tick, tick... BOOM! (2021) User Reviews

Really Impressive

[Neon_Gold · 8/10 · 19 November 2021]

I liked this movie a lot more than I thought it would.

I find that Netflix movies are hard to predict normally they are let downs but this one broke the cycle for me.

It was thoughtful. There was obviously research done by everyone involved.

Considering this is his directorial debut I do think that he does a good job for the most part. I think some scenes are amazing and will stick but others can be a little plainer.

Andrew Garfield is the star of the show though. His performance was fantastic. He really gave into the role. The pretentiousness, the heart, the sadness. He played the typical "musical theatre nerd" perfectly. It was so theatrical and over the top which worked. But the moments that called for more depth were also amazing. He was about to really capture the sadness.

I was really impressed. The music is as great too. The majority of the songs had a life of their own and felt original. They felt fresh even though this play was wrote in 1990.

Andrew Garfield is TERRIFIC!

[marveller-66 · 8/10 · 13 November 2021]

Correct me if i'm wrong. I've seen so many actors in their respective movies and also off-screen (i.e., just in interviews, not in flesh), this guy is charming on & off-screen. I mean, his acting is so unique and incredibly realistic. He provides extra details and mentions more than required crew members and respects them. I just hope people would give good reviews for this excellent movie.

from those who doesnt really follow broadway

[ariqakbar · 8/10 · 20 November 2021]

For me this movie doesn't take any time to hook the viewer. As soon as Andrew Garfield start singing, i already got in to the movie.

The story was quite fast to catch but give it more effort and you'll be there. Me personally got a little loose in the middle of the movie, but doesn't take to much time to get back at it again.

All i can say that Andrew Garfield is in his element, and you're gonna see a really great performance.

Andrew 'The Magnificent' Garfield

[yusufpiskin · 9/10 · 19 November 2021]

Although everyone knows and admires Andrew Garfield thanks to the big screen, especially Spider-Man, he has always been a theater lover. Garfield becomes a giant in this movie, which combines the theater stage he loves so much with the big screen. If Steven Levenson had watched it, he would have loved this movie and Garfield.

Boasting memorable, addictive, first-rate music performed by astonishingly talented actors, Lin-Manuel Miranda delivers one of the best musical films of the century.

[msbreviews · 9/10 · 11 November 2021]

If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free thoughts, please follow my blog to read my full review :)

"tick, tick...BOOM! Is one of my favorite movies of the year! Boasting memorable, addictive, first-rate music performed by astonishingly talented actors, Lin-Manuel Miranda delivers one of the best musical films of the century.

From the absolute standout, "30/90", to the highly satisfying payoff, "Louder than Words", the vast majority of songs serve a necessary purpose, moving the plot forward in an entertaining manner while also developing the compelling characters.

Andrew Garfield delivers one of the best performances of his career, demonstrating his impressive emotional range and artistic skills, both as an actor and a performer. Technically, no fault to point out whatsoever.

Do NOT miss this work of art!"

Rating: A.

beautiful sketch

[Kirpianuscus · 24 November 2021]

I love Andrew Garfield and this was the main motif, for me, to see this film. And real, he did a great role. And , real, my appreciation for him becomes more intense. And the admiration for great job of Lin Manuel Miranda. The film can be seen as hommage to Jonathan Larson. In same measure, it works very well as nice sketch for many anonimous lives, not very different by the lead character, between love, friendship, self acceptance, ambitious projects and need to be remarked as fair result of not doubts vocation. And a nice kick to they far to have opportunity of courage to become a real name. That last thing , the mix of confrontations, desires and dreams and frustrations , well used, well served represents the great good point of this movie. And, sure, fine exploration of the universe of shows and expressions of pure freedom. It can be perceived as a sketch about truth in its complex nuances , off course, but, in same measure, it is a magnificent musical, impressive not only for familiar ingredients of genre, for admirable energy of Andrew Garfield, for beautiful acting for supporting roles , but for high honesty. It is a very, very, very honest film, thing so rare today. And that transforms it in a personal story, easy as kick to remind the transition from 29 years old to 30, the round crisis, the decision to begin real life. Few scenes in this film are just gorgeous. So, must see it ! Not for be seduced. But for a great, profound useful perspective about life.

Enjoyable

[ladyliliroche · 7/10 · 20 November 2021]

Thought it wouldn't be my type of movie but I found it endearing and enjoyable to watch.

