Nostalgia Critic Real Thoughts On - Phantom of the Opera

Was the screeching of the night really as awful as we made it out to be? Yeah pretty much.
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[@Jay-qh6uv]

"Phantom can't be sexy" Ramin Karimloo would like a word with you

[@suitofspades8194]

Haha omg yes

[@MsAbixxx]

+Jaylie Piatt Yes Ramin is a very attractive man, and as a young straight girl I DEFINITELY agree with you. But, the character of the Phantom is not meant to be physically attractive. It's a psychological thing, women are attracted by his charisma, his singing and the power he has. And these are things that Ramin shows perfectly when he plays the Phantom. The thing they did well with Ramin is to hide his natural attractiveness under large amounts of make up, a larger mask and a good deformity. This allows Ramin as the Phantom to still be attractive, for all the right reasons, a way to make women fall for him without having to rely on his good looks. Something that Schumacher did VERY wrong with Gerard!

[@Biczeschlappe]

+MsAbixxx Hell, as a straight guy I can recognize that Ramin Karimloo is an objectively attractive man, but that's what the horrifying makeup is for. Even the part of his face that isn't under the mask is kind of haunting and ghost-like. The most important facet of the phantom however is his voice, and even if schumacher hadn't prettied up the phantom for the movie as much as he did, I would have forgiven it if it hadn't been for Butler's thoroughly underwhelming vocal performance.

[@suitofspades8194]

+MsAbixxx I agree, as a slightly maturer fan now (because when I was first into phantom four years ago, I didn't understand the whole idea completely.) I believe the attraction is one that happens to be more emotional and psychological rather than physical, especially with the original character from the novel.

[@isobelduncan]

Hahaha! He had the right kind of makeup design though

[@charlieni645]

Among all the Christines I saw, I think Sierra Boggess is the best at balancing the vocal and lines while singing. You can feel her inner emotions with all the subtle nuances when she sing. Her understanding about the ending is also fascinating. She said her Christine didn't choose either Phantom or Raoul but herself. That's kind of badass considering the context.

[@theghostinthemirror8158]

倪传历 idk. I like Sierra as a person and I love her in everything else but as far as Christine goes I think she’s a little mature, and has this weird way of garbling her lines. “ Owal I ask of you” etc. ( I have similar problems with Ramin, where I love him in everything else he’s in, he just seems pretty young for phantom) she does ACT the part though, whereas Emmy really doesn’t. TLDR: Sierra’s great but a pretty butch Christine but better than Emmy.

[@wittyblonde6728]

@@theghostinthemirror8158 This is exactly what I think!!! I am so glad to see someone else feels the same way :,)

[@LittleClarinetPlayer]

One thing is that Erik isn't just an illusionist. He is known as the trapdoor lover, illusionist, magician, ventriloquist, red death, architect, and a singer into one. It's apart of his character as he would have been praised for his genius if he were born normal. So to trick a 16 year old girl who was very sheltered, would be doable and in the movie I wish they did more. They could have done so much, but I feel this musical needed to be taken from Webber and given to a director who knew exactly how to film this to fit the cinema.

[@isobelduncan]

In both the musical and the book, she's actually in her 20's. They could've borrowed from Susan Kay's novel as it goes into a lot more depth as to how he was able to manipulate her as well as his background and abilities.

[@Tamaki742]

Christine is actually 20, one of the early translation misinterpreted the line "she has a heart as pure as a 15 - year old".

[@jackmurphybatmanfan4619]

Erik in the book is my favorite character and Erik in the musical

[@jackmurphybatmanfan4619]

I also miss the rat catcher

[@jackmurphybatmanfan4619]

I do love reading the book

[@guitarhero7219]

I love how Rob explains the Phantom's plans for Christine as "This girl's cuckoo for cocoa puffs, I can work with this."

[@MrKaywyn]

That is so very funny.

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

He’s not even close.

[@Tadicuslegion78]

I'd like to see a remake of the Lon Chaney phantom done by Guillermo Del Toro

[@isobelduncan]

That would be freaking amazing!

[@phantomzone2725]

And with Robert Englund! No, wait, they already did it in 1989. Dang!

[@josephcook6442]

if they remake the Lon Chaney version, then it has to be just that - a REMAKE. Scene-for-Scene, but with sound now obviously. and keep the original ending of Erik dying at his organ instead of the mob scene

[@graciegj63]

@@josephcook6442 If they do it scene for scene they can't change it or the whole thing could end up scrapped.

[@TheP1x3l]

Okay but like the Phantom plays on Christine's daddy issues to get her to trust him and that's pretty creepy.

[@isobelduncan]

That's the point.

[@cherryspice1011]

Rowan Oscar R. I agree

[@josephst.george7841]

Gerard Butler's singing wasn't terrible, but they should have gotten someone who can sing really well. at least his acting was pretty good

[@Dim4323]

Like Hugh Jackman

[@sameaston9587]

11:40 The monkey represents that little morsel of Phantom's goodness, suppressed by selfishness. It's a small, colorful, kid's toy surrounded by greys and gloomy furniture -out of place and largely ignored. Then when Phantom does the selfless act of letting Raoul and Christine go, it magically springs to life, and he becomes drawn towards it. Christine talks about the toy often because she, the forgiving woman she is, wants to remember the good attribute(s) of her teacher. Someone give me my PhD.

[@priestessmikokikyo77]

Erik was never selfish! He does what he does out of desperation He deeply loves Christine, she was never mature, all she gave him was negativity not understanding. Yes she kisses him out of genuine love and respect. Erik was no monster, the real monster was society!

[@gokuxsephiroth4505]

Butler's makeup is about as convincing as Zuko's from the airbender movie.

[@jenkzkh]

I thought I was the only one that thought that

[@Dim4323]

HONNOR!

