The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again

First things first, I was among the few who was genuinely excited about this remake. I thoroughly enjoyed 2015's "Rocky Horror Show Live" (check You Tube) and the various other musical TV productions of recent years. However, my enthusiasm gradually transformed into disgust for what I was witnessing. When I was in junior high and high school, I was ridiculed for my obsessive love of Rocky Horror. Then in 1991, Fox debuted the movie for Halloween and the next day, the very same kids who'd made fun of me were Time Warping in the school hallway. It was weird, and I later realized that was THE moment when RHPS began to mutate from a subversive cult thing to a mainstream classic. Watching this glossy travesty, I found myself overwhelmed by that same uneasy feeling I had a quarter-century ago after Fox first aired the film.

It took me a while to figure out the problem with the 2016 version. The cast and crew bestowed it with the same respect that audiences have shown the film in theaters for decades: They've treated it like it's schlock to be made fun of. There were certainly campy winks and nods in the original, but when it came time for the characters to emote, you believed Tim Curry could abruptly snap and violently murder someone or Susan Sarandon was having spontaneous orgasms. Those nuances are mostly absent in the performances here, and it's so self-aware and Disney-fied that it's kind of insulting. It's one thing for the audience to mock the screen, but most of the actors are mocking the characters that they themselves are portraying, which just doesn't work.

The dishonor of worst performance goes to Ben Vereen, who was woefully miscast as Dr. Scott. Placing the black Vereen in the role of uncle to white Adam Lambert's Eddie was a questionable decision to begin with, but Vereen mugs his way through his scenes, acting as if he's starring in some insipid kiddie comedy. It's downright bizarre. Runner-up in the worst performer category goes to Laverne Cox, who gives an admittedly exuberant but ultimately hollow performance as the mad scientist. Cox offered none of the underlying menace that Curry displayed in the role (Tim Curry could kill you, but Laverne Cox only seems capable of a whopping bitchslap) and she played it like she was the singular star in a glitzy drag show, mimicking Curry's syllables and vocal inflections with an annoying, fluctuating British/Southern Belle accent. The good Franks (Anthony Head, for example) fully inhabited the character and injected it with their own stamp, which Cox did not.

Perhaps the worst aspect of this production (overlooking the fact that the dancers aren't doing the steps being audibly described in the titular Time Warp) is how they've systematically whitewashed the rampant sexuality which was so pivotal to the flimsy plot. Today sexual deviancy is socially acceptable, other network TV offerings frequently devolve into scenes that would have once been considered X-rated -- and the Fox network aired the original film numerous times throughout the 1990s with minimal trims, so there's really no excuse. Casting Cox as a woman (regardless of the fact that she used to be a dude) completely undermines the story of the wholesome Leave it to Beaver couple being torn apart by a kinky sex freak. It was the gay community which embraced the movie back in the '70s, we have at least one openly gay and one transgendered star, and yet virtually all traces of homosexuality (as well as incest) were eliminated. It's oddly incongruous and completely destroys the narrative.

That's not to say that everything's bad. Adam Lambert and Ivy Levan are stand-outs as Eddie and the Usherette. Annaleigh Ashford gave a radically different interpretation of Columbia which works well, given the character's story arc. Similarly, Reeve Carney made Riff-Raff his own. Victoria Justice has an awesome singing voice. Tim Curry lends an appropriate air of dignity, and although he was physically unable to do all the things that his part required (such as turning the pages of a book), they came up with an inventive workaround. Nice to see him again, even in poor health. Unfortunately, the cons FAR outweigh the pros in this production.

Generally speaking, the remake that no one wanted (dating back to the days when MTV was going to do it) has lived up to all of the hateful hype. It brings nothing new to the table, it's like a pallid carbon-copy on tissue paper. Your best bet's to stick with the original, see the 2015 version or catch a live show instead.

By all that is unholy, why? Why remake the 1975 classic? It just made no sense in any way. But yet I took the time to sit down and watch the 2016 remake titled "The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again" when I got the chance. Curiosity is a strange thing, isn't it? I will be the first to admit that I was already wearing a negative collar before the movie had even started, because director Kenny Ortega was messing with a masterpiece in the musical genre.

