What Is the Story About?
Tick Tick Boom is a musical biopic of late Jonathan Larson. The movie recounts the last few days of the trendsetting playwright, musician and lyricist while performing Tick Tick Boom for his friends.
Performances?
Andrew Garfield plays the central character of Jonathan Larson. His usual nervous energy seen across multiple films is put to great use in Tick Tick Boom. It makes him, therefore, the perfect choice for the part.
The character of Jonathan is racing against which is literally encapsulated in the title. Andrew Garfield compellingly showcases this nature in his typical style. The energy and emotions are neatly blended in the script, and Garfield delivers perfectly on both counts, making it a memorable outing.
Analysis
Lin-Manuel Miranda directs Tick Tick Boom. He is an award-winning personality in showbiz, and Tick Tick Boom marks his directorial debut. He has picked a perfect subject for his first attempt. It is a world he knows inside out, and it shows in the effort.
The opening few minutes of the movie, barring the character intro of Jonathan Larson, feels chaotic. Too much seems to be happening when it is not the case. It is only the establishment of the world and the primary characters.
What does attract our attention immediately, though, is the songwriting and staging – the musical part. They are brilliantly placed and executed. The song about turning 30, for example, at the start sets the ball rolling for what is to come. It is not just music playing out, but a lot of the story takes place simultaneously.
A couple of scenes that follow have the freshness in presenting clichés. The critical conflict begins after the subplots are taking off. But, there is no abruptness due to the razor-sharp editing and tight screenplay.
The main story is about a play, Superbia (and a song in particular), that took eight years out of Jonathan’s life. In a way, he has dedicated his life to it; this aspect and the concept of the play itself are wonderfully brought out. The theme of the futuristic play is what makes all the difference here.
The other conflict involving the final single for the play is also executed engagingly. That the whole thing takes place within a few days makes the entire thing exciting and adds to the title.
Some messages related to the LGBT community and aids are neatly incorporated into the story. It does seem to stick out at times as if pandering to the sensibilities of the current generation, but it is organically present in the story. The timing of the reveal and the emotional impact is also well brought out.
However, despite all the freshness in approach and writing, Tick Tick boom does follow a predictable paradigm. The formula is there, and it can be felt in places. It is the only downside apart from the chaotic parts.
The ending is both emotional and uplifting in that order. It could have been better if the order were reversed, but it’s alright.
Overall, Tick Tick Boom is a biography that checks all the expected boxes but does its best in not appearing formulaic. The musical segments are excellently done, and so is the writing. It makes the movie a breezy one time watch if you like the genre.
Other Artists?
Andrew Garfield is the main character, and he hogs the limelight, expectedly, but there are a few others who are given their share of space. Alexandra Shipp and Robin De Jesus are the two actors who stand out among the many supporting parts. The former plays the girlfriend whereas the latter is the long-time friend. Both share emotional moments with Garfield. Robin De Jesus, though, gets the more poignant part. Even though they appear in bits and pieces, the rest of the cast are apt and deliver the necessary.
Music and Other Departments?
The music is the highlight of the movie. Jonathan Larson’s work is used for it. They are terrific and are wonderfully woven into the narrative. They are also exquisitely and innovatively choreographed, deserving of a nomination for sure, if not awards. The cinematography by Alice Brooks captures the mood effectively. Myron Kerstein and Andrew Weisblum’s editing is brilliant.
Highlights?
Songs Andrew Garfield Casting EditingDrawbacks?
Formulaic Rushed And Chaotic BeginningDid I Enjoy It?
YesWill You Recommend It?
YesTick, Tick..Boom Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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