[@littlewinterflower1831]

Goku x Sephiroth The stupid half - mask thing is cancer. They only did it so they could make Phantom partially hot, which is all wrong and destroys part of the character.

[@sharpshotefx]

Little Winter Flower I thought the half mask was just so they would save time in makeup application because they would only have to do half the face

[@susanritchie2394]

Little Winter Flower From what I understand, they switched to a half mask when Michael Crawford was the Phantom to accommodate his microphone (the original full mask is seen on promotional materials).

[@DrNoxin]

I never saw or heard the original musical, but when I saw the movie, I was blown away. Been a POTO-fan ever since. Even went to London to see the stage version. I still like the movie a lot.

[@yupitsjessbbyx3]

I feel like people are always fond of their first exposure to something, and if it made a fan out of you then it did something right.

[@ezelfrancisco1349]

If you're up for it, i would recommend the 25th anniversary.

[@sailormoonfaiza]

I went to London and I watched the musical.

[@oliverdelica2289]

Huh. I guess the movie did something good to you

[@oliverdelica2289]

Sorry man. It didn't work for us

[@elliart7432]

Personally, my favorite phantom is Michael Crawford, but based on everything you guys said was wrong with both the movie and the original London cast, you guys should really see the 25th anniversary. I know it's so clichéd because everyone says this, but the casting to me is pitch perfect, the shots let you get up close to the emotional stuff, and the acting is amazing. You really feel terrible for everyone involved, but in a good way. :) I feel like that would be the version you guys would legitimately love.

[@dumblydorr_]

"Keep your hand at the level of your eyes...." Or over your eyes. This whole movie long...

[@PrincessNinja007]

It doesn't even make sense in the movie. They gloss over the Punjab lasso

[@wiinterflowers4277]

Can someone explain that to me? I never understood the meaning of that..

[@graciegj63]

@@wiinterflowers4277 In the book Erik uses a catgut for Punjab lasso. Keeping your hand at the level of your eyes and close to your face. So that when he tries to throw it around your neck he won't be able to strangle because your hand would catch it.

[@Eleglas]

The London 25th Anniversary version with Ramin Karimloo was by far the best version in my opinion. Ramin was a great Phantom with so much presence and mystery that makes the character so intriguing.

[@charlieni645]

That's the version that got me hooked too. Ramin is just brilliant as The Phantom.

[@isobelduncan]

When it comes to the stage version, I don't really have a favourite cast because I like them all.

[@alanmike6883]

Sierra and Ramin in my opinion are the best stage versions. Their chemistry makes you believe they are the characters. Although he doesn't sing and you never see the face, there's a TV adaption with Charles dance. His version is also very sympathetic.

[@morgangobin6550]

I'm not gonna lie, this movie was what got me into Phantom in the first place. And I still enjoy it; I think the orchestra is wonderful, and the singing, while not always up to par, is perfectly serviceable--at times even beautiful. However, on a technical level... yeah, I have to side with Doug, Rob, and even Lindsay Ellis. There are so many scenes that don't make a lick of sense, and the cinematography/ lighting/ editing are beyond awful. Let's just say I usually have to watch this film twice in one sitting: once to enjoy it, and once to mock it for everything it did wrong.

[@KatyAndTheKats784]

ANGERLY TYPING ABOUT SOMETHING THAT UPSETS ME RRRRAAAAWWWWWWRRRRRRRR

[@peppers66]

Best. Comment. ever.

[@Anachronismgorl]

I like Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford also the makeup on Gerard Butler reminds me of what they did to Zuko in the last airbender movie

[@honoramongscars649]

Holy shit it does.

[@nolandavis1129]

Oh my god I never noticed that lol

[@liviechancelucas8166]

YES

[@graciegj63]

You've just given us more of a reason to dislike Schumacher's Phantom.

[@Anachronismgorl]

Gracie J yeah I guss

[@ArrowOdenn]

Have you two seen The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall? Would love to hear your thoughts on it. Better performances, WAY better make-up, better costumes... let's not mention the chandelier crash...

[@yupitsjessbbyx3]

You know, I wouldn't be opposed to a Tim Burton remake of this.

[@TheaterRaven]

I would love Tim Burton's take on this, if it was "legitimate" Tim Burton and not the more recent Tim Burton who seems to have become a caricature of himself. But if he took the story and himself seriously, and drew more from the book than the musical (not that I dislike the musical, but he'd have a field day with a book-inspired film), it could be a great adaptation.

[@isobelduncan]

That would be awesome! It wouldn't be all sappy and overly romantic but it would be dark and surreal which I reckon suits the story perfectly! The production and set design would be amazing!

[@Maximillionaire666]

I could actually see Johnny Depp as the Phantom as well, granted if they made up his face to be more deformed. Burton's films tend to stand or fall on their scripts if you ask me, so I feel like as long as there was a good screenwriter onboard then the film could be great.

[@adriannas9703]

That would be amazing

[@TheaterRaven]

I'd actually like to see Johnny in a smaller role. I love him, but I think it'd be nice if Burton took a chance with another actor to be the Phantom and cast Johnny in a supporting role he could really sink his teeth into. Like, picture him as the rat catcher.

[@maplebob23]

The 1925 version of Phantom is one of the best movies I've ever seen.

[@kingofrapture]

+maplebob23 FINALLY someone agrees, thank you! It really is a great film! Closest adaptation to the book, too!

[@kingofrapture]

***** I saw, yea, especially the graveyard scene where a lot of people back then were offended by the religious symbols if memory serves me right, that and, well, it's a graveyard scene, lol.

[@kingofrapture]

***** That's true, I mean this is the same film that, when first released, had ladies passing out in the audience, so cinemas had to keep smelling salts on hand just to revive them, lol. But yea, that film went through a TON of changes from what I saw, one part was supposed to have an old West theme to it with Raoul in a duel against one guy, and there was more comic relief in it? Thank goodness that was scrapped, that was so random!