The songs will take some time getting used to, because I have grown accustomed to the original versions and hold them up against the original. And from the very first song, it was sort of running coldly down the back of my neck, because it just sounded wrong and it felt like I was committing a sin in watching this. The songs had undergone a bit of change. For the better? Well, that depends on who you ask. But me, as a long-time fan of the original, then it didn't sit well with me that the songs were retouched and modified in this way. But fair is fair, the songs themselves are not bad, they are just not the originals. For for a new audience the songs would be great.

It should be said that they had an impressive production value to this remake. But again, so overly unnecessary to remake what was already perfect and timeless. So why do the Timewarp again?

It was nice to see Tim Curry make an appearance in this 2016 remake, despite not reprising the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. So at least the remake does pay some respect and homage to the original and also gives a nod in the direction of us long-time fans of the original musical.

As for the cast, well they had some good enough talents on the cast list, though I can't really claim to be overly familiar with the people there. But they were doing good jobs with their given roles and characters.

I am feeling somewhat ambivalent about the characters, because there are distinct similarities, but also deviations from the original ones. Reeve Carney was doing an almost a frame-by-frame copy of Richard O'Brien in the role of Riff Raff. Sure, I can acknowledge and understand the choice of Laverne Cox as Frank-N-Furter given the transsexual thing, but she was no Tim Curry as the original Frank-N-Furter, not even reaching him to the knees. Actually, most of the character were a hard pill to swallow if you are a fan of the original 1975 version, but Reeve Carney and Laverne Cox were the two that proved the most bitter.

It was a bit odd and distracting to have the movie alternate between the events in the story and showcasing the audience participation in the theater. It just didn't had a natural flow to it.

Not being able to properly sing along was a major setback for the movie, especially when watched by us long-time fans of the original. Sure, we knew the exact words, but the timing and delivery was just freakishly distorted and warped.

Visually then "The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again" was interesting and quite much in the essence and spirit of the 1975 version, though it was spruced up to a more contemporary time, for better or worse.

This musical is suitable for viewers whom like musicals and whom may for some unknown reason have eluded getting acquainted with the original 1975 masterpiece. And I can in all honesty say that I have now watched this 2016 remake once, but it will never be watched again, because it was frankly just so upsetting that they remade the original piece.

I am a big fan of the original 1975 version, as you clearly can see from my words here, but I can't claim to ever become a fan of the 2016 remake.

'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' is a film that still holds up to me as enormous fun and is a great experience when seeing it at a midnight showing which adds to the atmosphere. There are a lot of people who don't see the appeal and understandably, as it is not a film for all tastes.

What makes 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' still great fun to watch are its timeless songs (especially "Time Warp" and "Sweet Transvestite"), a clever and very funny script, a wonderfully naughty and risqué atmosphere that pushed boundaries like no film had ever before and Tim Curry's landmark performance that deservedly turned him into a star. Whether you like it or not, it is difficult to deny that it is an ahead of its time film and that there's very few if any films like it.

It is always fairer to judge something as its own entity, but there are times where it is very difficult to compare two versions when so much that worked so well previously fares disastrously here. That is the case with this 2016 TV production, as an adaptation of the film and even the stage show it's an abomination but it is also an example of something where people would still be making the same criticisms without having seen or needing to see the original.

Redeeming values are very difficult to find on the whole, but two things are done well. One is the cool opening scene in one of the few song renditions that treats the previous film version's with even a shade of respect. The other is the courageous performance of Tim Curry in the very small role of the Criminologist, despite being so badly diminished by his stroke four years ago that hasn't stopped him doing what he loves and it's not stopped him giving a sincere, moving and authoritative performance.

However, the production does suffer badly from being too clean and too glamorous in production values when part of the film's charm was its decadence and that it feels far too watered down and too safe, there's very little to none of the sense that the film pushed boundaries or what made it so daring, wickedly naughty and unique. Despite the songs being so great themselves, the re-arrangements certainly aren't, sounding and performed like they came from 'Glee' or something from the Disney Channel. Only "Science Fiction" and "Hot Patootie" are treated with respect, with "Time Warp" being an absolute train-wreck in every regard and "Sweet Transvestite" was just dull with Frank's entrance (iconic before) lacking impact completely.