Andrew Garfield was great. Energetic, sang great, really captured the character and struggles.

The music are wonderful too.

Garfield makes this film-career best performance

[CubsandCulture · 9/10 · 6 December 2021]

I am not the biggest fan of Larson. I think RENT (in any form) is a pretty poor musical, regardless of how you look at it. I find the show's treatment of AIDS especially distasteful. Tick, Tick...Boom is a more vivid and authentic work. So this adaptation starts from a better place than the RENT film a few years back. The music and general plot outline is Larson's most engaging work.

The film does a *really* good job of turning what began life as a monologue into a cinematic story. The formal editing and direction choices-and how the script motivates the various vignettes-makes the film feel alive and the songs makes sense in universe. The intercutting of the story, show and home movies reminded me a little of Chicago (2002) or All That Jazz (from the 70's) in how the songs are woven around the plot. People who generally don't like musicals might find this one's scale and intimacy appealing. But you can lob some of the same criticism at this as you can RENT-the material has a blinkered idea of what selling out is, there's some questionable characterizations. I don't like how a straight guy is again at the center of an AIDS story.

But above all Garfield is *perfect* in this. I saw Larson the entire time. He is frenetic, loud, theatrical, authentic, funny, heartbreaking and authentic. It is his career best performance to date.

Simply amazing...

[Thanos_Alfie · 7/10 · 28 November 2021]

"tick, tick...BOOM!" is a Biography - Musical movie in which we follow the life of Jonathan Larson before becoming 30 years old. Back then he is a promising young theater composer who is searching for true love and friendship.

I liked this musical very much because it was based on the true life of a very important, clever and talented theater composer. In addition to this, this short period of life was presented with a very beautiful way along with a simply amazing music. The direction which was made by Lin-Manuel Miranda made the difference and his good job was obvious through the whole duration of the movie. The interpretation of Andrew Garfield who played as Jonathan Larson was simply outstanding and he made the difference. Some other interpretations that have to be mentioned were Alexandra Shipp's who played as Susan and Robin de Jesus who played as Michael. Lastly, I have to say that "tick, tick...BOOM!" is an amazing movie and I strongly recommend everyone to watch it because I am sure you will enjoy it.

tick, tick...BOOM!

[JoBloTheMovieCritic · 9/10 · 16 November 2021]

9/10 - a criminally underrated musical is brought to life in this stunning adaptation that features heartwrenching performances from Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, and Robin de Jesús, a fantastic soundtrack, and beautiful cinematography and craftsmanship.

Music of Jonathan Larson

[MB-reviewer185 · 7/10 · 20 November 2021]

A movie about Jonathan Larson and his music performances. He passed away after he finished his musical called "Rent", so he couldn't see it play out in a musical theatre (which is sad).

Andrew Garfield who plays Jonathan Larson was really good, he played the drama in the story really well and you feel for him when he is in a difficult situation.

Andrew Garfield sang the songs really well which I wasn't expecting and he was likable, the other actors playing Jonathan Larson's friends were also likable and dealing with their own problems.

The songs are good and I liked how we see the progression of Jonathan Larson in making his sheet music for his shows. The emotional moments worked well with the story and can be sad seeing them.

I think this is one of Andrew Garfields best performances. He played out the drama, the emotional scenes, the music numbers, and he played a likable character.

Indeed tick,tick and then BOOM!

[Alexander_Blanchett · 9/10 · 19 November 2021]

What a blast. And finally a movie that really went under my skin this year. A great portrayal of an artist that left the stage far too soon. An emotional musical about ambition, friendship and just living towards your dreams.

Its contains a sensational performance by Andrew Garfield in the role of Jonathan Larson. Not only can he sing brilliantly but the way he embodied that role, captured and expressed the emotions and really developed into it was just out of this world and can easily marked down as one of the best performances of the year. With the charm and looks of a young Tom Hanks, Andrew Garfield really and once for all pushed himself to the firmament of Hollywood. Fantastic.

Robin de Jesus once again pulled out a fantastic supporting performance. He already made my Top 5 last year with his tremendously underrated performance in "The Boys in the Band" . Glad he is finally getting the attention he deserves. Alexandra Shipp rounds the cast up with a wonderful turn. Her singing number is the peak of the film but also the performance around it is filled with a great amount of naturalism and convincing from the first to the last minute she is on screen.