[@avanishdutta2658]

@@kingofrapture I wouldn't say closest adaptation, but a terrifyingly emotional film to say the least. The makeup for the phantom was done by the actor himself. That's quite impressive, considering that is something unconventional. I loved it, but still think the musical adaptation is solid enough.

[@alejandromunozpaz4036]

let's keep with the musicals real thoughts on "Les Miserables"

[@MoonShadowWolfe]

+Alejandro Muñoz Paz They did that ages ago.

[@alejandromunozpaz4036]

MoonShadowWolfe does sibling rivalry count as a "real thoughts"??

[@traysutherland8491]

+Alejandro Muñoz Paz yes

[@mattmcgee645]

+Alejandro Muñoz Paz Real Thoughts on "Sweeney Todd," or just do a Sweeney Todd Nostalgia Critic episode!

[@VladDraculaIII]

Loved it #24601

[@sosha20]

i loved this movie growing up for two reasons: 1.) i had never seen the broadway show; i finally watched it a few weeks ago because they recorded the 25th anniversary performance and i can afforded to rent a movie more than buy a broadway ticket 2.) i didn't know jack about film making or acting or singing, so i always thought the movie was perfect now though that i've seen the stage play and am going to university for cinema studies i understand that this movie is shit compared to the original stage production and on its own; however i still like it because nostalgia and i actually think movie raoul's rendition of "all i ask of you" is better than most of the stage versions i've heard for the simple fact that his voice is comforting, like christine is freaking out over the phantom and her boyfriend comforts her with a gentle loving voice that's way more appealing than a big booming warrior like voice, in reality i think that would make her feel worse

[@PrincessNinja007]

I know it's shit, but I turn my brain off and listen to the orchestra. It's just awesome that they had such a large orchestra

[@sosha20]

omg same!

[@danichandesu]

preach!

[@LikaLaruku]

Same. This was my first exposure to PotO, & ended up hating the version with Micheal Crawford & Sarah Brightman; their voices just seem so wrong. This particular PotO movie is one of my favorite movies ever.

[@jewelsuan638]

thats exactly how I feel!

[@MelancoliaI]

The movie was my introduction to this musical. I thought it was decent enough. Then I saw the show live. Heard a proper Phantom (Gary Mauer) and never looked back. No comparison. Not even close.

[@IamARobot7]

Fun fact this musical DID NOT premiere at Broadway. The first stage production of The Phantom of the Opera was in Her Majesty's Theatre in London.

[@meanspiritedaway]

The best version is the 25th anniversary at Albert Hall, which is the first version of Phantom of the Opera that I saw, after becoming obsessed with it I watched the Schumacher film, I was like "tf is this?" The singing, acting, and atmosphere of the anniversary one is SO MUCH BETTER (the best phantom and Christine respectively). It's how it was meant to be, on a stage.

[@norwegianbunny1932]

YESH TAKE NOTE LORD ANDY; CAST THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY PEOPLE OR THE ORGINAL CAST NEXT TIME PLLLLLZZZ

[@norwegianbunny1932]

+Norwegian Bunny. MY GOD LOOK AT THESE TYPOS IM THIS MAD

[@primadonna221]

Someone I know said that Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler were better than Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo. I almost had to throat punch them.

[@eliasvilla5879]

The first version i saw was the movie. I fell in love with that, I've seen the 25th anniversary version and was just not impressed. For me sierra over does the vibrato and it can be annoying. Ramin is fine.

[@jenkzkh]

I so agree!

[@MtnNerd]

Thought I would be annoyed by this but turns out we agree perfectly. I like the fan videos where they dub in the original broadway over the movie visuals. Fun fact: Raul sings baritone while the Phantom sings tenor, which musically designates the Phantom as the hero.

[@graciegj63]

Actually sometimes they switch it up to keep it interesting. Michael Crawford was mezzo and the guy play Raoul was baritone. I prefer my Phantom to be baritone because I assume that means they're strong characters. Tho I know it doesn't make sense, because in order for him to be mistaken as an angel, it'd have be close to feminine and high pitched. So the Phantom character has to be mezzo.

[@isobelduncan]

*Raoul*

[@kikedragoon]

They should not give up though. With a decent budget and someone who knows what they're doing, a Phantom Movie could do a lot of award baiting and get away with it. In this day and age where Hollywood gave up on anything that isn't an existing property it could work.

[@jenkzkh]

CRITIC!! you should do a review in love never dies. a Broadway sequel to phantom.

[@bettyjojoeharperre-imagina7322]

jenkzkh Yes

[@hetalianotaku7103]

He's been made to suffer enough.

[@cherryspice1011]

hippiemama now thats just cruel

[@jenkzkh]

@@cherryspice1011 🤣🤣🤣

[@jenkzkh]

@@hetalianotaku7103 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@gabisyderas1855]

i like the songs on that movie,but maybe it is because i grew up with my mom listening the shit out of that cd

[@graciegj63]

You've been brainwashed.

[@lordchancellorhatton1910]

God I thought I was the only one who's mom was playing that in the car growing up.

[@Jonathan-ct3gq]

Felipe Syderas same with my mom

[@jaytender4949]

Felipe Syderas I just received the cd of the soundtrack for Valentines Day from my girlfriend and I can’t stop listening to it!!

[@cherryspice1011]

Gabi Syderas MY MOM DID THE SAME THING WTF

[@leadingblind1629]

I would really like to know if either of you have seen the 25th anniversary with Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess. That was PHENOMENAL. Please let me know!

[@morgangobin6550]

Starr Clarke I met Doug and Rob briefly at a convention and asked if they'd seen the 25th Anniversary. I think they'd seen bits and pieces, but not the whole thing. Too bad. I think they'd enjoy it.

