everything wrong with DEAR EVAN HANSEN (2021)

[@solcarlosofficial]

I think if evan was played by an actor who actually looked like a teen it would be easier for the audience to sympathize a little because he would look like a naive confused kid. But seeing someone that looks like they finished college makes it more creepy.

[@miya7917]

@@tspawn35 I’m a high school student and so is a large portion of people who love/loved this musical and I think it does matter. It might not be a big deal to some and yes, it’s done all the time but seeing someone that’s actually the correct age or at least looks it is very important (especially w this movie)

[@sshaw32096]

I admit that I went into everything already feeling this, but up until today, I thought Ben was around 10 years older than he actually is. And that does really make it feel off. A 17 year old making bad decisions and a 37 year old doing the same thing comes off horribly different.

[@dannyhargreaves3340]

Yes. And this isn't Grease.

[@alyssa6215]

It does you know i understand lie, how they are trying to recreate when Ben platt was doing the musical as like a tribute for his iconic performance, but I feel they should have thought this through maybe he should ahem come as a side character and Evan could have been played Andrew Feldman or someone who is more close to age range of dear Evan Henson it would have helped with the connection of emotion to the viewers

[@carolinar316]

100%

[@dillonohlemiller9027]

The fact that they felt that they needed to do a film adaptation instead of releasing a proshot is a problem. They should have done it when he was in his prime and actually looked like a teen.

[@dangosandlemons]

I agree!

[@solcarlosofficial]

He wanted an Oscar

[@busaj383]

I guess I need me some glasses because Ben hasn't aged at all and looks identical to himself from 10 years ago 🙄

[@maleg.v]

@@solcarlosofficial and now he might get a Razzie

[@SylviaMarie30]

@@busaj383 I think he aged but not as much as people seem to think he has. I don't see a 27 year old man playing a 17 year old personally.

[@ms.marvelous8156]

Honestly, they could’ve done what Hamilton did and released the Broadway performance on streaming sites and it probably would’ve been better received, especially in terms of Ben playing a high schooler. Also when you look at Ben’s musical appearance versus the movie appearance, he looks so much better on Broadway. In terms of the actual movie, I think it would’ve been better for Ben to play a different role in the show and let the torch go to someone else, similarly to Lin Manuel Miranda and Anthony Ramos in In The Heights. Initially, I thought Joshua Basset or Matt Cornett could play Evan decently because they both sing very well and have recently played teens in the high school musical tv show on Disney.

[@NairAthul]

I'm beating a dead horse here but Andrew Barth Feldman is also on HMTM and was Evan on stage.

[@benathon5444]

I think if he kept the same haircut from the musical he wouldve looked way younger its mostly the hair that looks wierd for me

[@reireiisconfused]

When watching the movie I had a moment of muttering "why didn't they casted Andrew Barth Feldman"

[@patiencekillz]

@@reireiisconfused ME TOOO

[@alyssa6215]

@@reireiisconfused sameeeeee

[@DoveCalderwood]

The decision to cut Good For You was the worst possible one they could've made

[@LibertyPankhurst]

And anybody have a map!

[@Random-cl3tz]

@@LibertyPankhurst What the fuck 0-0 Why ;-;

[@guadaiz2885]

they did WHAT

[@nietzopaniquen]

WHAT

[@brookebecker4785]

So true! It's the song where the other characters are holding Evan accountable for his actions and all of his lies and deception. He begins to question what he's doing and wishes he could just stop it. It's such an important song. And they just have his mom get upset at him for hanging out with the Murphys which just doesn't work as well. Evan faces no consequences at all.

[@Bella-lh7kf]

Part of the goal of hiring Ben Platt was to “ preserve his performance “ if they Really want to do that they should’ve gave us a pro shot I mean they most likely already have one

[@tinymxnticore]

Exactly. He could have also had a cameo in the film as a tribute.

[@erikdaniels0n]

That whole argument is stupid because the OBC recording and Tony performance and things like that “preserve his performance” just fine. We didn’t need a film version

[@gabrielcastaneda9700]

@@tinymxnticore he could of played Evan’s therapist if they wanted to add that in

[@MadameCorgi]

Ben wasn't even the only Tony-worthy performer in the OG production either. Additionally, '' number of Tonys won'' isn't the best metric for deciding which actor was the best at a role since only the originator gets nominated. Ben winning the Tony his successors didn't doesn't mean his performance was better or more worth preserving.

[@mb323]

@@tinymxnticore this is exactly what i was thinking! i would have loved to have seen him in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it part like a teacher wrapping up a class or passing by evan in the halls

[@solcarlosofficial]

I remember the first time I heard DEH and loved the music specially “for forever” Because I thought he was truly connors friend. Then I watched the story and omg 😳😳😳

[@erurax]

Same I heard the last's song and I was so confused.

[@sarachivers2638]

For forever is such a great song and then I learnt the story around it and it tainted it a bit

[@belladlouhy7468]

@@erurax saaaaame

[@manuelorozco7760]

@@sarachivers2638 I still love For Forever

[@cangrejoamarillo03]

Omg sol I follow you on tiktok you should start doing musicals TikTok’s

[@dangosandlemons]

And I personally think that Evan is a kid who made terrible decisions but gradually turns terrible as the show goes on. Which is why Good For You was so important. It called Evan out for his behavior and the fact that they cut it from the movie felt like they were excusing Evan's actions.

[@avapaull3814]

I completely agree!! Cutting Good For You was this film’s biggest downfall. Keeping the song would have alleviated some confusion the audience is having regarding how we’re supposed feel about Evan’s actions.