I also liked Judith Light whose role was a bit cartoonish but fun. And last but not least Bradley Whitford was wonderful in his short performance. Definitely noteworthy.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's directional debut was filled with great aspects as editing, sound and cinematography. Miranda showed great care for his character and knew what kind of story he wanted to tell.. It may have had some lengths at the beginning but then, tick, tick... BOOM!

Larson's story

[ferguson-6 · 7/10 · 18 November 2021]

Greetings again from the darkness. Success comes in many shapes and sizes. Sometimes it brings happiness, glory, and financial gain, while other times there is an emptiness or sadness. Who better than Lin-Manuel Miranda (of "Hamilton" fame) to direct the cinematic tribute to composer and playwright Jonathan Larson? You likely know Larson's name from his long-running Broadway smash hit, "Rent", but this is his autobiographical project based on his early struggles in trying to write the next great American musical. It has been adapted for the screen by Steven Levenson ("Fosse/Verdon").

Opening in January 1990, a full (i.e., long) version of Larson's "30/90" song kicks us off with singing, dancing, and choreography. It's important to note that this was the era of AIDS raging through the New York arts scene - people were dying, and friends were frightened. Andrew Garfield leaps into the role of Jon, sporting Cosmo Kramer hair, and a boundless, frenetic energy that overshadows his friends and loved ones. Jon is in full panic mode as his 30th birthday approaches and he rushes to finish his futuristic rock-musical "Superbia", which he expects will be his springboard to stardom. In the meantime, he works at the Moondance Diner while remaining committed and obsessed with his art.

Director Miranda adds a structural element with cut-aways to Jon (Garfield) performing his own musical onstage at New York Theater Workshop. However most of the run time is focused on Jon's writer's block associated with the final song he must write. His idol, the legendary Stephen Sondheim (Bradley Whitford) advised him of the importance, and we aren't sure if the block stems from this or the fact that it's the final missing piece. Garfield is exceptional as the self-absorbed, and obviously talented Jon. As his friend and roommate Michael (Robin de Jesus, THE BOYS IN THE BAND, 2020) has surrendered his dream of art for a well-paying advertising job, it's clear that Jon still believes art can change the world.

Alexandra Shipp (LOVE, SIMON 2018) plays Susan, Jon's dancer-girlfriend. She also is considering the reality of a teaching job versus the dream of performing, yet Jon is too immersed in his own work to take heed of her warnings. He is so against 'selling out' that he even cruelly debates Michael on the pursuit of creature comforts. Of course, much of this would eventually lead Larson to write "Rent", but this film doesn't cover that period. Vanessa Hudgens (HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL franchise) and Broadway standout Joshua Henry perform much of the singing here, but Garfield holds his own on the musical and dance numbers.

Other supporting roles are filled by Judith Light as Jon's agent, Rosa Stevens, and Richard Kind as a both-sides-of-his-mouth stage critic, while director Miranda makes a cameo as a short order cook at the diner. The challenges of New York City life in the art world are clearly shown here, and mostly this is a loving tribute to Jonathan Larson by his admirer Lin-Manuel Miranda ... with an exciting performance from Andrew Garfield. It's an entertaining production that never pretends to offer up inspiration or false hope to the dreamers in the audience.

Streaming on Netflix beginning November 19, 2021.

tick...tick...tick...tick...tick...tick.......

[aidanratesmovies · 4/10 · 16 February 2022]

Disappointing and overly-sentimental- Tick Tick Boom showcases Andrew Garfield as legendary playwright Jonathan Larson- a film equivalent to what could have been a much more compelling, much less tedious biography. Personally, I thought this film was a mess. I get what it's trying to do, balancing musical numbers, drama, and theater type beats to make for something unique- I admire it for trying something new- but the format just doesn't work for film. The first hour or so of this film is so incredibly tedious, I had to start and stop it half a dozen times just to get through it. It's a miserably derivative form of storytelling on film. All the acting is either over the top or incredibly shallow, and the direction from infamous composer and Broadway star Lin Manuel Miranda just falls flat. I found the part where the actual play, the story is about, takes place- but it's hardly enough of an impact to carry along the film. Everyone tries real hard, and the visuals are nice. Some of the songs are admittedly catchy too, but it's just too slow and too melodramatic for me to enjoy. I felt like I was watching a soap opera rather than a film about someone's life- and felt that the story of a life of someone so creative should have been done in a more enjoyable way rather than throwing a bunch of tones and styles in a barrel, shaking them up, and seeing what happens. In the end i'm not gonna remember this film in a weeks time and am glad to be free from its sing songy touch. It's not all bad, but it hardly deserves the praise it received, and clearly has overshadowed some much better films in this years Oscar race.