[@leadingblind1629]

What Phan wouldn't?? 😋

[@morgangobin6550]

Starr Clarke One of my friends, oddly enough. I showed her the 2004 movie first, we both enjoyed it, and then I found the 25th Anniversary a few months later. We got together again to watch it, and she said she preferred the 2004 movie. Said the singing was better or something like that. Blasphemy, I tell you! ;)

[@leadingblind1629]

Puke inducing

[@patrickallen8787]

Even when I disagree with you two, you are still so very entertaining to listen to, and that is why you are great!

[@henryanderson6752]

When the Phantom’s face is revealed and it’s dark, I think that works. All the rest just looks like he forgot to put sunscreen around his eye and is salty about the burn.

[@priestessmikokikyo77]

That is cruel the people that made the deformity worked hard on it and the whole movie is phenomenal!

[@henryanderson6752]

@@priestessmikokikyo77 Okay whatever.

[@LadyDecember]

From 14:30 to 15:10, YES! Agree. More stories could benefit from keeping the mystery alive. To me, never explain your magic. Because once you do, it becomes mundane and ordinary. Why do you think so many Star Wars fans hated the midichlorians explanation for The Force? It took away the awe and wonder. I wouldn't say it's a rule written in stone, because individual stories can vary drastically from one to the next and some may need more explanation than others and you just need to judge case by case, but I always keep this advice in mind when I'm writing. Give away too much and the allure and the spectacle will be diminished.

[@isobelduncan]

That's the thing with Phantom. A lot of people forget that he's an illusionist and magician and that the whole point is the mystery, and that you're not supposed to know.

[@zakk143]

This may be a bit weird, but I honestly want to see a stop-motion Phantom of the Opera done by Laika Entertainment with a more metal bent to the music. Harsh shadows, charictures, big creepy sets and this harsh metal edge adding to the music.

[@pinkgirl5041]

You say that the horse doesn't make any sense, but it is explained in the book that the opera had live horses on stage and that the Phantom stole one of them- the horse going missing is actually one of the things that makes people believe in the Opera Ghost in the first place

[@isobelduncan]

Yes, I remember. He did return it too

[@josephcarlisle1943]

Does he explain it in the movie? If not then it makes no fucking sense. It's simple as that. In the movie's universe that explanation was never given therefore we can only assume that happened.

[@TheaterRaven]

Okay, brace yourselves. I'm a big "Phantom" Phan, so this is gonna be a long post . . . The 2004 film has a special spot in my heart because it introduced me to "Phantom", but since then, I've read the book, seen a lot of the other film versions, and have seen the stage show multiple times and now . . . yeah, the '04 movie has issues. The cinematography, lighting, and sets don't match the tone of the musical and story in general at all (though I did like some of the costuming). For a film, Emmy and Patrick were decent as Christine and Raoul. Not much to say for Patrick except he did his best with what little character Raoul has in the show. As for Emmy, I find her voice pretty, but in the universe of the story, there's no way it would have wowed the managers and audience of the opera. I don't care for Brightman's voice as Christine, but at least you could believe she'd be rightfully noticed as new talent. My favorite Christine is Elisabeth Berg from the original Swedish cast. She has the youthful, light, bell-like quality to her voice that I always imagine Christine to have, but she also has some amazingly strong pipes on her that make you go, "Oh, yeah, this girl could sing in a 19th century opera house with no problem." As for Gerard Butler, totally miscast. That's all I'll say, otherwise I'll go on a rant. And the makeup--dear God, the makeup! Lon Chaney did a better makeup job--they didn't call him "the Man of a Thousand Faces" for nothing--and he created his in 1925! 24:17-25:19--THANK YOU!!!!! So many Phans, especially the teenage girls whose hearts and sympathies go out only to Erik (the Phantom), tend to view Christine as simply a shallow bitch who flees just because of his face. Trust me, I know; I was one of them once. But if you really stop and look at their interaction, it's pretty much the textbook definition of a Freudian relationship. Even if we took out the fact that Erik blackmailed and/or killed people to further Christine's career, their relationship would still be unhealthy and disturbing. Of course, we can all sympathize and empathize with Erik's loneliness, his frustration, his need for human affection of any kind, not just romantic love, but the ways he tries to "live like everybody else" increase his isolation rather than solve it. And that, to me, is the essence of "Phantom". It's not a sappy love triangle or a melodramatic horror story where characters and audience alike cringe at only the outsider's physical appearance. It's a cautionary tale about what happens when Erik, a child, an innocent, grows up feeling he has no choice but to inherit the role of the monster society set for him and, therefore, grows up very, very angry and takes that out on others, even in his quest for love. To quote my favorite line from the book, "He had a heart that could have held the empire of the world, and in the end, he had to content himself with a cellar."

[@isobelduncan]

I am too. I don't like the film at all but I do respect some aspects of it

[@Mexicanaforever100]

I agree too. The 2004 movie will always have a special place in my heart because it is what started my love for the musical. To be honest, when I watched the movie for the first time I was confused at what was going on and found absolutely no sympathy for the Phantom in the end. All this changed when I saw Ramin as the Phantom in the 25th anniversary. His performance as the Phantom blew me away. The story eventually grew on me and I still like the movie but as long as I don't take it seriously, then I can get through it.

[@BelovedCaptain]

You know what's funny? Ever since I was a preteen, when I first read the book and then listened to the original London cast with Crawford and Brightman, I NEVER once was on Erik's side. The fact that he manipulated, blackmailed, lied, stalked and killed different people always turned me off to the character, as it should, really. I always wanted Christine to leave with Raoul and I always wanted them to be in love. I dunno, maybe it's because I watched the tv show Wishbone's Phantom episode when I was a kid, where the dog Wishbone portrayed Raoul. I guess that started my bias. As for the 2004 film, I agree with these guys. Some aspects were good, but SO miscast. I die a little inside everytime I hear Butler trying to be the Phantom.

