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Universal Studios brings the Broadway hit Dear Evan Hansen to the silver screen with the musical’s original headliner, Ben Platt, reprising the titular role. Evan Hansen is a high school senior who suffers from social anxiety and depression. He soon finds himself in a dilemma when a letter he writes himself for a therapy exercise is mistaken for a final note written by a classmate who takes his own life. The parents of the classmate welcome Evan into their home and family in hopes of gaining more information about their recently deceased son as well as further grief over his passing.
This poignant coming-of-age story was (and still is) such a smash hit on Broadway. Although, there are some marks the movie misses that don’t allow it to breathe the same success as its predecessor.
Character Changes
Julianne Moore does an excellent portrayal of Heidi Hansen, Evan’s hardworking mother. She is barely in the film due to her demanding nursing job. Although, at times, it comes off that she doesn’t really care for her son. In the production, the opening song “Anybody Have A Map?” provides an extra layer to her character. It displays an internal dialogue regarding her understanding of Evan and how she is trying her best. Although, it still feels lost in helping him.
Larry Murphy (Danny Pino) is the stepfather of Connor (Colton Ryan) whose main character trait is that he’s a businessman. In the production, Larry is Connor’s biological father and sings the song “To Break in a Glove”, which truly doesn’t add much to his character except perpetuate his toxic masculinity. However, the film’s writers do an excellent job in adding another layer to his character by making him Connor’s stepfather. It allows him to open up about the early moments of his relationship with Connor.
Lastly, Alana Beck (Amandla Stenberg) is given more depth, and her connection to Connor’s passing is more justified. In the show, Alana has only one side to her: She strives to be the top student and is the president of each club. However, in the movie, her longing to be top in her class is given more of a reason rooted in the state of her mental health and shows that she has a deeper connection to making The Connor Project a reality. This adds to her character tremendously by making her more relatable as a character.
Hit or Flop?
Overall, the casting of this film has some grade A actors who were excellent in their respective character’s portrayals. However, the removal of some songs included for the stage production makes some characters appear to be very one-dimensional. For some characters, this paves the way to character growth.
What’s in an Age?
Ben Platt brings his wonderful singing voice and great acting to the role of Evan Hansen. Something in his voice always brings me to tears, especially in “Waving Through the Window” and “You Will Be Found”. He causes you to feel the emotion of the songs’ meanings. Also, there have been some conscious changes in the film that show Evan initially truly attempts to tell the truth. In the end, he takes legitimately takes responsibility for his actions.
However, one thing needs to be addressed that I will admit has been addressed when trailers were released; Ben Platt is 27 years old. There are moments in Hollywood where some 27-year-olds can portray high schoolers. Unfortunately, this does not apply to Platt, especially when he is surrounded by actors who are playing characters who are meant to be his equals and look the part.
As much as I do love and enjoy Ben Platt, part of me wanted someone who is either an up-and-coming star or unknown in Hollywood, as it was done for the 2007 Hairspray movie. It shows the makers are confident in their musical and its message to allow someone else to take on the reins to pass it on.
The Final Verdict:
Personally, I love when musicals are made into movies. The show becomes more accessible and affordable for others to experience. However, in the case of Dear Evan Hansen, I think you’re better off saving money to see the stage production rather than the silver screen. Although some of the story changes work, there are some songs and messages that are better delivered on the stage.
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