STARS!