Dear Evan Hansen

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}

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.

Most of the bad reviews here seem to center around three things. 1) Evan is a bad guy, and this movie makes him a hero. (He's not, and it doesn't). 2) How could they cast a 28 year old in the title role? (Ben Platt actually looks almost young enough to BE a nervous high school senior so okay, I'll buy it). 3) What Evan did is the most horrible thing ever done, so I can't enjoy this movie. Get over it, he's a character in a musical. Movies are made about bad people and bad things all the time. Judge the film based on its merit, not on that nonsense. And the truth is, it's a mostly well done adaptation of a show which, despite the flaws of its title character, has a well-intentioned and serious societal message to send and hopefully be received. The songs are sad yet hopeful, Platt's voice is amazing, and the supporting cast does a very nice job. I read the reviews here, and they're unfairly low... this was actually a good watch with more depth than I expected.

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!

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.