Customer Reviews

Disney Presents The Music Man (2003 TV Film)

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

Oh, Meredith Wilson and the ever so famous "The Music Man"...i must admit it has never been one of my favorite musicals, but after having watched this performance on TV I definetly have a new opinion of it.
The classic Wilson marches (76 Trombones) and quick lyrics (Pick-a-little, talk-a-little and Shipoopie for example)keep your feet tapping and your head bobbing.
Matthew Broderick, although no where compares to Robert Preston (but then again who could??), still shines as Harold Hill in his own right. Broderick brings a refreshing, more realistic Hill to the screen and to the music. Whether it be "Trouble" "Marian the Librarian" or "'Til there was you" Broderick shows the comedy, light-hearted persona that he is known for, as well as a romantic tenderness that is just heart melting. Broderick however, does not have the vocal skill to stand up to a singer like Kristin Chenoweth...
....who is simply a DREAM! If you have never heard her sing before you should go check out her solo album, as well as the "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"(revival cast...she won a Tony!) and "A New Brain" recordings because you will fall in love with her. Chenoweth creates the perfect Marian that captures your heart and your ears. She has such a phenomenal range and performative skill that she brings to her role that clearly distinguishes her from other Marians. She is not afraid to break away from the traditional soprano sound and use her chest voice a little in the lower ranges of the songs, which makes them so much more sincere and emotional.

It's a classic musical with some new twists and big names. How can you pass it up??

Anyone setting out to do a remake of The Music Man has a difficult task ahead of them- it's pretty hard to top Robert Preston's stunning performance in the original Broadway and movie versions. That being said, Broderick does an admirable job.

One difficulty is that Broderick doesn't immediately have that loveable rogue quality that Preston has; he comes across more like an amoral sociopath than a trickster. It takes a while to warm up to his version of the character. Both he and Chenoweth are playing characters significantly younger than usually portrayed in The Music Man. As written, Harold and Marian are middled aged people, pretty much settled into a life that's acceptible but not terribly joyful. The crux of the story is how each discovers, through the other, something about themselves. Harold discovers his humanity and desire for a normal life, and Marian discovers that she still needs romance.

This never quite comes across in the Broderick-Cheoweth production. Both Broderick's Hill and Chenoweth's Marian are far too young to have any sort of past life or regrets. The poignient realizations that both come to just aren't there; it's more of a quick decision without much motivgation. He suddenly decides to stay, and she suddenly decides to help him.

Chenoweth's singing is of course outstanding, and the CD is worth listening to for her performances alone. Broderick's are by comparison somewhat emotionless, and not helped by the production. The finale lacks the big sound of the original production as well, and it goes out on a rather low key note.

In retrospect it was nice to see a solid attempt at a remake or a classic, and particularly nice to see it done on television, particularly in a season full of terrible reality shows and worse. But I do wish they'd done it with a little more passion and perhaps a little older cast.

I became a fan of Kristin Chenoweth through her role as Galinda in the broadway musical WICKED. She possesses immense vocal control and an impressive range. I felt that this Disney version of the Music Man certainly showcases Chenoweth's talent; she does an outstanding job in her role as Marian. However, Disney could have done a better job casting the lead role of Professor Harold Hill. Matthew Broderick's performance seems lackluster, especially in comparison to Chenoweth's. Despite Broderick's unimpressive performance, the movie's choreography and costumes are wonderful, and Chenoweth's performance alone justifies this purchase.

Ok, I am being honest. I have never seen any of the older versions of The Music Man, but I love this musical. First of all, Kristen Chenoweth has about the best voice ever. Secondly, Mattew Broderick does an awesome job supporting her vocal talent. Obviously none of you are singers because if you were you would know how truly hard it is to "outdo" a loud, talented singer. Just because the original Harold Hill had a "manly" voice doesn't mean they all should. That's majorly sterotypical and I feel very unfair. The other supporting characters also did a good job. If you personally do not enjoy this version so be it, but don't spoil it for the rest of the world. I highly, highly suggest that you buy this CD. I am in awe everytime I listen, and if you enjoy that, purchase the video as well.

