Your LOVELY Movie Viewing Log

[Vlad]

I watched it yesterday evening. Carolinakid, you were brave, for watching it at 14. It would've made sleeping impossible for me, had I watched it back then too.

The movie itself is great, but also very disturbing...that crucifix scene, yikes. I can understand why people were so shocked by it back in the '70s. My friends recommended the Extended Director's Cut, so that was the one I picked. I was very impressed by Ellen Burstyn (that scene with the "that thing upstairs isn't my daughter" was amazing). I couldn't help but think of that short spoof in Scary Movie 2 during the exorcism scene . I thought that the demon taunting father Karras with visions of his dead mother was so brilliantly done. All in all, a great movie, faithful to an equally great book. Will definitely watch the TV series, too. Mooky, did you enjoy the sequels too? I read the 2nd one was really bad, the 3rd one is better, and the 4th one, meh.

Now, next is The Thorn Birds. I did watch the TV series, and now, I'll read the book.

[Mooky]

I watched it yesterday evening. Carolinakid, you were brave, for watching it at 14. It would've made sleeping impossible for me, had I watched it back then too.

The movie itself is great, but also very disturbing...that crucifix scene, yikes. I can understand why people were so shocked by it back in the '70s. My friends recommended the Extended Director's Cut, so that was the one I picked. I was very impressed by Ellen Burstyn (that scene with the "that thing upstairs isn't my daughter" was amazing). I couldn't help but think of that short spoof in Scary Movie 2 during the exorcism scene . I thought that the demon taunting father Karras with visions of his dead mother was so brilliantly done. All in all, a great movie, faithful to an equally great book. Will definitely watch the TV series, too. Mooky, did you enjoy the sequels too? I read the 2nd one was really bad, the 3rd one is better, and the 4th one, meh.

Now, next is The Thorn Birds. I did watch the TV series, and now, I'll read the book.

Glad you enjoyed the movie! The best horror movies also double as dramas about human experiences, relations and traumas, and The Exorcist is no exception to that rule. It really is a masterpiece. And yes, that Scary Movie 2 scene is difficult to not be reminded of

As for the sequels, they really are a mixed bag, but most of them lean onto the side of mediocre/terrible. Part II (1977) is in equal parts nonsensical and insanely boring, but also unintentionally funny at times. I'll just leave you with this screenshot:



Part III (1990) is a great movie in its own right, very different vibe from the original but very enjoyable nonetheless. It might even be creepier if not scarier than the original. It can also be watched independently from it, as aside from some returning characters there are not that many connections. It was directed by William Peter Blatty, the author of the Exorcist novel, and adapted from his other novel, Legion.

In the case of dueling prequels (2004 and 2005), whichever one you choose you'll regret it It's more or less the same story in both, main lead actor/character, it's only some of the supporting cast that was replaced. Honestly, the story behind how these prequels came to be is more fascinating than either of them.

I wasn't impressed with the latest legacy sequel, so no recommendations there either. So basically, apart from the original movie, The Exorcist III and the TV show are the only other Exorcist-related media I'd recommend seeing.

[Vlad]

Those two screenshots made me lmao. "Oh yeah, I went through a really traumatic experience, but I can laugh about it now."

I'll be sure to check the third one then. I heard that William Friedkin absolutely hated the second one. I was also very surprised to hear that William Peter Blatty wrote a sequel to the novel, but it has no connection to the movie sequel.

[carolinakid]

Vlad, after GWTW, the Thorn Birds is probably my second favorite book. Please tell me what you think of it.
I read it about 10 years after it came out.
I also had seen the miniseries first and had loved it.
I was in college and sick one weekend with a cold. I didn’t feel like studying and wanted just a good fiction book to wallow in. Well, I read the whole thing in like 2 days. I couldn’t put it down.
I hope you will enjoy it.

[Vlad]

I love miniseries, it's brilliant, so I imagine the book is even better. GWTW is also my favorite book, followed closely by Les Misérables, Pride and Prejudice and Eugénie Grandet.

[carolinakid]

Yes, much like GWTW, as near perfect as the film is, the book is better.
Same with Thorn Birds.
I envy your reading it for the first time!

I definitely intend to reread it and GWTW before I leave this earth!

[Avaitor]

Been wanting to try this thread out for a while, so here's a couple of movies I've watched recently:

Toys
Probably best known as the movie Robin Williams was upset that Disney outshined attention on for Aladdin, this is a weird one. Part anti-war fable, part practical effects showcase, part Robin Williams showcase and part kids movie, none of these really click into one cohesive work. The set design and effects are neat, but the script and cast largely leave a lot to be desired.