[@manuelorozco7760]

That is why I think I liked Evan better before he started dressing like Connor

[@jakegoldblum]

@@avapaull3814 that is total horse shit from a writing perspective. Not including Good for you preserved the relationship with the mother and humanized the mother a lot mroe and made Ben look a lot better and the mother a lot better. Good for you is great in the musical but makes the mother look terrible and not understand what Character is going through- it was a good decision

[@samantharosales6388]

@@jakegoldblum the fact that removing the song put Evan in a good light *is* the issue. They essentially handwaved the fact that he lied and took advantage of a grieving family. Evan's character needed the call-out.

[@dangosandlemons]

@@jakegoldblum It didn't make anyone look terrible, It made them feel real, honestly. It called Evan out for being a terrible person, which he WAS in the 2nd act. It's more unrealistic if nobody calls him out, and makes me hate Evan even more if he wasn't called out.

[@hughmurr3262]

As a fan of the stage show who hasn’t seen the movie yet, I think removing “good for you” was a mistake. That song starts to show Evan actually having consequences for his actions and how they are impacting others.

[@manuelorozco7760]

I was sad about Anybody Have A Map and Disappear cut out the most. So I’m glad I passed

[@Chebowlier]

Ditto on "good for ypu" I thought it would've helped the movie

[@m_j7955]

Personally, as a lover of the original musical and having seen it in the west end, I think I’m gonna skip the movie so I can avoid the disappointment. I already thought cutting disappear and good for you was a bad choice and given it’s ratings now, I think it’s best that I skip on it

[@kickthespike]

And" Does Anyone Have a Map" is gone and I think it really needed to be in the film, BUT it's still good and worth watching. Non of the problems in the film are Ben's fault but he is getting all the s**t about it which is so unfair.

[@staceyg798]

I 100% agree. Removing "Good For You" did a huge disservice to having Evan face his consequences but also showing Heidi's complicated feelings about the situation. My sister, who never saw the stage play, was so confused as to why Heidi was "a bitch" and I feel removing that song strip away a bit of her character; she's not just a mom too proud for a help but she mom that truly feels she is losing her son to another family and doesn't know him. Also, it was the first song I heard from the soundtrack so I am very upset it was removed.

[@colebeck6528]

It’s a little disappointing that movie musicals seem pretty uninspired these days. I admire how Lin Manuel Miranda said there isn’t gonna be a Hamilton one because he believes it wouldn’t translate well. I’m looking forward to Tick Tick Boom mostly because no one asked LMM to make it he’s just doing it because Jonathan Larson inspired him.

[@BongoBon360]

I can’t remember where I heard it, but I remember LMM saying that if there was to be a Hamilton movie, then he’d love to see how the directors portray the storyline… but yeah I honestly don’t think it’ll happen because the whole story is built for the stage and with the big cult following… if it ends up being a bad movie then that will bring down LMM and Hamilton quite a bit

[@manuelorozco7760]

I say we are just fine with Hamilton on Disney Plus. But at least I was entertained with the Prom and In the Heights at least

[@manuelorozco7760]

Sorry I said at least twice. And im looking forward to Tick Tick Boom

[@amandalynn4979]

He was also offered to play Usnavi in the ITH movie again, but he turned it down because he knew he was too old and decided to play a smaller role instead. He also involved the original cast in decision making and filmed the movie in the actual Washington Heights instead of leaving it to film in a studio. He knows how to translate creations to the big screen and when it would work. Extremely excited for 'Tick...Tick...Boom!' this month!

[@hwp576]

@@amandalynn4979 he actually wasn’t going to be in the movie at all- he don’t want to be. But he was told that Piragua guy would be cut, unless LMM played him, so he ended up in the movie. But I love that he knew he was too old to play usnavi and had a younger actor play him (plus, Anthony Ramos is fantastic)

[@katelen3610]

while i do agree that people have gotten TOO MEAN when it comes to Ben's age, it is still a part that detracts from the movie imo. Mostly that everyone else looks younger than him, so it creates a sort of emotional distance between the characters for me

[@cara9851]

Woah

[@dannyhargreaves3340]

The thing is that this isn't Grease.

[@manuelorozco7760]

@@dannyhargreaves3340 I love Grease

[@solcarlosofficial]

I’m surprised no one has reviewed the movie musical “everybody is talking about Jamie” didn’t it come out recently? I haven’t watched but it looks promising from the trailers.

[@amyhall1670]

I watched it last week with my dad and we both really enjoyed it, I feel like more people would be talking about it if it wasn't for this whole deh fiasco thingy

[@seppyq3672]

Me too. I've been waiting for one. Also for Schmigadoon!

[@robertstevenschumann]

The Jamie film is brilliant! As is the casting.

[@raindropsonroses3919]

It’s fantastic !

[@berrykit]

THANK YOU FOR REMINDING ME! Gotta watch it once I actually have some free time again.

[@arrow_of_ravenclaw5155]

My favorite things: - the acting - sincerely me, requiem, and waving through a window - Alana’s new song was nice but did not disappear Least favorite: - the zoom-ins that add ten years to Ben’s life - the fact that the choreography was mostly just people walking around, sitting, or standing. It got boring after the third song. That's why those were my 3 favorites

[@arrow_of_ravenclaw5155]

Wasn't*

[@arrow_of_ravenclaw5155]

@Quora Shorts the one in the third point

[@SarahSharpe1231]

My favorite songs in the musical are "Sincerely, Me" and "Requiem" so I'm actually REALLY happy those two didn't disappoint!!!!

[@arrow_of_ravenclaw5155]

@@SarahSharpe1231 sincerely me is also my favorite

[@jasminemcgarigle8834]

The Broadway version doesn't have much choreography either. It's mostly just people walking around, sitting, or standing. The charisma of the actor and how good of a job they do getting the emotion of the song across is key. So even though there isn't much visually going on the performance is still mesmerizing.

[@elleyeah746]

Rachel Bay Jones deserved to be in this just as much as Ben Platt

[@lets_get_pizza4096]

YESSS !!!! I've been saying this since they announced the full cast

[@carr0760]

But since they cut most of her role I think it would be kind of insulting. "Come back to reprise your iconic Tony award winning role! (But you won't actually get to do most of it, so your character becomes pretty much irrelevant)"

[@janiceweaver6945]

Completely agree. Cutting all the adult songs just establishes they cast actors who don’t sing.