As much as I say I enjoy musicals, I've actually seen very few of the classics. The Music Man is a case in point. But when I first heard this version announced, I was very excited. I bought the soundtrack before the movie itself aired, and I was not disappointed.

The soundtrack is remarkable for its diversity. Everything from big band to ballads to barbershop quartet. This last one surprised me since I've never heard that style as part of a musical before. Yet none of it feels out of place and it all works well to create the feeling of small town America in 1912.

The cast does a wonderful job with the songs. Being a fan of Kristin Chenoweth, I especially enjoyed getting to hear her featured so prominently. Matthew Broderick also does a great job as Professor Hill. I had trouble picturing him in a musical, but it really worked. I was surprised to find that Victor Garber didn't have any solos considering his considerable experience, but that's a minor point.

Since this is my introduction to the musical, I can't comment on it compared to any of the other versions available. However, a couple co-workers who are die hard fans of the original thought it was good.

My only real quibble is with the packaging. Nowhere do they tell you who sings which songs or give an entire cast list. Still, this is a minor quibble to an otherwise great CD. I will be enjoying this recording for years to come.

Alright, this review is somewhat biased, being a Kristin Chenoweth fan. However, I must say that it seems as if she's leading everyone through the songs.

For instance, in the song "Marian," Matthew Broderick gives a great performance, but in the movie, it seems as if Kristin's comedic timing with his words seem to lead the song on a bit, and give it a bit more meaning.

"Till There Was You," though, is truly amazing, and I would rate it one of the best songs on this CD. Chenoweth's start into the song and Broderick's entrance halfway through is unparalleled.

Overall, I think this is a great CD if you are a fan of the movie. If you're more of a fan of Robert Preston, I would suggest getting the original soundtrack.

Comparing the Robet Preston feature presentation to the made for TV version might be unfair, but folks, save your money.

This edition of the Music Man has been put through the Disney Smoothie machine turning a first rate Broadway Musical into a dubbed over, under-acted snoozer.

Only Chuck Norris would have been a worse choice for Harold Hill and that's only cause Chuck can't sing. Obviously trying to top Robert Preston is a difficult job, but Matthew Broderick doesn't even come close. He's too young to have been a "con-man" with any experience. Besides, Disney costume people have him stuffed into a too tight costume and he looks like an overstuffed cheese Danish.

Disney also continues to over-sex their recent movies by placing Ms Chenowith in a way, way too-tight outfit and has her waddling and wiggling herself down the street. Librarians in those days often worked in closed stacked libraries where going up and down ladders to retrieve a book was common. I can't fathom how the heck Chenowith got up the short flight of steps to her porch, let alone up and down a ladder. Out of place and out of time.

And finally (aren't you glad this is almost over) the members of school board (originally played by the Buffalo Bills Barber Shop Quartet) do a good job, but the original Buffalo Bills brought not only excellent singing skills, but a range of sizes, body types, personalities etc that this Disney disaster can't touch.

Grab the original - fast forward over the Buddy Hacket dance number - and enjoy a classic.

It is hard to follow the pure perfection of the Preston/Jones film but I watched with hopeful heart. <sigh> I wanted to like this but could not. Gave the one star for Kristin Chenowith, who is always engaging, but Matthew Broderick is an embarrassment. Horribly miscast, and despite have the age in years, he still seems too young for the part. Do NOT make this your introduction to this gem of a musical. Get the earlier version and then watch this at your own risk.

I am a big fan of both Broderick and Chenoweth, but the movie and the soundtrack do not work for me because Matthew is the wrong person to play Harold Hill. He just does not come across as the loveable rogue. I also agree with the reviewer who commented that there was not enough emotion. With regard to this album, the music is "rushed" -- if you listen, it appears the movie or music director is forcing the pace, perhaps because of the time constraints of television.

Kristen Chenoweth has the most spectactular voice ever! I wish that some day my voice will be just as good! YOU ROCK!