[@TheaterRaven]

"Wishbone"! I loved that show, but the "Phantom" episode was never one I got into as a kid. I actually found it confusing: I thought Erik was an actual ghost and so when he talked about marrying Christine, my eight-year-old self went, "But wait, you're a phantom and she's a person . . . how exactly is that gonna work?" XD Watching it as an adult, though, I was both surprised and depressed at how faithful it was to the book. It managed to fit more Leroux-y goodness into a half-hour show than most full-length movies of the story do. As for Erik and Christine, I agree. Of course I wanted Erik to be happy, but Christine was definitely not the girl for him. And if she had to pick between the two, yes, Raoul was the obvious choice. P.S. Nice username. I've recently started learning about Lovecraft and plan to read some of his stories.

[@BelovedCaptain]

TheaterRaven That episode is probably the most faithful adaptation of the actual story, besides the 1925 film that I sadly haven't seen yet.. and that's saying a lot since it's only a half hour long lol I might even like it more than the musical, though the original London cast holds a special place in my heart. I think it's because the horror lover in me loves the darker, creepier more phantom-like Erik that has a face as a living skull rather than the angst-ridden sex symbol that Lloyd-Webber made him to be. Lovecraft is quite a unique author lol I haven't read all his stuff, but Rats in the Walls and Shadow over Innsmouth are really good.

[@DeepEye1994]

I commented this in the review, I'll say it again: my favorite adaptation of this story is "Phantom of the Paradise", 1974 by Brian De Palma back when he made good fuckin' films. It's a modernization that contains a sharp satire towards the music industry which holds up to this day. It also takes plot elements from other gothic stories like "Faust", "The picture of Dorian Gray" and even movie homages like "Psycho", "Touch of Evil", "Frankenstein" and "Cabinet of Dr. Caligari", it's a movie with a great taste. Also the songs are written by Paul Williams who also plays the villain and is magnificent in it.

[@reedca97]

Oh man Phantom of the Paradise is the shit. I'd be shocked if these two had never seen it. Cult classic.

[@andrewkful]

See, I wish we had known all this back story of the Walkers with this musical BEFORE we saw his review of it, because then a lot in that review would make more sense!

[@MrSamuel539]

I love nostalgia critic but he really needs to stop clinging to his hair and embrace the baldness.

[@MagusMirificus]

+MrSamuel539 So does Rob. I mean, he can't wear that ALL the time.

[@MrSamuel539]

MagusMirificus I know. chrome dome is the best alternative when it comes to male pattern baldness

[@vivir339]

+MagusMirificus I think Rob just really likes hats.

[@yupitsjessbbyx3]

Cinema Snob looked way better bald, for a lot of guys it looks good

[@MilkScrew]

Christine saw the hands and illusions in the passageway to the Phantom's lair because she was hypnotized, which was a big part of his mind games in the book. When he says, "I am your Angel, come to me Angel of music", that's the trigger phrase that induces the hypnotic trance, which is a very effective method of mind control. The Phantom was nowhere near as benevolent as he was made-out to be in the movie and Broadway show. He was super manipulative, and happily used mind control and hypnotism techniques to get what he wanted. I liked the way it was done in the movie, to show the two different versions of the world she lives in, both in the illusions the Phantom creates within Christine, and how the world actually is outside of the trance.

[@morgangobin6550]

Pwdr-Mi-Pinku That's an interesting theory. Personally I never got that aspect of mind control from the movie OR the book, but it really makes sense.

[@JThom529]

Bah, I may have rose goggles and this show may have introduced me to the show which I admit I haven't seen a full production of (they keep getting sold out, EVEN HIGH SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS) but while there flaws with this film and Gerard obviously isn't in his style of singing but damn it I loved his voice BECAUSE THAT SCREAMS PHANTOM. PS: I still haven't forgiven you for killing Bum (even if it was temporary IT WAS A LIFE)

[@angelofmusic1992]

This movie is a guilty pleasure for me. Yeah, Gerald Butler sucks and some of the singing makes it so obvious that they're lip-syncing. But everyone looks the part at least and the sets/costumes are totally my aesthetic. So, I guess I like it, but I can totally understand why other people hate it.

[@gingerisevil02]

angelofmusic1992 am I the only one who thinks he doesn't sing badly?

[@squeezie_b8895]

He’s not bad for a basement rocker, but he’s no opera singer. The Phantom is described as literally having the voice of an angel. Butler also looks absolutely nothing like the Phantom - stage or book version.

[@priestessmikokikyo77]

@@squeezie_b8895 Gerry was amazing as Erik he is no trained singer but he gave is all in the movie and he is amazing!

[@DouggieDaDucker]

I heard that Phantom Of Paradise is one of the best adaptations considering it directed by the guy who directed Carrie and Scar-Face

[@suitofspades8194]

Haven't seen it yet, but that's what I've heard too.

[@hetalianotaku7103]

This may or may not be on topic but at the production I saw (which was PHENOMENAL compared to this movie) there was this funny bit during the "Music of the Night" number. At one point he put this blindfold around her from behind, and it got me thinking, "When did this turn into 50 Shades of Gray?" X)

[@thecinematicmind]

The funny thing with Gerald Butler is there's a deleted song where it's the only time his singing is fine. Could be worse, there's Pierce Bronson's singing.

[@tabuu9]

Who, the Bond that jumped the shark?

[@thecinematicmind]

tabuu9 Yes, he jumped the shark with a Razzie award to boot.

[@tabuu9]

The Cinematic Mind Did he do any other Bonds, or did his only film singlehandedly kill the franchise until Craig?

[@eponinebarks5510]

Would love to see your real thoughts on the 25th Royal Albert Hall version (the one with the golden trio; ramin, sierra and Hadley) and how you feel it compares to the film and the west end/broadway

[@bubblebriarrose]

THEY NEED TO REVIEW REPO THE GENETIC OPERA

[@liviechancelucas8166]

YES ABSOLUTELY

[@9Godslayer]

They can make it a crossover between Il Niege and Pawdugan.

