User reviews

We gay people have been normalised (and that's a very good thing) to the point we can make movies just as bland as straight ones. I guess that's good news.

The Prom is the movie adaptation of a Broadway show bearing the same name. It has an important message, and for the most part, is entertaining. And while most of the music is good, the way it translates to the silver screen is, unfortunately, quite hit or miss.

Since music is what makes or breaks a musical, let's start with that. Most songs were catchy and fun, and the ones that were meant to be more emotional worked fairly well. Had that not been that case, The Prom would've been an absolute disaster. While some musicals may save the singing for the most important story points, this one used them for everything. It's song after song, and the breaks in between tend to be quite short. Some, I'm sure, will be opposed to that as is, but I didn't mind it too much. However, when the entire narrative is told through song, they need to be good. And most of them certainly are. In fact, I don't think that there was anything wrong with the songs themselves, unfortunately though, some of the performances worked well in a movie form, while others didn't. What makes musicals on a live stage good is the sense of wonder and admiration. It's always more impressive to watch someone sing and act and dance live on stage, rather than in a movie. And on stage, even if the song itself isn't the most memorable one, the props and grandeur of the whole performance make it come to life, literally. So when you take music and performances designed for a stage and put them into a movie, they are already at a disadvantage. And while watching The Prom, it's easy to see that. However, movies do also bring their own possibilities. And it was those songs and performances, that used and benefitted from the movie format, that worked the best. While others, unfortunately, felt like cheap and lifeless copies of what they could've been on stage.

The story, which introduces us to a group of dishevelled broadway actors who have lost their charm, is quite good. While the group of four actors are the main focus of the story, we also follow the life of Emma, a 17-year old girl who is trying to fight for a prom that welcomes everyone, no matter who they love. The group of actors help Emma on her journey, while learning a lot about themselves, as well. Although the story didn't offer anything new or groundbreaking, it does come with a crucially important message. The message that we should all be proud of who we are, and we should all be free to love whoever we want to. And it's that message that really carries this film.

However, while the story and the musical performances were great, the movie as a whole wasn't. What baffles me the most, is how slow The Prom felt. You'd think that a movie that is basically one colourful and striking performance after another would go by in a whim. But, this one did the opposite. I checked how much there was left at least three times, and every time I was amazed by how much there was. The only reason I can come up with for its sluggish feel is an overuse of music. Since the story is quite a simple one, it could've been told much quicker in a non-musical format. While the songs and performances are fun, they also make the narrative take a lot longer. And although I did enjoy most of the songs, I guess they just lacked the effect that they would've had on stage.

It's quite unfortunate that The Prom felt like it was twice as long as it actually was. Had that not been the case, I think I would've enjoyed it quite a bit more. It has a good message, as well as a good heart, and what it lacks in originality, it tries to make up for with entertaining musical numbers, and for the most part, it succeeds. While it does a lot of things right, the end product just felt underwhelming and lacked the charisma and wow factor that it would have had on a stage.

What do you expect?

It is exactly what it is meant to be - just brainless song dance camp faux-emo theatre w very mehh story and loopholes gala. As such, not great but sure good enough.

The songs are far catchier and flow more naturally into the scenes than other musicals of this genre. Everyone sang better than expected - Meryl Streep's assured singing exceeds her shaky performance in Mamma Mia.

I don't particularly like James Corden either (but certainly not to the extent of his compatriot Piers Morgan whom I find a total yuckky loud ego fake), but to be fair I can't fault his good-enough performance here as with every cast member. Also, everyone else (except for Keegan-Michael Key who played it pleasantly 'normal', surprisingly) was camping it up so why shouldn't Corden? And his level of campiness suits the character and is by no means overdone. I don't know why so many people have an issue with him, when nobody seemed to bat an eyelid when Eric Stonestreet (who is totally straight also) camped it truly all the way up in Modern Family - why the double standard? Gays play straights, straights play gays - who cares as long as the performance suits the characters.

I recommend this good-enough brainless musical. Enjoy! 😊

The Prom is a wonderful, bright musical, great to look at, with a marvelous cast, good music, and an old but so often ignored message - the world is for everyone. Everyone deserves to be who they are.