As for the script, little of the naughtiness and wit comes through due to erratic and too fast line delivery, so the lines feel like they were thrown away rather than relished. Aside from Curry, another huge issue is bad casting. Topping or matching Tim Curry is impossible, but Laverne Cox (also have to agree that Frank does not work when played as a woman, which points the point of the character, causing distracting and constant gender confusion that were very likely accidental) even as a standalone performance tries far too hard that everything about her performance becomes flat and forced.

Ryan McCarten and Victoria Justice sound, look and act like they were auditioning for 'Glee', while Ben Vereen is a forgettable Dr Scott weirdly made up, Reeve Carney overdoes it as Riff Raff and strains his way through his whole music, Christina Milian is nowhere near sinister or conniving enough as Magenta and Annaleigh Ashford sleepwalks her way through Columbia. Adam Lambert also had potential to be a redeeming quality and while his singing is brilliant he would have made a much better Frank, he is too polished and theatrical for Eddie. Chemistry between the performers is non-existent and the choreography is both leaden and overblown performed with lumbering energy.

Overall, a huge disappointment even when watching it with an open mind and without prejudice. Did think it was not a good idea but have been pleasantly surprised by how potentially bad ideas have actually been executed well, but this TV production fails spectacularly when compared and on its own. 2/10 Bethany Cox

The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do The Time Warp Again- (D+)- I knew before I watched it that I would be disappointed so at least I wasn't shocked. It began with the usherette (one of the things from the original show) and it was a sweet, even moving beginning. Then the movie started. I enjoyed Brad Majors (one of 3 characters I deemed "OK" as Columbia would say in the original movie). Janet Weiss was miscast and it didn't work. Magenta was, far and away, the worst thing about it!! If she is your favorite character, you are going to be unhappy. Riff was not absolutely terrible but not good either. Columbia was EASILY the best thing about all of it. The take is a little more modern but done well- what I wish the rest of it could have aspired to. Laverne Cox has fun as Frank and she'd be the 3rd most likable thing in it- but it is still deeply flawed but NO ONE is close to Tim Curry- especially here. Tim Curry doesn't get all the Criminologist parts that should be there..but I feel it's probably because of his health- which is quite noticeably not good. It is still touching to see him though also depressing too. Ben Vereen (of Roots) does alright with Dr. Scott. He'd be the 4th best thing. Rocky was BAD. Not as bad as Magenta. But still bad. A couple of the classic scenes are missing too- forewarning. Also- the way many songs are done leave a lot to be desired.

Now let me tell you what MOST ticks me off alongside the horrible Magenta portrayal. My favorite thing about The original Rocky Horror Picture Show is the DIVERSITY of it. There is someone for everyone in it. The Transylvanians are a huge melting pot- dwarfs, fat people, skinny people, old people, young people, really weird people of all colors, hairstyles, races, shapes and sizes and so much more. IN THIS they are all skinny, most look the same and they are all younger and they all feel false and costumed. It is not as welcoming a group as the original or the stage play. FAR FROM IT!! And the original seems to have no gender, no race, no sexual orientation and its FREE. Not the case here. And the audience participation scenes feel very false also- because they have to be sanitized (just as some of the movie does too). The Concept of that does not work at all. And even Eddie (another heavy character in the movie) becomes lean Adam Lambert.

The only reason this gets D+ instead of an F is there were a couple characters who worked- especially Brad and Columbia. It will open up the show to some new viewers- which will hopefully lead them to the insanely superior original (though I wished they would have seen the original first). Laverne Cox did still try hard and I love the Fay Wray reference towards the end. The usherette (the best voice also) and Tim Curry being there makes for a couple of moving moments. I wanted to like it more. I really did. It just didn't happen. Watch the original instead. If you still need to see it, watch the original after and cheer yourself up.

I gave it a two for costumes and it's rocky horror. But this sucks. What were they thinking with the changes to the music and the unnecessary voice changes? The only actor they got right was riff raff. How can you possibly do worse than the original? Completely lack any sort of spark, put a woman in the role of Frank, place it in an old movie house, and have some of the worst acting I've ever seen.

Why would they bring in Adam lambert and not make him frank? And do tell me why Columbia isn't falling all over Eddie.

It's actually painful to watch. And I'm seriously not sure how much more I can stand.