Dear Evan Hansen Movie Review – It SHINES!
I was scared!
Honestly, before being invited to an advanced screening of the new Dear Evan Hansen movie, I had read multiple reviews that completely butchered this movie. I read on and on as they criticized the movie based on the main actor, Ben Platt’s age (he’s 27), how musicals aren’t easy to translate to film (I still enjoy them), and how it trivializes mental illness and suicide (Did we even watch the same movie?).
Dear Evan Hansen Movie Synopsis:
Evan Hansen, a high schooler who is crippled by social anxiety gets caught up in a lie, which turns him from social outcast into a hero after the story goes viral.
After seeing the movie, I can honestly tell you, they got it all wrong. My son and a large group of his theater high school friends all LOVED it! Perhaps the previous reviewers have been out of high school too long. Perhaps they forget all the feelings and insecurities that many (most) high schoolers have. Perhaps they forget the feelings of being overlooked, alone, and overthinking everything. Because, despite his age, Ben Platt, nailed all of those feelings and more!
Let’s talk about age. It seems to come up in every review that I read. Ben Platt, who at 23, became the youngest Tony Award winner for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical solo, has reprised the role of Evan Hansen. There could have been countless younger actors picked for this role, but Ben does a solid job and honestly, many of us theatergoers. have a special place in our hearts for the original “Evan Hansen.
Adults playing teenagers isn’t anything new in Hollywood and it’s not in this movie either. Reviewers gloss over that the four main “teen” actors are anything but teens – Colton Ryan who plays Connor Murphy is 25 years old, Kaitlyn Dever who plays Zoe is 24 years old, Nik Dodani who plays Evan’s friend, Jared Kalwani is 26 years old and Amandla Stenberg’s who plays Alana Beck is 22 years old. Nothing is talked about the other actors… just Ben. The age of these actors doesn’t have to ruin the movie for you, it certainly didn’t for me.
I’ve read how many reviewers have said that how it’s hard for musicals to translate to the big screen. My son and I have seen countless live theater performances (including Dear Evan Hansen) and while nothing compares to a live show, the Dear Evan Hansen movie gives it a solid go! The music is crisp and clear and it will have you singing along to some while shedding a tear or two during others. Note, grab the tissues when you hear the song “So Big / So Small” start.
Let’s tackle the mental health issues. You could feel Evan’s struggle with depression and anxiety as if you were sitting next to him at the lunch table. I didn’t feel that they skimmed over mental health or glossed over suicide. My heart went out to Evan as he struggled with just getting through the school day. I wanted to be with him as he sat alone at the lunch table or was in the stall dry heaving with anxiety. I could see the anguish on Conner’s parent’s faces as they struggled with his suicide and were left with the aftermath. It was all there and thoughtfully conveyed onscreen.
If I have anything negative to say, I’d say the length of 2 hours and 17 minutes felt a bit long towards the end. I didn’t mind it though, I was along for the ride.
I wasn’t the only one who enjoyed it, everyone in my crew last night did! We talked about it the whole way home. Any movie that can get my teen and me talking on the way home from the movie is a WIN in my book. Bravo, cast! Bravo!
If you’ve ever felt alone and ignored in life, Dear Evan Hansen Movie may touch you in profound ways. The Dear Evan Hansen movie opens in theaters on September 24th. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