Beauty and the Beast
I think y'all heard of this one. I rewatched a handful of Disney classics last year for the 100th anniversary but didn't get around to this one until just the other day. It looks quite good on Disney+, as I decided to put it on there instead of picking up my Blu. I'll always prefer Aladdin and Lion King in terms of the Big 4, but the artistry of BATB, particularly its writing, cannot be denied.

Inglourious Basterds
This has nothing to do with Disney, but I felt like putting on a Tarantino feature after missing Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood screening in 70mm near me. I don't know if this is my favorite of his, but Christoph Waltz's Hans Landa is one of the most engaging villains in cinema, a brilliant mix of acting and writing developing an unforgettable turn. The rest of the film is quite good, and I love the extended bar scene, but the film shines most when he's on screen.

[Jules]

Dear Sotiris, would be possible to remove the "[Édition 2023]" from the thread title, since it is no longer relevant? I recall that on the old forum software I could edit the thread title even years after it was created, but that no longer seems possible. Thank you!

I haven't watched too many films so far this year.

January

02/01/24 It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World (Extended Version) [1963 | Blu-ray] ½
03/01/24 Gravity [2013 | Blu-ray]
06/01/24 A Goofy Movie [1995 | Blu-ray]
07/01/24 Summer Days with Coo [2007 | Blu-ray] ½
13/01/24 Strange World [2022 | Blu-ray] ½

February

??/02/24 The Emperor’s New Groove [2000 | Blu-ray] ½

March

26/03/24 A Quiet Place [2018 | Blu-ray] ½

April

09/04/24 Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (Unrated) [2004 | Blu-ray] ½
11/04/24 Daylight [1996 | Blu-ray]
12/04/24 Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story [2017 | Blu-ray]
12/04/24 Coraline [2009 | Blu-ray]
18/04/24 ParaNorman [2012 | Blu-ray] ½
18/04/24 The Boy Next Door [2015 | Blu-ray]
19/04/24 Dante’s Peak [1997 | Blu-ray]
20/04/24 Children of Men [2006 | Blu-ray]
20/04/24 Love & Friendship [2016 | Blu-ray] ½
21/04/24 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial [1982 | 4K UHD]
22/04/24 Far from Heaven [2002 | Blu-ray]

May

15/05/24 The Birdcage [1996 | Blu-ray]
16/05/24 The Boxtrolls [2014 | Blu-ray] ½
17/05/24 Fifty Shades of Grey [2015 | Blu-ray]
19/05/24 Fifty Shades Darker (Extended Version) [2017 | Blu-ray] ½

I recently watched The Birdcage, and I loved it! It wasn't particularly funny at first, but OMG the climax of the movie.

Also, I feel bad about this since he died, but all I could think of while watching it was how attractive Robin Williams looked as a, um ... muscular, hairy, very masculine middle-aged man (in spite of the fact his character supposedly wears foundation.) It's funny because never before did I see him that way. In this movie I found him sexy.

Regarding the much-maligned Fifty Shades of Grey, I simply do not understand the critical drubbing it received. I think it is a stylishly-directed and highly interesting film that is very different from most other romances. The screen exchanges between Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey are positively electric.

Fifty Shades Darker, on the other hand, deserves its criticism. Everything that was interesting about the first film is gone, including the aforementioned static charge between the two leads. Indeed, these are ordinary performances in an ordinary, empty film.

[UmbrellaFish]

I love watching family movies and fairy tales at the holidays. Here’s a list of films I watched this month:

Wicked - see the movie thread for my thoughts.

Victoria in Dover - the Romy Schneider film. This movie comes in a box set of Sissi films I own. Never got around to watching it until this year. Very clearly a dry run for the Sissi movies, just as charming IMO. Also I think Victoria’s life (despite the long mourning) was a lot happier and more fulfilling than Sisi’s— every time I watch the ending of the last Sissi movie, I remember that in real life her baby at the end would soon die and then she’d have so many other tragedies befall her. And I think Prince Albert here is a lot cuter than Franz Josef— never been into that guy.

Return to Oz - I watched this for the first time because I was in a haze of Ozmania earlier in this month due to Wicked. How bizarre this film is! I appreciate that it seems to hew closer to the original books in spirit and tone, but for me this is not destined to be a favorite I return to often.

