327. Tick Tick, Boom!; movie review

 

TICK TICK BOOM!

Cert 12A

120 mins

BBFC advice: Contains moderate sex references, upsetting scenes, drug references, language

"Actors can all sing - it's part of their training," I claimed knowledgeably as Andrew Garfield performed with gusto the Sondheim-style numbers of Tick Tick Boom!.

I was wrong. Remarkably, Garfield had never sung before - thus, magnifying the acclaim upon his portrayal.

He plays Broadway director Jonathan Larson who scraped around for years before finding long-lasting recognition.

Sadly, Larson died after suffering an aortic dissection as his most famous work began on its run.

His earlier days of toil writing his first theatre musical are under the microscope in Lin-Manuel Miranda's movie.

The master of the musicals does a great job here, building the intensity as Larson struggles before the much-delayed presentation of his work, Suburbia.

Meanwhile, the previously fun fella is carelessly losing people so dear, with relationships teetering with his best friend (Robin de Jesús) and girlfriend (Alexandra Shipp).

The movie is set in New York's theatreland in the early 1990s when Aids was rife and an HIV diagnosis was considered a likely death sentence.

But, while there are sad moments during Tick Tock Boom!, Larson's infectious spirit and his great talent come to the fore.

Thus, we are treated to a wonderful catalogue of songs which are performed by a host of A-list Broadway stars such as Vanessa Hudgens.

So, it is far from downbeat. The numbers are great and the story is one of refusal to give up when even the most ardent supporters have their doubts.

Meanwhile, Garfield is simply brilliant.

Seldom is an actor asked or prepared to delve so far out of his comfort zone but he handles the challenge magnificently.

Reasons to watch: Worth it for Garfield alone

Reasons to avoid: Might be too arty for some

Laughs: Two

Jumps: None

Vomit: Yes

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 8.5/10

Did you know? The musical by Jonathan Larson was initially named 'BoHo Days', which instead became the most recognisable song from the show for the fans of Tick, Tick... Boom! BoHo is a nickname for the area in New York City below Houston Street, west of SoHo on Greenwich Street, where Jonathan Larson lived while waiting tables at The Moondance on weekends.

The final word. Alexandra Shipp: "This is a movie that people need, because it's a movie saying, ‘don't ever stop, keep going, you have to live because we only have so much time." Town & Country

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