[@mcwyman7928]

@@janiceweaver6945 Amy Adams can sing though. Yeah it's been a while since Enchanted but she totally could handle Anybody Have a Map. Danny Pino was perfectly serviceable in the song that they kept for him and I didn't mind them cutting "Glove" because the scene they put in for it did the job just fine. Julianne Moore is the bigger question mark. I don't know if she has the vocal chops for "Map" or especially "Good For You". But idk, you could have lowered the key or something so you could keep it in.

[@kathleengreen2659]

QOTD: I have complicated feelings about DEH. I first listened to it way back in 2017 and it really spoke to me due to some personal stuff going on around that time. So I like it, but I am also aware of its many problems. This film reminded me of some of my feelings from before and has new feelings. To me, I feel like the film did not really take advantage of it being a musical film and can do surrealist things during the numbers. I did like Alana's new song and Colton Ryan was a really good Connor. I wish they hadn't cut Anybody Have a Map or Good for You. I'm sorry if this is too rambly

[@manuelorozco7760]

I was afraid it wouldn’t take advantage

[@sabinajoh]

Cutting those songs were a crime People would have been fine with a slightly longer film! I don’t get why moviemusicals keep doing that

[@Cece46654]

Or Disappear... I don't get that choice.

[@lostgirlcosplay14]

oh the fact that they cut good for you so mean

[@mariekuelbs9347]

Don’t be, I agree with you on the vast majority of your points!

[@gracewilbourn5033]

The whole "Legally Blonde" joke was hilarious 😂 and I was totally not expecting the return of "dO tHeY HaVe PeOpLe tEeTH?"

[@turtle1661]

personally im surprised that nobody is talking about the song they gave connor near the end!! the movie failed to make me cry in the moments where its supposed to be the most emotional (like words fail), but that song was probably my favorite part of it. i sobbed JGHFDSFFGH

[@jacen4785]

A little closer is such a welcome addition! Seeing the real Connor was really nice. I wish they added some things from the book for Connor tho.

[@ageek13]

@@jacen4785 YES! I was really hoping for the plot about him and Miguel, but I kinda knew it wouldn’t happen.

[@jellyrcw12]

I actually love that they gave Connor a solo and I wish we saw more of real Connor in the original production.

[@arrow_of_ravenclaw5155]

Ben Platt’s voice was so big... while everyone else’s was so small?

[@ocalimirosubso]

and his voice felt sooo big, the others' felt so smallll~

[@heyitslarib]

I haven't seen the movie, but even though I'm way older than the target audience, DEH the musical was life-changing for me. Zoe's arc - and the song Requiem especially - helped me deal with the death of a person who was truly awful in my life, yet everyone around me missed.

[@manuelorozco7760]

I’m older too and I don’t think the movie would have the same affect on me the stage version had. I relate mostly to Evan in terms of anxiety and wanting to be around people my age.

[@jellyrcw12]

Requiem fucked me up and it's such a beautifully layered song.

[@Rivers1106]

If "Good for You" wasn't taken away from the show, the movie would've felt like there were more consequences for Evan. In that song, they all pop off on him and call him out. It was definitely needed in the movie... #JusticeForGoodForYou Also... I wish we could've seen more of Conner like we did in the Bway production. He almost was like Evan's self-conscience responding to Evan's decisions throughout the entire musical. A little bit of that would have gone a long way in the movie. (Plus Colton Ryan is just amazing and needs more screentime lol)

[@Fcalhanas]

When I watched the musical I realized Evan tried to kill himself in one of those talks with Connor. They are very important to the story and make you connect with Evan it was a bad choice to cut them from them movie...

[@manuelorozco7760]

I wasn’t a huge fan of Evan being encountered by imaginary Connor. Because it makes me question what the real Connor would have wanted.

[@kgal1298]

This is what I heard has been a major issue is that they removed a lot of the parent parts from the movie. Who ever wrote this movie, directed and produced deserves an axing for being worried more about money than making a good Broadway adaption. I think I'd rather have seen this like we saw Hamilton with them filming the broadway production and just airing that.

[@sylvia1797]

I think cutting out "Good for You" was a huge mistake. It's the song that actually holds Evan accountable because at the end of the day, despite his anxiety, Evan did something pretty awful. The movie to me just felt like a giant tribute to Ben Platt rather than an actual story with well-developed plot and characters (and I liked the musical).

[@cobrakaiqueen6959]

QOTD: I think they should’ve done a pro shot instead of a film if what they wanted was to save Ben Platt’s performance.

[@victoryh.140]

"Good, bad, at least it wasn't Cats?" I love that that's our scale of good and bad. XD

[@KiaNakagawa]

Honestly, I feel like they did Ben dirty. If they had aged up everyone around Ben looks wise then the age thing wouldn't have been as much of an issue. I mean hell we've seen plenty of movies where high schoolers didn't look like high schoolers. lol But I do wholeheartedly agree with EVERYONE that cutting out Good For You was a HUGE mistake! Anybody Have A Map and Disappear should have stayed in the movie as well.

[@meggy0]

I agree! It's like how Samantha Barks stood out in Les Mis, or how they always cast short woman opposite Tom Cruise, they have to balance the cast so that no one stands out, like in Grease they were in their late 20's-early 30's but they all were so you could suspend disbelief. I also feel like Ben Platt's dad producing gave people even more ammo to hate on his performance. He clearly loves this character and they could have made a much better movie around him.

[@reginarodriguez1477]

the best thing to come out of this movie is the still image of ben platt crying his eyes out during words fail

[@erikdaniels0n]

I can’t wait for the film to go on streaming/digital so we can get high quality memes of Ben Platt Naurto running away from Zoe

[@generalhorse493]

What??? He freaking what???

