Dear Evan Hansen

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.

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}

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.

The hate this movie is getting is stupid and uncalled for!!! I will admit after having seen the movie and thinking about my thoughts about it. I will admit that I think it could have been better but that does not mean it was terrible or the worst movie musical ever! I felt like some of the musical numbers could have had a bit more energy. Yes, Ben was too old to play Evan but there is nothing anybody can do about it. Ben knows this character inside and out. Ben is INCREDIBLE and he is and has always been amazing as Evan!!! Everyone in the film was so good and showed so much heart and emotion! This musical is not for everyone and that is okay. The music is amazing and incredible and the songs are beautiful!!! I will always love this musical so much!!! It has such an important message!

Evan Hansen is in high school and suffers from a social disorder. He sees a therapist and at the doctor's urging writes himself letters, titled "Dear Evan Hansen." Thus the title of the movie. One day he prints one out at school (I immediately found myself doubting the wisdom of that) and while in line to retrieve it another student, an outcast of sorts, takes the letter. From that random event a whole series of unpredicted things happen.

Some people knock this movie because it has singing. At dinner Evan might break out in song rather than just talk. Or while walking down the hall of his high school. As well as other characters. People who object to that kind of movie will not enjoy this, they probably should have skipped it.

But for me the whole thing worked really well. It is a long movie at over 2 hours but it is so interesting my attention never wavered. As Even gets into hotter and hotter water by avoiding the truth we see other people being affected. In the end more good than harm is done but the story also presents a good case for just telling the truth, a series of little white lies, seemingly harmless, seldom turns out to be the best path.

My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library, we enjoyed it. Filmed mostly in the Atlanta Georgia area, the DVD has several interesting "extras."