[@zacharypederson6816]

I didn't think butlers singing was that bad... sue me...

[@isobelduncan]

To be fair, Butler can sing but just not theatric or operatically. More rock and folk like Russell Crowe

[@MelancoliaI]

...have you seen the actual show?

[@zacharypederson6816]

MelancoliaI was it amazing? No. But people act like it was worse than it really was.

[@MelancoliaI]

He's literally worse than every stage Phantom. It's not his fault, but it's just very obvious that he's had no actual training. Just listen to his "hell" in Down Once More and tell me that's good singing. Also, "but he's hottttttt lol" is not an acceptable defense. Not saying that's where you're coming from, but still.

[@zacharypederson6816]

MelancoliaI no. that's not where I'm coming from. although he WAS attractive. I dunno. maybe I'm just being too nice.

[@Tazzie1312]

Great comparison for the hanging stuff - Tarzan. When Clayton dies, there's a freeze-frame moment where you see the shadow of his body lit up by lightning. If Disney can do that...

[@belyndareidda2276]

It was always more about the phantom trying to find love and acceptance. his tragedy is he goes about it the wrong way.

[@moonlightwite]

I watched 2004 Phantom of The Opera for the first time a couple of months ago, and despite its criticisms and me only knowing what was in the book, I genuinely loved the movie. All the set pieces reminded me of a theatre stage, the visual effects were pretty good (in my opinion), and most of the settings were near exactly how I'd imagined they would be from the book's description. I liked the music, sure it wasn't the perfect cast - but I found the voices fitting enough to the characters nonetheless. Maybe when I eventually see the stage production I'll have a different opinion, but for me right now I would watch the movie again and still feel good about it.

[@morgangobin6550]

If you liked the 2004 movie, you should get your hands on the 25th Anniversary DVD. I know it's pretty cliché to say that, but it really is something great. It blows the 2004 move out of the water in every way possible: the acting, the singing, and even the "cinematography" and editing.

[@iimochiii3602]

If you guys haven't already, you should definitely check out the 25th anniversary performance of phantom at Royal Albert hall! It is INCREDIBLE! Everyone was cast absolutely perfectly in it

[@kamilee4123]

Amy Bourne I know! Saw it last night for the first time.

[@dvklaveren]

My dad played Piangi, Buquet and the auctioneer in the Phantom of the Opera Holland for several years. The phantom's kind of part of the family to me, like what Darth Vader is to children with parents who grew up with Star Wars.

[@ChakatStripedfur]

+Alderick van Klaveren I kinda know what you mean. My cousin, Peter Mayhew, played Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy.

[@DudeSuperDude]

Honestly, I was extremely surprised with Butler's singing, he really wasn't that bad at all in my opinion.

[@graciegj63]

my first Phantom experience was hearing a soundtrack that had the songs poto, music of the night, and wishing you were somehow here again. And the Phantom had a deep baritone singing voice. Then I read the book. Never saw the musical, so I had absolutely no idea what a disaster the movie is according to the plot. Tho I didn't like how Butler was struggling to hit the notes and the 2nd degree sunburn they called a deformity.

[@josshoskie]

My problem with the movie is that it became too much of a romance. There was a dark, gothic horror aspect to the orignal that is just not there. Perfect example: All I Ask of You. At the beginning, you have Erik's ominous "Christine..." but as the scene goes on, you almost forget about him. You get swept up in Raoul and Christine's romance. It's not until the dark notes of the music kick in, and he stands up from behind the statue, that you realize that he was there, listening. Brooding. Plotting. Upset. Angered. It's such a powerful moment and i remember, when i first saw the 25th anniversary concert, thinking "Oh no. This isn't good." There's shock and horror in that moment, and in the movie, that's taken away because you see him. You see him watching and listening. You know exactly what's going on and there isn't anything that seems menacing. And they also fucked up the entire look of the damn thing. They turned the Red Death costume, arguably one of the best, most stunning costumes in theater history, if not entertainment history, into A FUCKING RED TUXEDO WHY HOW IT'S JUST A FUCKING SUIT HOW DO YOU FUCK UP THAT BADLY

[@MsAbixxx]

+Justin Hoskie Yeah, during the "All I ask of you" sequence in the film, they kept on showing the Phantom's face! It gives the scene much less of a creepy appeal if we keep on seeing Gerard's sad face reacting to every line they sing!!! They should have just left it as the ominous "Chrstine...."

[@MsAbixxx]

***** Yeah I've watched Lindsay's video's on POTO and I love her analysis :) I live in the UK and I saw the West End version, but all versions are the same whether it be West End, Broadway or the 25th anniversary. They don't show the Phantom reacting all the way through All I ask of you! It ruins it!

[@isobelduncan]

YES! The lighting and colour scheme was just too happy and romantic

[@isobelduncan]

To be fair, you're not really supposed to see him because as Lindsay says, it detracts the suspense. And it doesn't really make it creepy, because it's during a love duet. It just doesn't work.

[@littlewinterflower1831]

Joss Hoskie Aaaaaaand you just voiced my biggest problem with this movie. It's overly romanticised and sentimental,and it just comes off as really corny.

[@li-limandragon9287]

I still kinda like this movie

[@definitelycatherine7296]

Maybe Lloyd Webber chose Joel Schumacher to direct because he knew that he was a push over.

[@jareththegoblinking3191]

Heres an idea, how about Tim Curry plays as the phantom in a new, phenomenal, cheesy musical version of the story

[@isobelduncan]

I'd pay big money to see that. It could be like a parody or satire.

[@neverlandnights]

The first time I watched this movie was with my family when I was young. Everyone was so into it but I kept asking, "but why is he the phantom?" "He's scary." "But he's not a ghost." They couldn't answer me. I'm glad to hear he was more spooky before, I was disappointed.