[@emi6082]

QOTD: I haven’t watched it yet but I’m very hesitant considering they cut Good For You..

[@maggiepeterson7915]

WHAT? Omg I love that song

[@AtlasBRR_mp4]

Sameee

[@Abigail-lj4sv]

So I watched it this past Sunday and was incredibly disappointed they cut the song. But I will say they still portray the moment in a scene it’s just not as good since it’s not in song form

[@SOCKS_RABBIT]

For story purposes-be more hesitant that they cut Anybody Have a Map😭that decision made for a very awkward beginning, (edit) and a very uncomfortable middle when everyone that’s not Evan starts singing seemingly out of nowhere

[@Abigail-lj4sv]

@@SOCKS_RABBIT Ong though I was so upset about that

[@dxnnxxmc]

the main ben platt issue is that all his co-stars look like they could be in high school and he just doesnt. and the way they styled him just made him look so much weirder and older in comparison

[@ElizabethNicoleSchwartz]

QOTD: I was quite in between on the movie. I didn't absolutely hate it like I did with Cats, but there were definitely some issues. I think casting actors that look more Ben's age and not doing his hair like that would've fixed a few problems.

[@avanishdutta2658]

If you ever feel the gratitude of watching it, watch les miserables which was directed by tom hooper. His direction worked there but cats.........no.

[@SOCKS_RABBIT]

What also left a bad taste in my mouth was “The Anonymous Ones” in place of “Disappear”. It’s incredibly disingenuous that a song that is essentially Evan’s subconscious trying to justify his own terrible actions is replaced with what’s supposed to be an inspirational anthem for struggling people. I also found that the fleshing out of Alana’s character made her more unlikable, as everything she did seemed like an attempt to serve herself under the guise of philanthropy (which clearly stood out in the end especially but was left unaddressed), and her delivering such a surface message in such a deliberate way did not strike a wonderful chord. One problem that is reflected in every scene with her is the movie’s need to tell everything instead of showing it,,,very uninspired camera work and writing at times. You’re right, this movie is not self aware nor do I think it takes a stand on how it wants the audience to perceive the characters in the end

[@heath6802]

Right? Like didn’t she *also not know Connor?* She gets to raise funds for that orchard, pass out little bracelets with his name, and call out Evan for if he really ever was his friend... But Alana... weren’t you also not his friend? She said all they did was work on a group project years ago, so what makes her so different from Evan?

[@DC-ru5xz]

You can’t have you will be found without disappear

[@jellyrcw12]

I have such mixed feelings about stage vs movie Alana. On one hand the stage version was really unlikable and left a lot of reading between the lines but she was way funnier and the subtle touch was nice. To me it made NO sense that she opened up to Evan the way she did because part of Evan's struggle was that he didn't connect to anyone at all, including those literally closest to him.

[@xxxmaysilssss690]

@@heath6802 just wait until you hear about book Alana. In the book, I think after she releases “Connor’s” suicide note to the public, she’s ecstatic about the press and people who want to take part in the Connor project and talks to Evan about it (this is after Evan’s confession to the Murphy’s), and he says he doesn’t want to take part in the project anymore. And then Alana tears him apart over it, calling him a horrible person, a user etc. and takes on the role of the leader herself and keeps the project running even a year later. Oh my God I absolutely despised Alana in every adaption. She is just so incredibly infuriating and it’s so frustrating how no one ever talks about it.

[@SOCKS_RABBIT]

Removing emphasis from the importance of Larry’s character in the story arc is a mistake that happens way too frequently in the fandom and in this movie :’( I understand sonically it may not be for everyone, but “To Break in a Glove” is a good song and though I understand they had to be very selective because of time, choosing to exclude its overall message implies it’s boring and useless-which is not true!! Evan’s lack of a relationship with his real dad and seeing Larry’s character shine through is very important and the message of that song reigns supreme. They kind of communicated some of this (Evan’s bad relationship with his dad mostly) with that short baseball glove scene, but I wishfully hoped they would include more of the moral of the song as well

[@ride-playerbb2818]

They removed it?! I don't like it personally but even I think that's just as big a mistake as removing _Good For You_ and _Anybody Got a Map?_

[@avainspired]

This song showcases another reason why Evan lied and felt okay doing it in the moment, pretending to be Evans friend gave him a father figure, a family and a chance to spend time with he girl he liked.

[@lobalee1873]

Right? I actually liked "To break in a glove" because it focused on the father-son relationship, which is something Evan was so desperate to have, and like Requiem, it showcased the dad's complicated feelings about losing his son. I love how the song goes from a casual conversation about a baseball glove and evolves into talking about his relationship with Connor. The idea that you put in the work even when everyone else thinks you're crazy and when everyone lets things go. You're the parent and you keep trying to reach out to your kid even when you know they don't care. I don't know, I think it tells a lot about the dad's personality.

[@naomihallman8356]

When I watched it I wasn't sure what all songs they removed ans I hadn't listened to the soundtrack in a while so I remembered this song a little bit in and was wondering if they were gonna do it or not then we got to that scene and I was so excited because I thought they were gonna do it because it felt perfectly set up to and then it just never happened and I was confused.

[@miqola]

I totally agree, I think just in general they cut way too many of the parent’s songs. They’re super important to the motivation behind a lot of Evan’s actions and I think they probably cut them because they attempted to change how his character is perceived in the end and it just wasn’t thought out enough.

