mgresk

there were sincere doubts that this highly theatrical production could be translated to the cinema. the immediacy, the intimacy of the theater truly adds to the P.O.O. experience. this movie is an excellent version of the lloyd-weber production. i have seen P.O.O. seventeen (17) times (London, chicago, new york and numerous times in the 'provinces'). i have always been impressed with the consistent excellence of all of these productions. whether in omaha, oshkosh, London or NYC it was always the same... fantastic! the movie makes excellent use of the flash-back technique to fill-in gaps in the plot. the unities that are required to make a film 'work' are employed with great success. the plot lines that were only hinted at in the stage play (madam giry/phantom relationship, fate of the phantom, raoul/christine life together) are explained. this is a good thing. the singing of butler & Wilson were marginal at best. rossum is wonderful as christine. excellent theater, impressive cinema

this movie is terrible. i rented it because it had three "name" stars (slater, kilmer & hannah) what a waste of casting, time, money, dialogue, crumby special effects, stupid & inane plot twists--- those are the highlights of this miserable excuse for a "heist, caper flick". as the viewer , you dont care about any of this cast of goofs. the 10 year old kid is a inane angle. the plot twists are not logical, they are stupid (but i already said that) these people owe the viewing public an apology.

this is a good movie, it combines the greatest tragedy ever written with a campy 70's retro setting. a working knowledge of the bard's play makes it all the more worthwhile. duncan, malcom, banco, the ghosts--- they are all there!! tierney displays a real comedic talent as mrs "lady" macbeth. walken is walken!! kooky, edgy, a bit goofy. it is black comedy at it best. when was last time anyone laughed during macbeth's murders & dismemberment?? you will. rent it, enjoy it.