The Wizard of Oz - a classic for a reason, what can you say?

Cinderella (2015) - the costumes are beautiful and Cate Blanchett is maybe the best Evil Stepmother on film. The CGI animals don’t work for me here.

The Slipper and the Rose - there are some pretty songs here, but by and large I think this is a weaker Cinderella adaptation. It doesn’t seem very interested in Cinderella at all!

Three Wishes for Cinderella - I’d forgotten there’s a rather disturbing scene of a fox hunt which is pretty graphic. Otherwise, this adaptation of Cinderella is very strong. Both Cinderella and the Prince are developed pretty well. I know there is a recent Norwegian remake— I need to watch it sometime.

The Lion in Winter - a classic. I only recently realized Peter O’Toole was only in his 30’s in this role, only a few years older than Anthony Hopkins who plays his son. Nevertheless, he plays the role of Henry with such gravitas and his scenes with Katharine Hepburn as Eleanor of Aquitaine just crackle with fire and energy. All the other films on my list here are pretty light, this is definitely the darkest and most dramatic. It has been a favorite of mine since I was a teenager, always happy to revisit it.

Meet Me in St Louis - I have said, and I think others have said, that The Wizard of Oz is one film that feels like it should have been made by Disney, and this is another. It is really, really charming Americana. It always makes me think of Main Street, USA. It is a real treat to return to every holiday.

The Shop Around the Corner - one of my favorite classics. I’m a sucker for the romantic premise.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) - I think I read a discussion about this film on this forum recently, and it sparked a desire to rewatch for the first time in a few years. There’s a lot to admire but my god, how did some of this get through the censors?? lol

Mulan (1998) - a really solid DAC from the tail end of the Renaissance.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - my favorite of the Rankin Bass specials.

Mufasa - see movie thread for my thoughts.

Beauty and the Beast (1991) - I’ve always loved this movie, and as I get older I love it even more.

I’d like to fit in The Little Mermaid and Mary Poppins before the holiday season comes to an end. I don’t know if I want to watch Eloise at Christmastime or not because seeing Gavin Creel will make me sad— RIP. And after watching The Wizard of Oz and Meet Me in St Louis, I have a hankering for more MGM Technicolor musicals— I’m thinking Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and maybe The Harvey Girls, which I haven’t rewatched in years! Ooh and at the theaters, I’d love to see Nosferatu and maaaaybe Babygirl.

[Disney Duster]

I watched it yesterday evening. Carolinakid, you were brave, for watching it at 14. It would've made sleeping impossible for me, had I watched it back then too.

The movie itself is great, but also very disturbing...that crucifix scene, yikes. I can understand why people were so shocked by it back in the '70s. My friends recommended the Extended Director's Cut, so that was the one I picked. I was very impressed by Ellen Burstyn (that scene with the "that thing upstairs isn't my daughter" was amazing). I couldn't help but think of that short spoof in Scary Movie 2 during the exorcism scene . I thought that the demon taunting father Karras with visions of his dead mother was so brilliantly done. All in all, a great movie, faithful to an equally great book. Will definitely watch the TV series, too.

Was the crucifix scene the "Let Jesus F..." you know? Was the book the true story of the little boy that got possessed or about a girl like the movie? Or exactly like the movie? What is the TV show and does anyone know if I can stream it? I am sad for what you went through, carolinakid, but you are very brave.

Brelly, your viewing log and comments are wonderful. I forget about any Fox scene in "Three Wishes", I should rewatch it. I actually love the remake, and you def should watch it, I prefer it over the original, it's also very gay, check it out! What kind of copy of "Three Wishes" do you have though, and where from? Is it the one with the white filigree on the side with the leads in their wedding attire? You will make someone the perfect boyfriend someday, you just are a lovely person with lovely taste in movies.

[UmbrellaFish]

Duster, thank you for recommending the remake! That definitely gives me more impetus to watch the film. I have also heard its more gay, which is saying something because the original is pretty queer in a lot of respects! It’s all subtextual, of course, but it’s there.

Yes, my copy is the Blu-ray with the white cover and the leads in their wedding clothes. According to my order history, I bought it from this eBay seller back in 2021: https://www.ebay.com/itm/282766590048?m ... media=COPY

I saw Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu on Sunday. I haven’t seen any of the previous Nosferatu films, but I would say I am pretty familiar with Stoker’s Dracula and its adaptations in general. I thought this was a very solid Dracula film, but I think The VVitch remains my favorite Eggers, and Coppola’s is my favorite Dracula.