[@KitKat170]

Waiting for the Wicked casting announcement review! 👀

[@aloyminimum]

Spoilers for the stage version ahead The movie felt like it missed all of the metaphors from the stage play, all the small things like Evan mixing in some truth with his lies with Break In A Glove, the lack of Conner as his conscience is felt hard, Good For You and any narrative replacement is missing so the ending feels like a leap in logic, Waving Through a Window isn't him literally looking at people through a window in the stage version it's a metaphor about how he's basically an audience member and his view is social media on his phone. The window is his phone, that's made clear even by the Tony Awards performance. Everything about the movie felt so uncreative from it's muted color pallet to all of the park and bark. The best scene in the movie is Sincerely, Me only because it has a dance sequence and minor fourth wall breaks with them looking into the camera. It's just so many small things that add up to a failing grade. This movie feels more movie than musical. Having a solely first person narrative with the exception of two scenes feels narcissistic at worst and forced at the best. Critically I would give this movie a 3/10.

[@cherryfries623]

Honestly, I think the window is basically a wall between him and his life. He feels as if he’s an audience member to his own story, as if he isn’t in control; isn’t even the main character of his own existence. Which is why when the Murphys finally ‘see him’, and others finally ‘see him’, he immediately grabs at the opportunity and seizes the moment where he can finally be a part of something and finally matter. Where he can ‘help people’ but also be helped himself. He progressively becomes inflated by the suddenness of popularity, fame, and people actually noticing him that he starts becoming an asshole and taking things for granted-when he lied about it all in the first place, but he starts to figure that he’ll never be caught until everything starts crumbling around him due to his fear of being found out, his lie becoming more complicated and harder to keep up with, and him realizing that it’s all gonna fall a part, not just for him, but for everyone he sweeped into this lie. That said, the movie and musical both suck in my opinion. I’d give the film a 5/10 just for its attempts as a good message.

[@sherimarvin5938]

And there are no repercussions in the stage musical either Kath Just that Alanna gets pissed

[@emma3608]

I wasn’t really the biggest fan cause they changed so much and I wish they added some stuff from the book like Connors boyfriend

[@JasonToddsThighs]

CONNOR WAS GAY IN THE BOOK?????

[@emma3608]

@@JasonToddsThighs yea and his boyfriend confronts Evan at the end and it’s amazing

[@robertascavone8306]

I always thought that Evan was make an apology along with an confession in "Words fail". Also he make a public confessios that he'd lie about his relationship with Connor. He lost his new friends, the girl he love and the love of Connor's family, wich was something that he aimed for. I do think he faced the consequences of his actions and I think he didn't acted for selfish reasons. He was a boy who wanted to be seen, loved and have a "normal" family, and receiving that from Connor family was the reason it was so difficult for him to let it go. He didn't chase the love from them though at first, Cynthia and her husband gave to him freely, in a way that wasn't normal even if Connor and Evan have'd been actually real friends. In my vision, the Murphy's was also using Evan to do things they wanted to do with Connor and couldn't, and also to try to know more about their son, wich is really messed up with you think about it. Evan lies just worked because they didn't knew nothing about Connor. So the Murphy's wanted a son to love and Evan wanted to be loved by a full family. No villains here, just people that was hurt wanting some love, attention and comprehension.

[@jellyrcw12]

"No villains here, just people that was hurt wanting some love, attention and comprehension." Thank you! People are acting like Evan had some evil plot from the very beginning when it was all really unfortunate circumstances.

[@kimberlydodge1602]

Totally agree

[@manuelorozco7760]

@@jellyrcw12 Well i did feel sorry for Evan that the sacrifice had to be done because he tried to erase his true self like it doesn't exist. But i also forgave his choice to go on living. On the other hand, only wish the resolve was more well earned.

[@danielrobinson7350]

Good way to immortalise a legend of the show in movie form: Original Valjean being the Bishop. Bad way: original main actor still playing the same character when he’s too old.

[@carr0760]

But don't insult him like they did Colm Wilkinson by filling the cast with such horrible singers.

[@beyiince]

i mean ben is a great actor, but his moments with the younger crew felt so... predatory in some way... like, him and zoe. i mean it's not his fault ofc (not saying i dont believe in nepotism tho) but still, they could've given the role to someone new, in both age and career wise

[@maleg.v]

Samee, I loved Zoe and Evan in the musical, and Ben's chemistry with Laura, but in the movie it was kinda creepy

[@dannyhargreaves3340]

Problem is that this isn't Grease.

[@ocalimirosubso]

@@dannyhargreaves3340 can you stop saying it isnt grease? we know??

[@heath6802]

Only Us felt so creepy aaaaa

[@jellyrcw12]

I agree that he had better chemistry with Laura but he's not that much older than Kaitlyn

[@SandybeachesAG]

I personally liked the movie a lot, still prefer the musical and I have problems with the movie, but I still loved it

[@briannastultz6924]

Agree 100%

[@helloitsali.]

i’ve needed a commentary type video of some sort from someone about this so thank you gjsjd

[@cuzwhynot253]

I honestly don't understand all the hate I kinda loved it of course some changes and additions weren't the best but they did make some great artist choices and I loved it and would definitely watch again!

[@ageek13]

I agree.

[@ella9120]

Same!!

[@amandacaudill229]

I agree! I was nervous about seeing it because of all of the bad reviews, but I loved it. But I also love ben platt and he could have 50 and I would have been cool with it. 😂

[@jennawalmer4404]

i went into the movie hesitant because of all the bad press i had heard. after watching it, i was pleasantly surprised and shocked by all of the negative reviews. i personally loved the movie. i saw the broadway show back in 2017 with ben platt and colton ryan as connor. the emotional execution was spot on in my opinion throughout the film. all of the songs, including the new ones were excellent. each actor has a beautiful performance, especially amandla and kaitlyn. i do wish they would’ve kept good for you in the soundtrack and i don’t quite understand the decison to make larry the murphy children’s stepfather. there are of course, things i didn’t care for that could have been improved. loved the new ending too!

