Dear Evan Hansen

A good story to be watched by the whole family. Has lots of lessons for both parents and kids. Ben Platt did a wonderful job with his performance in this movie, acting all scared and naive... I really admired that. The good selection of music and voice performances made this a worthy watch, highly recommend this.

Perhaps it's because I haven't seen the stage musical, but I don't understand why there is so much hatred toward Dear Evan Hansen. Sure, it's a little sappy, and some of the musical numbers feel a little jarring when they begin, but overall I liked this movie. I think the story is engaging and the performances (yes, even Ben Platt's) are well done. I'd like to see the musical one day. However, in the meantime, I was glad to meet Evan Hansen and learn his story.

This is not the worst movie ever made. In fact, I would argue that it is a great film with a few VERY serious flaws. Still, it made me cry.

First of all, this film is a musical. If you can't handle dialogue being sung, don't see this film. Second, this is not a classic musical with rousing show tunes and great dance numbers. This is a movie that sings stream of consciousness thought and the thoughts are angst driven. Those two disclaimers might, possibly, have detoured most of the haters away from the film. Otherwise, this is a film about struggles, false solutions, anxiety and eventually courage. I have a friend who saw this on Broadway over a dozen times, and it has won Tonys, a Grammy, an Obie and an Olivier. Ben Platt's vocal talents soar. The cast is stellar and the performances are solid. I think the highest praise comes from people who resonate with the character themes for they can speak to you in a very personal way. However, those moments come and go. There is not a consistent pace. I give this film an 8 (for perfect moments) out of 10. {Musical Drama}

As someone who loved the show on stage (3 times), the film is especially disappointing. While the play had vitality and humor to balance it's deeply moving content, nearly every scene in the film leans into the mournful tone until the highs and lows become one long low.

And while the characters on stage were flawed people barely struggling to keep it together, Platt, Moore and Adams all seem oddly self-possessed.

If you haven't seen it on stage, please do.