[@redactedredacted6656]

I expected a very special episode music to start playing when Doug told Rob they were talking about Phantom.

[@guitarhero7219]

*full house speech music* Rob, we're reviewing the Phantom.

[@poptart123456jb]

To be honest, I don't think the singing voices are all that bad. I think Emmy has a very pretty voice and its sounds young and innocent, which fits Christine pretty well i think, but its not your typical opera voice. All of the voices are more of a toned down opera, maybe they wanted to appeal more to the average viewer. I still think she sounds better than Sarah Brightman (Lindsay was spot on when she said Sarah sings like Kermit the frog).

[@Luka1180]

Emmy was an actual opera singer at the time though, and still is. I can hear it personally. I think the criticism of Roussom's voice is unwarranted 100%. I do not think she sounds better than Brightman though. Just NO. Those kind of comments make me barf on the spot. But... Gerard Butler? Ear-beedingly bad, except at like the end of Point of No Return/All I Ask...

[@soniccrash22]

am I the only person who thinks that Doug and Rob should make a nostalgia critic episode about a series of unfortunate events the movie not the books

[@brianalambert1192]

The only way I could explain the arms holding the candles is that the Phantom viewing the Opera House as his playground turned into the theater is alive to him. Just as when at the party, the statues come alive and turn to face him. I'm probably wrong, but that's the only way I can explain that. As for the other stuff...I've got nothing

[@isobelduncan]

One thing I also noticed is that the set for the auditorium in the film looks nothing like the real one in The Palais Garnier

[@erinpastorius600]

In my opinion, I loved the movie! That's how I was first introduced to Phantom and now, ever since I first saw it, I fell in love immediately with both the movie and the production and I've never regretted it for a second!😌

[@Chishannicon]

You guys. Are my heroes. Thank you for using your popular youtube channel to tell the world all the things I have felt about this movie since 2004.

[@KangaKucha]

I agree with Rob on Momma Mia! being wrose than Moulin Rouge.

[@IamARobot7]

This movie was actually my introduction to the Phantom in childhood. And I really loved it. I still do.

[@ashtonvickers928]

Honestly butlers face is just sunburned, his real deformity is his voice

[@Cassimfan]

It's sad to listen to because I personally love the movie. It was my introduction into The Phantom of the Opera, and last May I went to see the stage performance when it came to my state and absolutely loved it. I do see flaws, especially when the make-up for the disfigurement, but I still love the movie. I think Butler did a good job for someone who will readily admit he is not a trained singer let alone trained in THAT style of singing. His voice is decent, and he does really try. Yeah someone more along the lines of say Josh Groban or someone would have been better for the voice. The lightning did look that bad... but that might have been my tv setting, too. Still, I'm also a person who sees the flaws of the Star Wars Prequels and still likes them.... Jar Jar aside.

[@peytonb2247]

Lion King the Musical is a masterpiece. The music is beautiful

[@legophantom02]

I too agree that the 25th Anniversary Performance was much better. It bugs me when I realize that Ramin Karimloo was actually IN the 2004 version as Christine's father in the flashback... why didn't they just cast him as the Phantom?!

[@isobelduncan]

It's because at the time he was playing Raoul in London, so his voice hadn't reached that tenor quality yet.

[@ToriHiragana]

As to Robs comments about static shots with the singing can we pause to appreciate The Sound Of Music (and the other brilliant musicals of that time)? They mostly had static shots but they knew how to entertain you with characters and lyrics instead of with.... editing.

[@maiamaola6143]

I love the Phantom stage musical. The music, the characters, the story, it all works. But the movie just...it just fails. If fails before you even play it. Gerard Butler is too handsome, Christine is way too naive and Raoul is so useless in the film. At least in the stage production the characters make more sense and the direction is better. But this movie just fails. Still love the stage musical.

[@pine9949]

For a movie version, I would have loved if they'd done something dark, raw and gritty and made the Phantom seem more dangerous than a romance cover villain. I adore the musical, and have seen it live at least a dozen times. Stage limits what you can do with the story, but with a movie version, it would have been far more exciting to do what the stage cannot and make the lair more realistic and not so tame and pretty. Same with Phantom's disfigurement. Even if it's not ALW's musical, someone should take the story of POTO and make a proper 'heavy' movie version, in the realm of Joker or even a Batman style. As for this film, I agree it was horribly miscast. I don't like teenage versions of Christine and Raoul. I can't take them seriously as people standing up to this twisted and obsessive murderous genius and master of many trades and arts (illusionist, architect, torture expert, especially if you look at his time in Persia). Raoul is not a worthy adversary when he looks and acts like Patrick Wilson did. The singing was mostly lacklustre-to-awful. Think about how crazy it is that stage versions, like the 25th, are far superior to the movie despite being live singing on a one-take shot, compared to the movie that was sung and polished in a studio and then lip synched to acting. Think about how many times they all sung these songs in studio (probably many dozens of takes and opportunities for correction of pitch), and even with studio magic and fixes, *this* was as good as it could get? Very disappointing. They need to do a movie re-do, whether it's the musical version or just a new POTO interpretation in general. ALW should hold tight to the 25th Anniversary recording as the definitive version of this musical, because this movie version was fluff.

[@jonathanwallis3300]

@11:47, that “Spank the Monkey” line made me laugh harder than I should have done for some reason.

[@Atratzu]

Honestly, when I first saw the Phantom of the Opera, I kinda liked the singing, but I was forced to watch it in choir class. And yeah, I was so happy for a sword fight, and then found myself thinking "ehhhh, I'd rather watch Star Wars or Lord of the Rings for my snick snick action."

[@urielcastaneda761]

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA IS THERE. Inside my mind !

[@raq619]

I think it's nice that they've stayed so close throughout adulthood and they're careers.

[@littlewinterflower1831]

Raqui jar All I want is one good Phantom movie. ONE! Why can't they do it!?

