tick, tick...BOOM! (2021) - SPOILER-FREE Review
/
Directed by: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Written by: Steven Levenson
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Robin de Jesús, Joshua Henry, Mj Rodriguez, Bradley Whitford, Tariq Trotter, Judith Light, Vanessa Hudgens
Runtime: 115 min
Synopsis: Jon (Andrew Garfield) is a young theater composer who's waiting tables at a New York City diner in 1990 while writing what he hopes will be the next great American musical. Days before he's due to showcase his work in a make-or-break performance, Jon is feeling the pressure from everywhere: from his girlfriend Susan (Alexandra Shipp), who dreams of an artistic life beyond New York City; from his friend Michael (Robin de Jesús), who has moved on from his dream to a life of financial security; amidst an artistic community being ravaged by the AIDS epidemic. With the clock ticking, Jon is at a crossroads and faces the question everyone must reckon with: What are we meant to do with the time we have?
As a Portuguese critic, I never had the chance to see a Broadway show for obvious reasons. However, my love for musicals has grown so much that I genuinely believe I'm developing a positive bias towards this genre. Ever since La La Land that I don't remember not loving a musical film. Lin-Manuel Miranda is known for bringing his theater work into the movie realm - Hamilton, In The Heights - and he chose to adapt tick, tick…BOOM! in his feature directorial debut. I had no previous knowledge of the real Jonathan Larson - composer and playwright behind one of the longest-running shows on Broadway, Rent - which worked out perfectly since I was blown away by what is one of my favorite films of the year!
It's impossible not to start with the music. The opening song, "30/90", is one of the most addictive songs I've heard in a movie probably ever. Like the vast majority of the music present in this adaptation, it brilliantly develops the narrative while showing the audience what the characters are thinking and feeling. It's that kind of exposition that not only helps the viewers understand everything that's happening story-wise, but it also entertains everyone at the same time. People don't feel like they're being told what the film is trying to transmit to the audience but instead dance in their seats with a smile on their faces while receiving all of the essential information.
Except for a sequence of two or three songs in the middle of the second act that don't quite nail this aspect of offering important, relevant information about the plot or its characters, every other song feels incredibly significant besides possessing absolutely fantastic lyrics. Like Stephen Sondheim (Bradley Whitford) himself says in the movie, "first-rate tune and lyrics". My personal standouts - they're a lot, I know - are "Boho Days", "Sextet", "Therapy", "Why", and "Louder Than Words", but "30/90" takes the ultimate prize of being one of those songs I'll listen to continuously throughout time. Actually, I took longer than usual to publish this review due to writing while trying not to get distracted by the song playing in the background.
In addition to not knowing anything about the musical itself, I also had zero knowledge of Andrew Garfield's (Hacksaw Ridge) theater experience - and the man even has a Tony award in his pockets! I honestly believe in his chances of getting an Oscar nomination. Even ignoring his jaw-dropping vocal and dancing skills, Garfield embodies the spirit of Jonathan Larson in such a compelling manner. His ease in tapping into any emotion required tremendously elevates his musical sequences. One of the best performances I've ever seen by the famous actor.
No other actor reaches close to Garfield's screentime, but I must mention two other portrayals. Robin de Jesús (The Boys in the Band) is also outstanding, operating as Jon's best friend, Michael, and being the source for the most emotional moment of the entire film. On the most intimate side, Alexandra Shipp (Dark Phoenix) plays Jon's girlfriend, Susan, and I'll write something that could either be a complete miss or an accurate prophecy: with her range and expressiveness, Shipp has the potential of becoming one of the most popular actresses of this decade. It's a matter of choosing the right projects and waiting for that breakthrough performance. Shoutout to Joshua Henry (Renegades) and Vanessa Hudgens (Bad Boys for Life) for their minor roles but phenomenal vocal displays.
Technically, all departments deserve the utmost praise, so I'll just focus on Miranda's direction. The simple fact that this is his first time directing a movie is mind-blowing. It's almost as if he had the film in his mind for years and merely filmed everything he had envisioned. His clear idea results in a well-structured narrative (screenplay by Steven Levenson), where the songs never feel forced or overwhelming but instead serve as a complement to the already interesting story. Despite a somewhat confusing start to viewers without previous knowledge of Jonathan Larson or the play itself, it quickly becomes an engaging, unforgettable cinematic experience.
Final Thoughts
tick, tick…BOOM! is one of my favorite movies of the year! Boasting memorable, addictive, first-rate music performed by astonishingly talented actors, Lin-Manuel Miranda delivers one of the best musical films of the century. From the absolute standout, "30/90", to the highly satisfying payoff, "Louder than Words", the vast majority of songs serve a necessary purpose, moving the plot forward in an entertaining manner while also developing the compelling characters. Andrew Garfield delivers one of the best performances of his career, demonstrating his impressive emotional range and artistic skills, both as an actor and a performer. Technically, no fault to point out whatsoever. Do NOT miss this work of art!
