There's no attempt to address the show's endemic weak spots--a slow start and a contrived end. Mostly Stroman just lets it rip. But in some respects the movie is an improvement on the show.
70
Village VoiceJ. Hoberman
Village VoiceJ. Hoberman
Broderick is a genuine trouper, hoofing his way through his big numbers, while Lane's antics are difficult to resist.
So determinedly old-fashioned it makes a strong claim to being the best film musical of 1959.
50
NewsweekDavid Ansen
NewsweekDavid Ansen
The theatricality is off the charts. Lane aims for the balconies; Broderick tones it down for the camera a bit.
50
The Hollywood ReporterKirk Honeycutt
The Hollywood ReporterKirk Honeycutt
The best two performances belong to Uma Thurman and Will Ferrell. For the film to work, though, the two best roles should belong to Tony-winning Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick in the title roles.
50
Film Threat
Film Threat
It's the curse of overacting and overdone shtick that does them in.
50
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
The accountant in Bloom would probably approve of the new Producers: It's an efficient extension of a popular brand. In theory, what's not to like? In reality, the whole schmear.
50
L.A. WeeklyScott Foundas
L.A. WeeklyScott Foundas
The musical film version of The Producers is, for better or worse, a faithful record of the stage production, adhering to the same if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it philosophy that informed the recent "Rent."
50
ReelViewsJames Berardinelli
ReelViewsJames Berardinelli
The Producers is a movie based on a play based on a movie about a play. And that's probably the funniest thing about it.