However, everybody being who they are does not, in my opinion, extend to acting. Acting is playing someone different from yourself - not in all ways all the time, but certainly in some ways. This is why I can't understand the insistence on casting a gay actor as a gay character, referring to the bad reviews James Corden received. Ridiculous. Grow up. He did a great job. I don't know about anybody else's gay friends, but my gay male friends loved him.

If you're sick of hate, and want to feel some optimism about anything (and of this writing, I don't know about anybody else, but I need it) this is the film for you. Take it for what it is. It's not Citizen Kane. It's a typical Ryan Murphy, somewhat campy production. I'm not a particular fan of Ryan Murphy, but I enjoyed this immensely.

Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman are my favourite actors. However, the script and score of Prom didn't use this stellar cast's potential.... not even in the slightest bit. Every song sounds the same... and follows the same unremarkable, easily forgettable form and melodic styles and resolutions.

If you can get past the disastrous first 30 min and James Corden awful over acting the movie is pretty good. At times the film is bad really bad but then other times it's a lot of fun. It's one of those movies where you just have to go with the flow it is what it is. It's over the top but I think that's the point but does it work well at times it does and other times it's doesn't. The actors are underused there good but they could of been better but I'm not blaming the actors they did there best for what they got. Is this the best film or musical ever made no it doesn't come close but it's a fun musical.

I'm a bit tired of Ryan Murphy doing the same thing all the time. I really loved Glee and thought it was groundbreaking but this movie is so disappointing. Okayyyyyy it's about inclusion , I'm all for it trust me and it's a good start. The cast was promising too. I think Meryl Streep can play anything and she can sing. James Corden is a great talk show host but not a good actor. Nicole Kidman seems completely lost and does not bring anything to the table. Shame. The only positive point is the two girls who are truly a revelation.

I'm a 50 something straight man and I loved it. As a parent you can do nothing more than love your children for who they are. A joy of a film.

One of the only movies like this that acknowledges how liberalism doesn't do much to change minds. It's also not a coming out movie, which is nice, as that has been done too much and doesn't show the true experience. So, yeah, it's not the best, I'm guessing the musical is better and would be fun to watch. James Corden is kinda annoying, hetero side relationship is boring, it's still kinda forced. But hell, they finally got queer actors to play queer characters (besides James Corden, seriously, why dude). I like that the "gay makeover scene" is a gay character dressing a gay character. I like Emma's first song. My liberal family likes it, so it certainly reaches its audience. I hope it hasn't/doesn't win any awards though. There are much better, more artistic or unique, less flashy and Hollywood, gay movies out there.

This was so boring. Even Streep could not save this movie. Cliche after cliche. The songs are terrible and they all sound the same. Moving on.

I truly can't understand the people who rated this 1, I mean come on people its really worth more than that! You gotta take this movie for what it is, sure its not the greatest movie of all time but its a heartfelt feelgood movie who just makes you happy. Instead of scoffing James Cordon for his accent laugh with him for it. Its just like Stellan Skarsgårds singing in mamma mia, yet another fun adding to the prom.

Go see this film if you wanna have a good time and escape from reality!

Ps: I have to mention the catchy songs! They have been occupying my mind ever since a saw this.

Just what we needed, a little bit of campy fun. Thought the production was well done. Acting was over-the-top campy. Excellent singing. A little long, but to be expected when doing a film of a Broadway play. Why not just sir back and enjoy yourself.

Absolutely crap. Where is the talent of Ryan Murphy in this film?? Unnecessary long... so stereotypes personajes waste of a magnificent cast! It was impossible to connect with the personajes and the story... so cliché

The movie has all the ingredientes to be great (actors, director...) but got lost in the way..

First off, there's a few bad reviews on this movie simply because it's a musical. You signed up to watch a musical without liking musicals? That's a recipe for disappointment. Secondly, I thought they did a great job touching all the very scary and very real problems that people (especially kids/teens) struggle with in the LGBTQ+ community. And lastly, the bit about cherry picking the Bible is something I've been saying for years. The Bible isn't a choose your own adventure story, if you think so I think you're missing the point. Love. Thy. Neighbor. Above. All.

