Kiss of the Spider Woman

I got lucky at Sundance and caught the second viewing of this gem. I recall the original film with Raul Julia and William Hurt and loved it. This is a whole new approach and it works throughout. I was worried that Jennifer Lopez would steal the show but if anything lead actors Diego Luna and Tonatiuh made it for me. Don't misunderstand, Lopez was wonderful but the the two inmates were incredible in prison as well as in the fantasy film musical. Their chemistry was perfect and their comedic timing of great dialogue made it a joy.

Don't waste any time getting out to see this film as soon as it opens.

I'm going to have to say this wasn't what I hoped it would be. Although I appreciate to forge your own path like Condon did with this, he just got lost. The performances from both the main characters were good. But Jennifer Lopez was just ok for me, as usual. There's so much attention that goes to her with every project she does and that it robs the other true talent of their spotlight. I'm hoping this doesn't happen here because it will ruin the whole story for so many musical fans. I believe using another less known actress would have better suited the Ingrid Luna character. I give it a generous 6/10.

Watched at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

The original "Kiss of the Spider Woman" from 1985 is pretty good, while it does have it's fault, it's an ambitious tale of romance, politics, and meta-fiction. Based on the musical version of "Kiss of the Spider Woman", this adaptation is a mixed bag for me. I appreciate several aspects as the camerawork, the production designs, and a new direction approach from Bill Condon does offer a grand and new upscale vision of the source material. Orchestrated with some interesting musical numbers and score compositions throughout.

The performances are mostly solid as they are able to offer their emotions and attachments. What makes this not fully work is due to it's narrative being uneven with how it wants to approach it's themes and the characters, unlike the original movie (yes, I understand it is based on the musical adaptation and it's different), felt lacking with any emotional connections. Condon direction seems to struggle with certain aspects that don't feel fully balanced and ends up feeling more unstable and unmemorable.

Despite good musical score, some of the musical lyrics don't really hit a punch. Many aspects are too recapture the period times of musical eras and while I do appreciate the new approach, it doesn't feel memorable and at times, feels repetitive. Alongside with some strange dialogue choices that felt out of place.

Overall, I am left with more mixed feelings as I do love the atmosphere and the new direction it takes, but it's uneven narrative and lack of emotional connection doesn't work for me.

From the looks of this preview, I can only see that they look to grift off of the likes of "Evita" and other such musicals. But what I don't see in the preview is any evolution of the MAN in the movie. As far as the preview goes, it's all about the WOMAN. Now if the movie is all about the woman, then great, but if it's about the man, SHAME ON YOU!!!!!

Apparently I need another 600 words, I don't know what words they want to fill this review of a preview but by God I will give them their 600 words. As Luney toons will tell you. I'm great at shutting up. No one can shut up as well as I can. In fact. No one is better at shutting up than I can be, that's me, the shutting upister of every shutting uper. Why do I say this. Because Youtube will not allow a very simple, very consise, and very "to the point" review of a preview of a movie. Don't ask me why. I dn'nt know.

What a fantastic adaptation, great justice to the novel, the musical and the original film! Stellar costumes, direction and editing! Golden age of Hollywood level! Insane dancing from the cast and surprising vocal performance from Lopez (the best I've heard her sound). Diego Luna shines in a new light and. Tonatiuh Elizarraraz is a revelation! So thrilling to watch yet makes you think deeper for important questions in life. I would love to see this revived on Broadway! Can't wait for Condon's next projects! The room was packed and it received a standing ovation at the Sundance Film Festival! So grateful to be there, I hope it gets a wide proper release cause this can be a box office smash hit!