I’ll say, I usually think the Jonathan Harker character is a complete idiot for not turning back as soon the weird stuff starts happening with the carriage ride, but the way it was done in this film… it was like Harker (or Hutter here) was already in an escapable nightmare. There was nothing for him to do except continue on— in fact he may have had no choice, he seemed entranced. I thought it worked really well, and all the scenes with him at the Count’s castle… perfection. I thought Hoult was great here. And speaking of the Count, Skarsgard’s Nosferatu was literally spellbinding. I’m not sure I’m quite sold on Lily Rose Depp, but her possession scenes were great. This was the first time I’d seen Emma Corrin in anything since they played Diana in The Crown, but I love their performance there and I hope they continue to book high profile projects. Aaron Taylor Johnson played his character adeptly and was pretty to look at. Willem Defoe is a great character actor but his Van Helsing was so different from other versions I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. Something I hadn’t considered going in but I assume dates back to the Murnau film is the German setting. Usually Dracula buys his estate in England, but there was something really interesting about watching a “Dracula” film that looked more like a Frankenstein movie. But I think my favorite scenes were all the ones set in Orlock’s country, especially in the snow. Beautiful stuff. I can’t wait to add this to my home collection.

I thought it was bold of them to not use the iconic Max Shreck makeup. The makeup here is actually much more similar to Stoker’s description of Dracula in the novel, which no one ever uses.

Robert Eggers does such a good job of mixing history and myth in films. I remain ever eager to see what he does next.

Also side note, but wow! This movie was doing some business!! My three friends and I drove to one theatre to find that the auditorium was full with only a few individual seats scattered around. We looked to buy tickets at another theatre online and it was the same story. Eventually, we went with a third theatre that had a lot more open seats and we could buy seating together. By the time our screening started all the seats were full! Nobody ever goes to this theatre because it’s in a dying mall and the seats are not as comfortable as other theatres in the area, but actually it was very nostalgic for me because that was the theatre we went to all the time growing up. I don’t think I’d been there in 15 years or more… I wish I could remember the last thing I saw there! I think we watched the OG POTC trilogy at that theatre…

I just found out that Conclave is on Peacock and I’m going to try and find time to watch that today!

[Disney Duster]

Oh, the DVD of Three Wishes for Cinderella I got was this one:


It has a lot of spelling and grammar mistakes in the subtitles. I wish I could get that Blu-ray you have, if the subtitles are not like that!

I would love to know what gay subtext you think the original film has. You can put it in spoiler tags if you want.

I would love to see Nosferatu! I'll have to wait till streaming though. I have seen the original. It is creepy. Boring. But some parts are very creepy from what I remember. I did not realize The VVitch director was behind the remake! But if you say Coppola's is the best Dracula, well, I'll still check out Nosferatu, but if I'm gonna see a Dracula, the only other one I'd probably wanna see is Coppola's.

I did not know much about Conclave. Sounds interesting! Tell us if it's good!

[UmbrellaFish]

It has a lot of spelling and grammar mistakes in the subtitles. I wish I could get that Blu-ray you have, if the subtitles are not like that!

There aren’t any mistakes in the subtitles of the Blu-ray, that I recall!

I would love to know what gay subtext you think the original film has. You can put it in spoiler tags if you want.

I think I’ve talked about it before, the first time I watched it. But basically the fact that the Prince has no interest in any women, the way he dances and plays with his male friends. Also, the fact that this Cinderella dresses as a man, and that is the first time the Prince gives her any positive attention. It’s probably the queerest Cinderella I’ve ever seen.

But if you say Coppola's is the best Dracula, well, I'll still check out Nosferatu, but if I'm gonna see a Dracula, the only other one I'd probably wanna see is Coppola's.

YMMV with Coppola’s Dracula. It’s my favorite, but it can be divisive. You have to see it if only for the costumes, though!

I did not know much about Conclave. Sounds interesting! Tell us if it's good!

I did watch Conclave. I thought it was good but I’m glad I saw it on streaming because now I don’t feel like I need to buy it on disc. I was spoiled on the twist of the film. I really enjoyed seeing Isabella Rossellini in this. She didn’t have a ton to do in the script, but she reminds me so much of her mother. Every time I see her in a new role, it’s like Ingrid Bergman is still with us. And I love Ingrid. I also enjoyed Rossellini in Max’s Julia Child show. I wish she did more films and TV.