[@miqola]

I agree about the stepfather thing only bc I don’t see why it needed to change??? Especially when they stuck with the narrative that for all intents and purposes he was their dad since they didn’t really recall their biological father. A friend I saw it with who had never seen the musical or listened to it suggested they did it just so Evan and zoey could have that conversation in the kitchen and that makes me even more upset

[@camithecamel]

i've seen the musical and read the book and i think they made the movie more like the book in comparison. the murphies getting blamed at first for connor's death happens in the book, and so does evan looking more like a good guy. i agree that they should have made him either the hero or anti-hero. the movie just feels a lot different from the musical imo.

[@kkmmrew]

I will never understand the decision to cut 'Good for you'. Without it, Evan is seen to have zero consequences and the audience doesn't get the full scope of how his actions affected those around him. Kinda a hugely important song to just pretend it doesn't exist.

[@sydiris666]

Katherine, no one is mad that Ben is aging. They are mad that a 30 year old man is trying to pass himself off as a high schooler in a movie.

[@flip.2]

Here we go

[@MelAnastasia717]

After having seen it on Broadway, I honestly think that the film format allowed for much more nuanced acting moments that aided the story more than hindered it. I actually didn't find Ben's age distracting. His hair was goofy but that was about it for me. I didn't think the other "kids" looked particularly young either. I know everyone says Ben overacted it, and I am normally super sensitive to that, but it just never struck me as that. If anything, I thought there were some really lovely understated moments from him. One that stands out is him singing "For Forever" and you can see him make the choice to commit to this lie, especially because Amy Adams plays opposite him so well as a desperate mom. I found Evan's anxiety was much more apparent on film than it was from the back of a theatre. Like it actually read as an unwell kid who might make some terrible (TERRIBLE) choices because of how unbearable it was. I really liked how much more likable Alana was and felt her song fit well. I think Amy Adams was criminally underutilized. I'm die-hard Rachel Bay Jones, so missed her. The lack of consequences has always been an issue with the story and cutting "Good for You" furthered that in the movie (although I kind of hate that song musically). I mean, listen, it wasn't perfect but I think it became the cool thing to shit on and people have just run with it. Also, Ben's voice is freakishly good and I'm glad we have this for posterity.

[@jellyrcw12]

"I know everyone says Ben overacted it, and I am normally super sensitive to that, but it just never struck me as that" As someone who saw Darren Chris as Blaine for years and years, he is really restrained in comparison lol

[@jellyrcw12]

"After having seen it on Broadway, I honestly think that the film format allowed for much more nuanced acting moments that aided the story more than hindered it" I agree!! Especially Connor's parents. That scene where he's walking in the office and everyone stares at him, and then he finally breaks down at home. I loved those moments. The parents felt much more human in the movie.

[@ViolaObsessed]

Hey Kat! I just wanna thank you so much. I know you probably won't see this but you have been a bright light in my life. Watching your videos makes me smile and laugh so much. You are an amazing person and keep up with all of the good work!!

[@ohmyprettygirl]

No I think the criticism about his age is justified. Theres plenty of young actors who couldve done the film role.

[@jaydas8976]

Yeah I agree

[@Behind_the_Curtain23]

QOTD: I liked the movie! They could’ve taken longer and got more done. I don’t care what others say. I saw an interview with Ben and he said he can’t control his age so don’t hate something he can’t control !

[@kgal1298]

He also could have turned down the role lmaoooo.

[@starberrijammz7467]

this timing is perfect, just saw it yesterday! i was SO mad they cut Anybody Have A Map and Good For You. it really didn’t meet my expectations, but it wasn’t too bad

[@lindseymaher9618]

Most reviews I've seen so far have been really awful towards Ben, like going past acting and personally attacking him. Which I feel is uncalled for. So thank you for being kind to him in this video. ❤

[@vhartson]

I saw the musical on stage when I was 18 and just out of high school (so approximately Evan's age), and at the time I couldn't put my finger on why I disliked the show so much. I wept the entire time, and not in a good way, more in a "why is this musical doing this to me?" way. Seeing the movie at 23 gave me some clarity: as a teenager with anxiety and depression, I felt absolutely awful watching a teenager with anxiety and depression do something so terrible. I related to the situations Evan was in, so I had to think to myself "...would I do that?" every time he made a mistake, and then...the show ends. Evan has a breakdown and it's over. He doesn't really seem to learn; he just takes advantage of people and walks away. I at least appreciated that the movie made him *do* something afterwards, retroactively get to know Connor, bc none of that's in the musical. I don't think it's fair to make a teenager feel like potentially a terrible person and then proceed to give them no redemption arc or resolution. I just left feeling like a potentially terrible person.

[@masreg]

My big question is this. What repercussions do you want an 18-year-old to have? I’ve looked at every review that has said the same thing & I’m wondering what repercussions do y’all want? He didn’t steal money or anything like that. Hell, when he was offered it his mom stepped in & was like no. I loved the movie a ton because it hit me personally.

[@jellyrcw12]

Idk why no one is addressing that in the movie he filmed his confession. What could he do? He lost his girlfriend, lost Connor's family, disappointed his mom, didn't get the scholarship money, was never really friends with Jared.

[@airbending_sith]

Evan: and no one tells you where you went wrong Kat: hold my beer

[@QuIqUe190m]

8:14 "At least it wasn't cats" XD Yeah, that pretty much says it all

[@ItsTeddyRBLX156]

Okay I just got done seeing it and let me tell you that I was not mentally prepared for this movie. They cut out some of my favorite songs but made up for it with all the rest of the movie. I cried so hard and loved it. All the actors were amazing and their singing was on point and all the characters were perfectly portrayed. They added some songs to replace some that were removed but I still wish that Good For You was in there. Both me and my grandma were crying throughout the movie.