[@theedguardian]

I remember I went to go see this film with my mother and my aunt when it first came out and all I could think to myself of was "I wish I stayed home to watch WWE Smackdown".

[@norwegianbunny1932]

THANK YOU FOR TALKING ABOUT THE STAGE HANDS MURDER. Honestly they couldn't have done it better in the musical, even though it was different then what you were talking about. I just saw the Mackintosh Phantom and love everything about it. Including the Murder of the stage hand. They do it differently then what you talked about but it still better than the movie!! He at least looked like he was fighting back the Phantom and struggling, though in the movie HE JUST LETS HIM MURDER HIM PRETTY MUCH

[@PeacefulPastel]

This was a film I saw as a child and had nostalgia goggles on whenever I watched it in the past but the most recent time ive watched it I totally see what you guys are talking about. 😝

[@ceres51892]

I love this movie. 😂 Its what got me interested in the musical, and I finally got to see it in person last year for my birthday. I liked Gerard Butler's singing - all of the music. The whole movie. But I understand and respect your views, you guys are awesome

[@maitaniyama]

Watched this movie in 4th or 5th grade (never saw the musical), and I thought something was off.

[@stephantom8237]

9:18 about the "like a funhouse" thing, I feel compelled to point out that that is pretty exactly the impression the book gives. "Hall of mirrors", yeah, Erik literally does has a hall of mirrors in his home (for torturing someone someday...) in the book. Still, though, I do agree with your more general point. The movie feels thin and silly. I remember eagerly looking up pictures online though when it was about to come out ("not that much internet," pft, Doug, there was plenty of internet ok, not compared to today maybe but, you know, message boards were a thing) and hoping against hope that it would be good. I was a sophomore in high school, I think. And man, what a disappointment. Yeah, that lame sword fight is. Ugh. Yeah, I don't know why they did this the way they did it. :/ Christine isn't even supposed to be a teenager, btw, I'm pretty sure. She and Raoul are both early 20s. So much could have been saved by casting a phantom who actually had an amazing voice. And a Christine with an amazing voice. Why couldn't they find opera singers. Also, the Lion King songs are good, ok. Leave Elton John alone.

[@Ms4everMyself]

Here's the thing, I know this is a bad movie, and I know the play and book are 100x better than the movie could ever dream to be (and I love both), BUT I find that this is my guilty pleasure movie. I know its bad, but it doesn't stop me from watching it from time to time.

[@elven-magic-rules2356]

Same

[@Ponaru]

The original novel isn't all that great actually. Andrew Loyd Webber made Phantom what it is.

[@dubbingsync]

Have to agree but I do tend to make fun of it as well as watch it half the time.

[@lordchancellorhatton1910]

Just wondering, how is the play better? I haven't seen the play so I'm curious.

[@isobelduncan]

It's kind one of those things you have to see to understand

[@l4rgo911]

Don't worry Doug, Patrick Steward was going bald at 18, and look what he did with that!

[@Heavenlyhounds96]

Also, do a "Nostalgia Critic real Thoughts on Star Wars Episodes 1-3" maybe do them individually though, unless you can't.

[@RyanAcidhedzMurphy]

You should do some classic Musicals like Top Hat, Hello Dolly, Singing in the Rain and Yankee Doodle Dandy.

[@slank58958]

How about the 89 horror version with Rob Englund

[@nolandavis1129]

Is it bad that I like this movie

[@matthewkellar9757]

nolan davisn Nah.

[@alexthelizardking]

I cry when Christine rows away.

[@o-stone8339]

They really should have gotten either Tim Burton who's shown he can make a great adaption with sweeney todd or Steven Spielberg who killed it with the new West side story remake.

[@princessjello]

If you haven't already, would you do the movie Sweeny Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street? :D

[@willieneon1]

Stop right there!! The Lion King songs are not shit, Alright!! And by the way, Phantom of the Opera isn't as bad as you guys think.

[@StarFox9301]

As far as I was always concerned, the Phantom hung Buquet(the stageman) on purpose in the musical and he does it to punish the managers for not listening to his demands, hence why they are more afraid of him in the second act.

[@hexicsushi]

+Notes From Alexis In the musical, he also breaks the chandelier at the ending of Il Muto to get back at Christine after watching Raoul and Christine on the roof. The Phantom actually mentions the chandelier in threats later, but the murder is never mentioned again. :/

[@hexicsushi]

***** Oh, that's right! So, they do mention it, but I guess I didn't make my point very well. I was talking about the managers. I think that, in the stage show, the managers are afraid of the Phantom in the second act because he broke their chandelier. They don't seem to care about Buquet after the intermission.

[@StarFox9301]

That's actually a good point.

[@isobelduncan]

In the book, Bouqet actually hangs himself.

[@MomoShirochan]

I still like the movie even though I know it's bad. This film is responsible for introducing me tot he musical and turning me into a Phantom phan. It's definitely not the best Phantom movie I've ever seen and not the best adaptation of the musical, but I can still enjoy it in how silly it is.

[@rhemorigher]

Personally I like it. What I'd like though is not a film of the musical, I want someone to do the book.

[@isobelduncan]

there are two animated adaptations of the book. One is an Emerald City production and the more recent one is Produced by Iluzija Animation Studio and Creative Buzz films. The Lon Chaney silent is probably the most accurate one

[@mars9380]

You should check charles dance's phantom. Good movie imo

[@isobelduncan]

And the only one to be filmed at the Paris Opera House

[@honoramongscars649]

Just so you know... Steven Universe is back.

[@Spink_Prime]

His brother is INFINITELY more tolerable this time around by not interrupting because he doesn't always have a reply or quip planned out.

[@phoenixevanidus]

fwiw: the movie got me to watch the musical to help me figure out wtf I just saw and heard, which in turn got me to read the book to help me figure out what I just saw and heard. The one thing I took away from all three: I really *really* hate Raoul.