Hamilton (2020) Movie Review | Screen Rant
Since debuting off-Broadway in early 2015 - then on Broadway later that year - the Hamilton musical has taken the world by storm. With help from an original cast recording that allowed even those unable to get tickets to the sold-out performances to experience the musical, Hamilton has become one of, if not the biggest musical to debut in the last decade. It holds the record for most Tony Award nominations for a musical ever with 16 - and won 11 of those, including Best Musical. But Hamilton's impact extends beyond the realm of Broadway, and now thanks to Disney+, everyone will get a chance to experience it. The Hamilton filmed stage production is a stunning showcase of one of Broadway's biggest hits, maintaining all the heart and energy of the musical.
Adapted loosely from the 2004 biography by Ron Chernow, Hamilton tells the story of United States Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, played by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also wrote the music, lyrics and book. Act I follows Hamilton's days in the American Revolution under George Washington (Christopher Jackson), working alongside his friends Marquis de Lafayette (Daveed Diggs), John Laurens (Anthony Ramos) and Hercules Mulligan (Okieriete Onaodowan). It also introduces Hamilton's relationship with Aaron Burr (Leslie Odom Jr.) as well as Hamilton's meeting of Angelica Schuyler (Renée Elise Goldsberry) and marriage to her sister Eliza (Phillipa Soo). Then Act II details Hamilton's days as the Secretary of the Treasury, his disagreements with Thomas Jefferson (Diggs) and James Madison (Onaodowan), the death of his son Phillip (Ramos) and his own eventual death in a duel with Burr.
Although Hamilton may technically be a movie, it maintains the spirit and energy of the musical, bringing that to a much more accessible format in this Disney+ film. Thomas Kail, who directed the original musical for the stage, serves as director on the Hamilton filmed stage production, and he effectively showcases not just the lead actors, but the full stage and ensemble. Although Kail does, on occasion, utilize closeups or shots from locations audiences can't be - like at the back of the stage - it only helps to further highlight the wide shots of the full stage during the big musical numbers. That said, Kail isn't afraid to push in on an actor if their performance warrants a closeup. Jonathan Groff, who plays England's King George III, gives a wonderful performance with his face alone and Kail makes sure to showcase that in the movie. Ultimately, Hamilton feels like the Broadway experience fans want, getting to see the full breadth of the big numbers, then pushing in and focusing on the actors when the moment calls for it.
And, to be sure, the acting of Hamilton is spectacular. The original Broadway cast of Hamilton is a revelation, and they were instrumental to the musical becoming such a hit - in fact, Hamilton was able to break the record for Tony nominations because multiple performers were nominated in the Lead Actor and Featured Actor categories. In addition to Groff's deliciously delightful performance as King George III, Diggs is another standout, particularly in Act II as Jefferson. His energy on stage is effervescent and contagious, also working well as the more over-the-top half of the comedic duo with Onaodowan's Madison. Soo and Goldsberry are forces to be reckoned with as Eliza and Angelica; though they have relatively smaller roles than many of the men, they shine every moment they're on stage. But, of course, the real stars of Hamilton are Miranda and Odom Jr. They elevate the musical with their individual performances and deliver an experience that's the stuff of legends.
Considering all the praise that's been heaped on Hamilton since its debut in 2015, there may be a concern that the musical has become overhyped, that the expectations of those who haven't seen it yet (particularly with the original cast) are too high and Disney+'s filmed stage production could never live up. However, Hamilton really is that excellent and the original Broadway cast are magnificent. There may be those who argue nothing will rival seeing a musical in person, but Hamilton comes as close to the real thing as a movie ever could. After all, it is very nearly the exact musical audiences get to see in person, with the only change being two censored curse words to secure its PG-13 rating and home on Disney+. (The first of these censored words works fine, while the second, in "Washington on Your Side," is much clunkier.) Ultimately, the Hamilton filmed stage production has everything that made Miranda's musical a sensation except the live audience - which many may be thankful for right now.
As such, Hamilton is the perfect movie experience for fans of the musical, particularly those who haven't been able to see a live performance for whatever reason. Even for those who aren't already fans, Hamilton is a must-watch. The musical has become a cultural touchstone, cementing its own place in history just as much as the Founding Father on which its based. With Disney+ removing many of the barriers of entry that prevented folks from seeing Hamilton before now, there's little reason to not watch the musical that broke the mold of what a musical theater production can be. With this weekend being Independence Day in the U.S. and the Covid-19 pandemic still ongoing, it's the best time to stay home and watch Hamilton.
Hamilton starts streaming Friday, July 3 on Disney+. It is 162 minutes long and rated PG-13 for language and some suggestive material.
Let us know what you thought of the film in the comments section!