Like most Ryan Murphy vehicles, 'The Prom' soon overstays its welcome. It overdoses on sparkle and star power to overcome the inconsistencies in its story and characters. The film's biggest crime may be stuffing itself with too many subplots, some of which are just time consuming, and, at the end of the day, aren't needed. But despite its shortcomings, 'The Prom' has its winning moments with the cast is having a blast throughout, and it's utterly infectious.

I'm so disappointed in Ryan Murphy and, frankly, most of the cast. As a huge fan of everything he's done in every genre, I almost can't believe he had a hand in this. The cheese level worked live and loses its charm here and then some. I am a huge fan of movie musicals, especially ones that adapt existing Broadway shows. This movie wasted its potential to add more poignant plot elements, opting for unnecessary, less-than-charming camp and boring filler scenes. Kerry Washington is insufferable beyond what her role calls for, James Corden's portrayal of a homosexual actor is offensive, and the writing is lazy. Such a bummer that folks who didn't get to see it live are getting this instead.

I'm just a basic middle aged white lady from the Midwest who had never even heard of this musical on Broadway. But I thought the movie was delightful. It's just an old-school campy shiny musical with a really great message. It's exactly what you would expect it to be. And by the way James Corden is great I don't know why everybody felt the need to call him out on the other reviews. His performance actually brought me to tears twice. All the actors were great.

Despite all of the glitter, glamour as well as the renowned cast, The Prom (2020) fails to become the Oscar contender it aspires to be. The subject matter is definitely worthy of attention, but this movie will probably not stay in your mind for long. An easy movie to watch that is close to deserving a failing grade.

Full of cliches , boring and miscast James Corden. Avoid

I tuned in for the cast alone, and from the get-go I was carried away. The acting, the songs, the script - all were top notch, but can we talk about the PRODUCTION VALUE??? It's a visually beautiful movie. Loved the whole thing, start to finish! (Pro tip: keep some Kleenex handy.)

I went in having no expectations. Didn't know it was a musical, had not watched a trailer. People from work talked about watching it and I wanted to be part of that... I am a fan of Broadway and musicals. The homage given was fun and the story line hit the right punches but due to length, a cast that were too recognizable for other similar roles everything feels forced and takes the audience out of the show. I wouldn't suggest this for a date night in but for a rainy Saturday (or Thursday night) it is worth the watch.

I had never heard of this musical before watching. I can say that this film has made me never want to see it.

This film has so many issues but Jesus Christ James Corden is on of the main ones. He is unwatchable in this movie. It is honestly so so bad. The accent is so bad but the worst part is the terrible portrayal of a gay man. I think a quote from the movie its self sums this performance up best ' An Insultingly misguided, offensive and laughable performance'. It was painful and embarrassing to watch and it is even worse when on screen with an actual gay man who is just a normal person because it may come as a surprise to James Corden but gay people are just regular people they are not cartoon circus clowns and just spin and clap all day. He also has no emotional range so all of his dramatic scenes fall flat.

I found the songs to be grating most of the time and found that they just didn't flow very well. They were all sung sort of out of time with the music it was really strange. I wanted to skip some because they were just boring and really lacklustre. Some were also pretty embarrassing. Especially the ones that come from secondary cast members.

The cast was a complete mixed bag. I enjoyed Meryl for the most part, i think because you could tell that she was just having a good time with the character. I think that Jo Ellen Pellman was pretty good however i did find that sometimes when she was sad it just didn't read she looked like she was smirking or about to giggle. I think Nicole Kidman was the biggest waste of money and talent in this movie. She is so good but she was just completely wasted in this movie. She is hardly in it and just does nothing. When she gets her moment it is really interesting and i would have appreciated more time with her character.

The message of this film is really good and really important but it is so heavy handed.

I sort of liked the sets so there is one thing.

I would honestly skip this its a huge waste of money and it is never ending. It felt like it dragged on for 4 hours.

I wanted to hate this film because of James Corden's offensive depiction of a homosexual man but the rest of the film is great. The lead of the film shines and the songs are catchy AF. It really doesn't need Meryl or Nicole but they gain 2 stars for their casting alone.