[@benm6847]

i’ve never seen kat give a negative review, EVER. that’s saying something about DEH

[@deweydjb]

I found it to be a hot mess, so much I laughed several times in the theater, when I shouldn't. Ben was older but even looked older than 27, and was acting for the stage not screen, so looked so...well... The troublesome story that you sort of forgive in the stage show becomes far more sinister as Ben looks older and serms to orchestrate this plan only because he's stalking Zoey. They cut so many other characters songs I chortled when Heidi started to sing because I thought they just forgot her character completely. Any Adams is usually good but is wooden here and I really disliked Alanas song and the fact that they tried to make her sympathetic with a "hey, I'm Alana, these are the meds I take!". I don't know. So much of it just veered so far off, I figured when they cut "does anybody have a map" it was because the answer is no. I was so bored, it was SO SLOW. I think i actually enjoyed Cats more as i wasn't looking at my watch the whole time!

[@gabrielleporter553]

I’ve been WAITING for this one…. TURN IT UP🗣🗣🗣🗣🗣

[@justwatchingyoutube9557]

Sincerely me is the best song in Dear Evan Hansen fight me

[@bree2828]

i wish they would have just done the same thing that hamilton did and recorded the original cast on broadway and released it

[@manuelorozco7760]

I prefer Hamilton over DEH. But I would have wanted that video recording three years ago

[@KirkLinnDeGrassi]

The biggest problem with Dear Evan Hansen the movie is that The Evan part was NEVER AUDITIONED. You have the High School for Performing Arts in NYC and it wouldn’t be that hard to find that one Uber Talented High School student who can do that. It basically means to them a slap in the face for actually going through the training when the easy way is to have your DADDY be the producer.

[@morgan_c]

I loved the movie. I was happy about everything. Am I sad that some of the best songs were removed? Yes. But other than that, I was happy with it.

[@sheridanarmour3890]

OMG HIII!!! I’ve missed you Kat, hope your doing well. I enjoyed the movie but the lack of theatre the past year I genuinley appreciate most art now:) And of course protect Ben at all costs so I loved it x

[@kwoot07]

I loved the movie. TLDR: I’m willing to ignore the issues for the sake of enjoying the pieces of it I love so dearly, as a girl who relates to Zoe. I’ll never forget seeing it with my best friend. Just two girls sitting in a theater, both of whom have semi-colon tattoos for their siblings; one who’s lucky enough to still have her sibling alive, the other…not so lucky. We cried, we hugged, we laughed after we cried & hugged, and held each other during the parts we knew the other related to on a deep, painful level. There are flaws to the story & to this movie, but to us, the parts that stick out are so cathartic to us that the flaws don’t matter. Besides, the show mimics reality -who’s to say what went on in the plot is too outlandish or makes for a bad story? It’s real life. It’s real, messed up pain that so many of us relate to. I just wish more reviewers (Kat, I am not coming for you -you’re wonderful) gave credit to that fact.

[@achillendimond2124]

I do think the Murphy house looking very set like has some intention to it and adds to the story. It looks like something straight out of an HGTV magazine and it feels like a house, but not a home. It's something I've seen, even in my own home life, of people trying to create these beautiful homes and these picture perfect lives to hide the fact that really everything is far from perfect (usually with some level of abuse or manipulation going on). Maybe it's just because I grew up in a house like that, where appearances were prioritized and no one outside was allowed to see any of the fighting and manipulation, but the design of the Murphy house and some of the very subtle interactions within the Murphy family tell us a lot about their characters and it adds to the sense of tension in scenes that take place there. It also serves to create very strong contrast between the Murphys and Evan's home, and how Evan wants that "perfect" looking life with a family that's always there for him.

[@itslilyquinn]

As much as I love Ben Platt and him on Broadway as Evan, I feel like Jordan Fisher would have looked more like a teenager and a slightly better fit. As someone who has also read the book. I like the book just as much as I liked the musical but not the movie. Maybe it was because it’s not how I thought the movie would end up being?

[@ms.marvelous8156]

I know they’re around the same age but I have to agree because I saw Jordan in the flash and he looked like a teen. I haven’t seen him play Evan on Broadway though.

[@virginiamerrick9473]

omg i’m so early i love you kat

[@loferx]

The lighting, the makeup, the loss of weight, all of that made him look even older, and made some moments absolutely creepy (or should I say, creepier, since the story was already somewhat icky on stage - softened by the amazing performances and inventive staging, both elements lost in the movie)

[@adammcelroy8137]

Great analysis I agree with, though I didn't personally notice anything weird about the lighting in the house. Sorry if this is creepy but you're so attractive omg.

[@shayleep5824]

Cutting “Good For you” in my opinion was their biggest mistake. It humanizes Evan and tells the audience if he could take back his actions, he would. It’s also one of the best songs lyrically and definitely emotionally. Also cutting “Does anybody have a map?” Really took away from the characters feeling more human.

[@cori4727]

The one change that I really liked was making Larry the step father. I thought it added a lot of emotion and really worked with Larry feeling so detached from Connor's death. The scene where he comes home and cries was the best of the movie, I thought.

[@likesunset03]

I've seen a lot of Ben Platt fans saying that this was going to win him an Oscar, and make him the youngest person to earn an EGOT. I'm wondering if that's why they did a movie adaptation instead of releasing the pro-shot of DEH like Hamilton, which would have been so much better.

[@xxkristinakatalystx]

It definitely is. I don’t think he’ll even be nominated for an Oscar though.

[@manuelorozco7760]

@@xxkristinakatalystx I would have wanted this two years ago

[@hollystanleyy]

The quality of this video is so much higher than ever before, I'm so proud of you! Hope you're doing well Kat, we've missed you!

[@lieselottebreure5435]

You’re born to play Elle Woods. We need a soprano verson.

[@zoe_moth]

Oh! Fun fact kinda! So during the pep rally scene an instrumental version of Good For You is being played by the band!

[@CanadianChick811]

I'm so scared to see this. I saw the stage show in Toronto and I LOVED it. I don't want that memory ruined.

