alicedick

Gosh, this show was fun. You don't have to be a regular watcher of "The Librarians" to enjoy it; I am not (nothing against the show, I just don't watch a lot of TV). But the combination of Bruce Campbell and John Larroquette was irresistible and I simply had to see it. It is lighthearted and fun but still has a heartfelt underpinning of "Peace on earth, goodwill towards men."

Includes the tropes of "Skeptic Who Comes to Believe," "Person Who Wants to Believe and Has Their Wish Come True," "Crook Who Does a Heel Face Turn," and Santa Icon Who is Truly Believable (that would be the incredibly awesome Mr. Campbell).

Highly recommended.

I really like the basic idea behind this film. It demolishes nostalgia for the American West once and for all. The nineteenth century was a dirty, cruddy, dangerous place and Seth MacFarlane doesn't hesitate to say so.

That said, the film has its share of flaws. The animated hallucination sequence is fairly freaky and I could have done without some of the dirtier jokes, not to mention Neil Patrick Harris pooping in somebody else's hat. The cast is great fun - I'll watch Liam Neeson in anything, and Charlize Theron is funny, capable and gorgeous. She and Seth make a great couple.

I think the deciding point for most reviewers is whether MacFarlane should have played the leading role or not. I thought he did a good job - I don't think I've ever seen him in anything before this film (never saw Ted or Family Guy). He's very appealing as the nebbish who can't shoot, can't keep his sheep under control and hates everything about where and when he is.

And setting a dance sequence to a Stephen Foster song about mustaches? Come on. You have to give the film five points for that alone.

Robert Preston, who originated the role of Harold Hill, put his stamp on it for all time. On the one hand, we're lucky enough to have his great performance preserved on film. On the other, he basically ruined the role for everybody else who has taken a crack at it in the past sixty years.

Matthew Broderick was a very unusual choice for the part of Harold Hill, and yes, I understand why some have used the term "miscast." Nevertheless his performance grew on me and I agree that for a con man, his approach is a lot more logical. A successful con man doesn't draw attention to himself. The opening number "Rock Island" sets the tone for how he's going to play the part, as he enjoys a private grin hearing his deeds described. Again in his first scene with Marcellus, his "conductor" gesture is downplayed and you can see him glance aside cautiously at the other folks in the hotel lobby, as opposed to Preston's flamboyance.

His Harold really connects with young Winthrop Paroo and I loved their little dance duet in "Shipoopi" - shortly followed by Winthrop's disillusion when he learns his friend and father figure is a crook. The scene where Harold tells him the truth (and I think this is what really clinches his decision to stay and face justice) grabs me every single time.

David Aaron Baker as Marcellus, Harold's sidekick, is just outstanding - miles better than Buddy Hackett, and I liked Hackett in the role.

Kirsten Chenoweth is first class. She sings beautifully and does a good job telegraphing Marian's loneliness and isolation in this small town. I just wish she hadn't grinned so much during the dance scenes, but her baffled reaction when Harold tells her he's expecting a telegraph from Hector Berlioz (who died in 1869!) is hilarious. She and Broderick have genuine chemistry and the scene where he tells her he loves her, then gives himself up, shows Marian's inner strength.

Give this version of "The Music Man" a chance and I think you will be pleasantly surprised.