[Vlad]

Here are the movies I watched in December:

In theaters:
Miracle on 34th Street (The original) - Haven't seen it in such a long time, I forgot how lovely it is.
Wicked - Defying Gravity and Popular have been stuck in my head
Mufasa: The Lion King - Not great, not terrible

At home:
Home Alone - classic, always watch it during the holidays
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York - I think it's my favorite in the entire series, I have always loved seeing New York at Christmas time.
It's A Wonderful Life - no matter how many times I watch it, it always brings tears in my eyes. It's such a beautiful movie, with a really wonderful message.
Son of God - Even though Robert Powell's magnificent performance in Franco Zeffirelli's Jesus of Nazareth remains the best portrayal of Christ on film, Diogo Morgado is also pretty good. I didn't like the overuse of CGI though.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - I always watch it on December 21st, on its anniversary.
The Wizard of Oz - immediately after seeing Wicked, just to make a comparison.
Romeo & Juliet - after hearing the sad news of Mrs. Olivia Hussey's passing. It's such a wonderful film, with great sets, beautiful costumes and very talented actors, who give it their all with their parts.
Home Alone 3 - Although not as good as the first two, it still holds a special place in my heart, because I watched it a lot when I was a kid. Its humor is very kid-oriented, right?
A Christmas Carol (George C. Scott) - My personal favorite adaptation of the book
A Christmas Carol (Jim Carrey) - My second favorite; although the animation looks kinda dated, doesn't it?
The Polar Express - Beautiful story, the animation is also dated, but it does have a lot of spectacular shots.

I also watched Mickey's Christmas Carol and Small One, but since they're shorts, I put them on a different category.

[Disney Duster]

Brelly, thanks for the info, because if I was rich I'd get that Three Wishes original film Blu-ray, all restored and such, but alas, I shouldn't spend my money like that. I prefer the remake anyway, and own that.

I forgot about how in the rating Cinderellas thread of mine you had said that stuff about the queerness. Believe me, the remake gets even gayer.

And whoops, I wasn't clear - I have seen Coppola's Dracula! And ah, you do know me about costumes! So it's no surprise I think the costumes in it are out of this world fantastic! The beginning scares the hell out of me the way Dracul renounces his faith. The way he does it and why! It strikes a cord. It's chilling.

I should consider streaming Conclave and I hope I enjoy it even more since I didn't get it spoiled. Thanks for the little review. I did not know the witch from Death Becomes Her was a child of Ingrid! I need to see Death Becomes Her on Broadway so badly...

[UmbrellaFish]

Ahh! I misunderstood you and thought you hadn’t seen Coppola’s Dracula! Glad you have! What is your favorite costume?

I can’t wait to see the new Three Wishes for Cinderella!!! I will have to buy it soon!!!

I also would love to see Death Becomes Her on Broadway… I enjoyed their performance at the Macy’s parade.

[Disney Duster]

Do you mean what is my favorite costume in Coppola's Dracula? Probably Mina's white rose lace thing, when she and Mina are talking about sex lol. Or Mina's bluish green bustle one. It is hard for me to decide because I loooove bustles, but since there can only be one top one, I choose Mina's white rose lace one. The way the lace roses are arranged on her body, *chef's kiss*!

I really hope you are not disappointed with the Norwegian Three Wishes, but I don't think you will be, at least not completely. There is so much good in it. I would say maybe the characterizations are lacking compared to the original, but that is it, the rest is awesome!

Yay Death Becomes Her musical!

[Farerb]

Wicked put me on a mood to rewatch some musicals this weekend:

Started with Little Shop of Horrors - I watched both the theatrical ending and the original ending. Not sure which one I prefer, I guess the original is more poignant and makes much more sense, but I wish Seymour died more heroically and not as goody as it ended up. Ellen Greene is great and I'm glad they brought her to the film despite not being a major Hollywood actress.

Then I watched The Phantom of the Opera - both the recording of the 25th anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall and the film adaptation. I used to dislike the film but I don't think it's as bad as I used to think, it's definitely flawed and they made some bizarre choices. Gerard Butler is rough to listen to, Emily Rossum is okay I guess. The recording is superior and it's my preferred way to watch Phantom. Sierra Boggess is phenomenal in it and I can see why many consider her the best Christine.