[@CanadianChick811]

OK, I've seen it and I will say, I must respectfully disagree with you fervently when you mentioned Evan doesn't atone. The whole ending of the movie is very different and more fleshed out than the play to show that. I was very happy with how they expanded on it and actually had Evan take responsibility for his actions with the **SPOILER** Video that he made of himself and subsequent reaching out to people who actually knew Connor to then give real information about Connor to his parents *END OF SPOILER*. This is different from the musical and very well done.

[@Supermansprincess90]

Been waiting for this!!

[@fredgwynn8933]

Also it’s not better than Cats. Cats I could laugh at and write off as stupid. This movie just made me angry thinking how tactless it was with the subject matter

[@beatrizmendonca8382]

ok I really hated the musical of broadway when was released so I'm part of the group that doesn't understand the acclaim this musical had at the awards and for having such a huge fandom. That said: I'm really happy that he's been massacred by the critics, because now it's making a lot more sense to me. It really makes me sad when I see musicals like Hadestown, Waitress and Come from Away which are masterpieces and don't get 1/3 of the acclaim that DEH has with the public

[@ShinSeul]

They cut songs that introduces other characters and our means to understand them and how they affect the main characters. And they cut "Good for you" which calls out Evan which is plot-wise important. But oh well~ It felt like this is Evan's story, not the story of everyone involved by the loss of Connor.

[@anabestie]

Omg I had an audition today and cast list is coming either tomorrow or Monday. I’m so scared but excited!!!

[@edreid7872]

Ben lost a lot of cred when he tweeted to haters that everyone in the film version of Grease was in their late twenties.. Mistake..

[@hollow4737]

I like how the bar has just gone to “At least it isn’t cats” 😂🥲

[@pixelpudding3914]

Yo I’d love to see a video about if stuff like Love Live, UtaPri, EnStars, iM@S, Idolish7, Zombieland Saga etc. would be considered musicals or not! Would love to hear your thoughts!

[@marniekeyes7793]

i think if they did pro-shot it would’ve been way more well received

[@krazyk7679]

Hi. I have General Auditions coming up for my local theatre company and I’m wondering, what song to pick for general auditions.

[@pandas4evr123197]

I feel bad that the movie has become so controversial and divisive, because I feel that some people are missing the nuance and complexities to the story. It's an interesting conversation starter, because it deals with ethics and mental health, and people are just kind of meme-ing it and saying "Lol look at how old he is" and acting like the story is just fucked up for no reason. I think there's a LOT wrong with the movie, but I hope some productive conversations come out of it anyway.

[@TADBitBetterTV]

Omg Kat it’s always so good to hear your thoughts! I REALLY loved this one! I may be biased because it hit me at a really relatable season in my life and so I’m kinda grabbing onto it as my vessel of hope lol. But I think Ben actually looked totally young and I feel like his heightened performance further disconnected him from his own world (which seemed to be intentional) also the line Zoey says at the end, I felt like it was her giving him hope, reminding him that the world is actually beautiful, instead of a gut punch kinda feeling. Really don’t have any gripes about this one and I really don’t know what people are so upset about. Anyway great video!

[@Insertcurrentintresthere]

Tbh I’m just sad they left out good for you. It’s such a good song and it would have been a great way to show Evan regretting his decisions and addressing how jared really felt a about what happened because they never did

[@isabelladurante8321]

I honestly think so much of what is wrong with the movie is decisions they made to make it a Ben Platt Vehicle. It honestly feels like they cut some things bc they were afraid of the other actors getting better reviews than Ben Platt. Like “how do we make sure people dont get too excited praising Evan’s mom? Cut most of her parts and make her character more of an accessory to Evan than a real woman. This is Ben’s movie. Not Julianne Moore’s.”

[@zoe_moth]

Oh boy, let's see what Kat thinks!

[@aaronluke1993]

My biggest problem was that there were no Connor ghosts.

[@meggypeggy9142]

OH MY GOD I JUST REALIZED THEY SHAVED BEN'S ARMS FOR THE FILM HELP I CAN'T BREATH

[@anamarquezkoch4392]

I absolutely LOVED IT..but I have not had the pleasure to see it live so just loved the opportunity to be able to finally experience it

[@fredgwynn8933]

The reason why Ben Platt is the issue is also, he doesn’t come off naive and in over his head. His performance feels predatory. You NEED a really really young looking teen to play this. It just comes off incredibly creepy with him and I just…didn’t empathize with him. He just comes off manipulative

[@princeapoopoo5787]

On top of that, they cut or trimmed down moments that are meant to challenge his character. Others calling him out on his bad behaviour and whatnot. So not only does he come across as this, there is less repercussions to his actions than portrayals where he is more morally grey. Wtf

[@juliasilles]

Thank you for doing the black and white spoiler thing! I wanna watch DEH soon but in my country it comes out on the 29th so I have to wait; but I wanted to see your thoughts! I’ll rewatch this when i do watch the movie lol

[@Bakerboy1958]

The “kids” in grease were in their late 20’s to mid 30’s. Just saying

[@rey7668]

I haven‘t gotten to see the movie yet, so I can‘t really say much. What I will say is that instead of Ben Platt playing Evan I would have liked to see someone like Andrew Barth Feldman play him. ABF is a teenager and has played Evan before (and honestly he was my favorite Evan), so I feel like he would have fit the role the best

[@cheerful-wreck7013]

I personally can't stand DEH, but I get why people like it. The movie was really bad in my opinion. On a completely different note, Riverdale made a new musical episode, the show being Next to Normal. God help us all.

[@catvicddlm1884]

I don't watch Riverdale, but I did see their previous "attempts" at musicals. They should've stayed FAR away from Next to Normal.

[@manuelorozco7760]

@@catvicddlm1884 I don’t watch Riverdale period

[@JamesRansonTMW]

one of my friends was an extra in this film, so i'm kind of excited you mentioned the extras. :)

[@lverslane820]

I was so excited but what the hell.