Wake Up Dorothy

A very fun and creative endeavor. It seems that the film makers, while young or perhaps operating below their means, were full of very original ideas even if they were not able to pull off a technical miracle. A few great performances, especially from the lead Kristin Hope as Dorothy and Andre Williams as Ari. What they lack in a professional panache they make up for with a bohemian, eclectic aesthetic and unique genre-blending soundtrack that feels like it could one day lend itself well to stage. It is very unique, and the story holds up for the most part. In its slower moments, it seems to be trying to say something deeper than it needs to with its subtext when the coming-of-age narrative would work well all on its own. I was surprised that I didn't quite feel the 135 minute run time which is a testament to the efforts of Jason Morgan, the multi-faceted creator that seems to have helmed this rag-tag group to something resembling a good movie. Perfect for the whole family, and I do hope to see what Morgan does next.

This is such a cute and original musical. I love musicals, so I might be biased, but this is so original compared to what's out there. Even most stage musicals are so generic anymore, but this is truly fun and emotional and oh my gosh some of these guys can sing. I hope they do more!

This is something I can see my middle schoolers and even elementary kids loving this just like a disney film. This needed some money or some big backing because the ideas are so good.

Sometimes the pacing or emotion or the acting felt a little more serious than maybe what a kid would enjoy, but I enjoyed it even though it's flawed. It's fun and movies aren't fun anymore.

And I really feel Dorothy's emotions. It's a good journey for creatives or for people who have a found-family (ME!)

I am streaming the soundtrack now!