The last film I watched was Fiddler on the Roof. A classic, and for good reason. It made me realize how much I miss the simplicity of older musicals like this and Sound of Music. Some modern musicals are good and I liked the Wicked adaptation, but I feel they sometimes rely on spectacle and gimmicks and the music feel more like pop or rock or rap and less classical. Not saying that they're bad, but they definitely have a different feel to them than musicals in the old Hollywood till the early '70s.

[UmbrellaFish]

Started with Little Shop of Horrors - I watched both the theatrical ending and the original ending. Not sure which one I prefer, I guess the original is more poignant and makes much more sense, but I wish Seymour died more heroically and not as goody as it ended up. Ellen Greene is great and I'm glad they brought her to the film despite not being a major Hollywood actress.

I have never seen The Little Shop of Horrors film, although I have owned the Blu-ray for years. I did see the stage show back in middle school at Ford’s Theatre, which is the theatre where Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth. It was such a bizarre experience watching this zany musical, and then up above you was *the* box where Lincoln had been sat. It was festooned with American flag bunting and had a portrait of Lincoln IIRC. One of my favorite and most memorable theatre-going experiences. And actually, the performance of the musical was very well done, too!

Then I watched The Phantom of the Opera - both the recording of the 25th anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall and the film adaptation. I used to dislike the film but I don't think it's as bad as I used to think, it's definitely flawed and they made some bizarre choices. Gerard Butler is rough to listen to, Emily Rossum is okay I guess.

I haven’t watched the POTO film in a few years, but it was my introduction to the musical and it was at least adequate, if not actually good. I like the black and white costumes for “Masquerade”— just now realizing that was probably inspired by “Ascot Gavotte” in My Fair Lady…

The recording is superior and it's my preferred way to watch Phantom. Sierra Boggess is phenomenal in it and I can see why many consider her the best Christine.

I agree— The Royal Albert Hall recording is glorious! Definitely my preferred viewing experience. As you say, Sierra Boggess is phenomenal.

The last film I watched was Fiddler on the Roof. A classic, and for good reason. It made me realize how much I miss the simplicity of older musicals like this and Sound of Music.

I love Fiddler on the Roof, too. It’s been too long since I rewatched that one. I played Lazar Wolf, the old man Tzeitel almost marries, in my middle school production. In college, I used “Miracle of Miracles” as my audition song (I didn’t book any because I was not and am not a good singer, lol).

Some modern musicals are good and I liked the Wicked adaptation, but I feel they sometimes rely on spectacle and gimmicks and the music feel more like pop or rock or rap and less classical. Not saying that they're bad, but they definitely have a different feel to them than musicals in the old Hollywood till the early '70s.

I tend to not warm to most modern musicals myself. To me they sound all the same. I think Sondheim was a genius, but about 25 years ago everybody started imitating him and they have been mostly shit at it. That said— I don’t really seek out or make time to listen to new musicals. The last new musical I loved was Hamilton, and that was 10 years ago now. Sometimes I talk with a friend about going to Broadway to see shows and they always want to see new stuff and I only want to see revivals. I would kill to see Audra McDonald in Gypsy right now, for instance. That to me is bound to be a landmark performance— I think Audra is the best actress working on Broadway right now.

[Farerb]

I tend to not warm to most modern musicals myself. To me they sound all the same. I think Sondheim was a genius, but about 25 years ago everybody started imitating him and they have been mostly shit at it. That said— I don’t really seek out or make time to listen to new musicals. The last new musical I loved was Hamilton, and that was 10 years ago now. Sometimes I talk with a friend about going to Broadway to see shows and they always want to see new stuff and I only want to see revivals. I would kill to see Audra McDonald in Gypsy right now, for instance. That to me is bound to be a landmark performance— I think Audra is the best actress working on Broadway right now.

I was supposed to go to New York last year to visit family and planned to go to Wicked, The Lion King, Hamilton and perhaps Book of Mormon and Hadestown. Basically the ones that tourists go all the time. Eventually I had to cancel my trip, but if I lived in the US and went to New York frequently, I most likely would have went to revivals as well, Audra McDonald in Gypsy sounds like a great experience and if I have another chance to go to New York, I'll definitely check it out. I ended up watching a bootleg of Hadestown and honestly I was disappointed. I know it has fans but I found it a bit overrated with the way people talked about this. I still haven't seen Book of Mormon (why doesn't Josh Gad push for a film adaptation of that one?).

It does feel like the 21st century did have some good musicals but they are few and far between compared to the 20th century. By the way, I watched the recording of Newsies. I know it's based on a true story but I guess it just didn't interest me that much. The music was fine and Jeremy Jordan was good.