Tick, Tick...BOOM!

UK Release Date: 19 November 2021

Certification: 12A

Director: Lin-Manuel Miranda 

Cast: Andrew Garfield, Joshua Henry, Vanessa Hudgens, Robin De Jesus, Jonathan Marc Sherman, Alexandra Shipp, MJ Rodriguez, Bradley Whitford

Rating: 82%

'How much time do we have to do something great'

Review:

Tick, Tick...BOOM! was the biggest surprise of 2021 for me. I knew nothing about Jonathan Larson or his story. The first time I watched it, only two months ago, highlighting it's rewatchability, I wasn't feeling great and chose to watch the movie purely for the fact that Andrew Garfield was in it even though I'm not the biggest fan of musicals. But I loved every single minute of Tick, Tick...BOOM!

Andrew Garfield is one of the greatest, most talented actors working today. Absolutely every movie I've ever seen him in, whether it's a biographical drama in The Social Network or a blockbuster in The Amazing Spider-Man, he shines, no matter the size of the role. As Jonathan Larson he's able to portray the mindset of trying to make your best work without even having to break a sweat. On top of this, Garfield had to take vocal lessons for Tick, Tick...BOOM! as he couldn't sing when he was cast but boy can he sing now. He nails absolutely every song - hitting the high notes and adding his own twang to the performances. If he doesn't win best actor at the Oscars it will be a daylight robbery. 

Robin de Jesus is also great in a supporting role, as Michael, providing the most emotional moments towards the end of the film. Similarly, Vanessa Hudgens and Alexandra Shipp are terrific as the female leads, combining excellently for 'Come to Your Senses'. And Bradley Whitford is near perfect in an understated performance. 

Lin-Manuel Miranda's direction never feels world class but it's a solid directorial debut. It's clear that his knowledge of musicals shines through. He cited the movie as a passion project, stating his love for Larson's work. And it shows great courage to cast a man who couldn't sing at the start of production. 

As the movie is a musical, the songs have to be outstanding and they are. For reference Andrew Garfield has been my most listened artist on Spotify for two months straight. '30/90' is a catchy introduction to the movie that hasn't got out of my head since hearing it. 'Louder than Words' is my favourite due to Garfield's booming voice and 'Swimming' is the best in terms of a storytelling standpoint in my opinion. However, every single song helps further the plot moving the narrative forward. Considering, Tick, Tick...BOOM! is essentially musical theatre there maybe wasn't as much spectacle as I would've expected but the soundtrack more than made up for it.