My Rating: 4.3/10.

ANDREW GARFIELD IS THE STAR.

[andrewchristianjr · 8/10 · 20 November 2021]

A very heartfelt, inventive, and inspirational musical about the creative process that is expressed through memorable music. Andrew Garfield was the standout, he brought the story to life and oh my I would never have thought he could sing.

Great

[atractiveeyes · 9/10 · 21 November 2021]

It's a great real emotional musical biopic. The story is beautiful, heartbreaking and powerful, it might be hard to follow sometimes, but it will easily move you and you'd definitely relate to eventually. It beautifully tackles important topics like time, passion, dating and friendship. Andrew Garfield's performance is Oscar-worthy. The soundtracks are awesome. It's ons of the best musicals ever made.

Jonathan Larson created Rent; Lin-Manuel and Andrew contribute their genius, also.

[JohnDeSando · 22 November 2021]

"I'm the future of musical theater." Jonathan Larson (Andrew Garfield)

Director Lin-Manuel Miranda (Tony and Pulitzer-winning creator of Hamilton) shows his genius was not a just one-off. In tick, tick . . .Boom! Hamilton revives the memory of Jonathan Larson (Andrew Garfield), the creator/composer of Rent, a contemporary rock musical that inspired a new generation of shows for Broadway.

That Larson should die at 35, the night before the preview of Rent, lends a melancholy air to this adaptation of his autobiographical musical and this film's influence by his first failure, Suburbia, inspired by Orwell's 1984.

Tick shows the evolution of Larson's signature realism, a fulfillment of his agent Rosa Stevens's (Judith Light) exhortation to write about what he knows. Poverty, paying rent, facing down rejection, protesting for justice, and HIV friends dying in droves are issues he knows and will exploit in his iconic musical.

Yet for this film, he is promoting his tick . . ., and while the lyrics are uneven and scattered but generally first-rate, it involves a too-large cast including aliens. Although Garfield is gawky and endearing in equal measure, Larson's work has the mentoring of Stephen Sondheim (Bradley Whitford), who I understand, knows something about musicals. Whitford, by the way, does a credible, impressive imagining of Sondheim.

The ticking boom of time in the title has several reference points, not just Larson's impending death but the dynamic change of Broadway Larson ignited. Andrew Garfield does a yeoman's job of giving life to Larson, who has a naivete, energy, and self-centeredness that bespeak the lasting influence he has had on the modern musical.

In some ways, Miranda has done that himself with this exciting, melancholic musical about musicals and the geniuses who lose their lives creating them. Netflix.

tick, tick...BOOM!

[Prismark10 · 7/10 · 19 February 2022]

Lin-Manuel Miranda makes his directorial debut with tick, tick...BOOM! It is a semi autobiographical musical about Jonathan Larson (Andrew Garfield) who died of an aneurysm at the age of 35.

The film has Larson under pressure trying to complete a much needed new song in time for a workshop of his futuristic musical Superbia. Something he has been working on for 8 years and he is just about to turn 30.

Larson works in a diner, lives in a crummy apartment and is unable to pay his bills.

Other friends are getting on with their lives. Such as best friend Michael who gave up his dreams of being an actor and did well in the world of advertising. His girlfriend Susan has a good job offer to teach dancing in the Berkshires. Larson knows that if he does not go with her, their relationship will come to an end.

On the other hand some of Larson's other friends have been dying of AIDS while still in their 20s.

The movie has a simple plot. The desperation and the hard slog of being a writer. The hope that you will be discovered when failure is knocking on the door. Larson has to fends off temptations such as getting a job writing advert jingles.

This is Bruce Springsteen's Dancing in the Dark come to life. Ironically the Boss was told by his manager that he needed a radio friendly tune that would tie together his album Born to Run.

In the movie. Stephen Sondheim (Bradley Whitford) is supportive of Larson. He suggests that Superbia needed a new song to close act two.

The ticking clock motif not only represents pressure but suggests that the clock is ticking down on Larson's life.

Andrew Garfield learned to sing for this musical. Garfield makes you care for Larson even though he is driven and self absorbed which in some he needed to be.

Lin-Manuel keeps the musical energetic and vibrant. He lays hints that mapped out Larson's future work, that of Rent. The beginning of the movie does not hide the tragedy of Larson's life.

Majestic

[gianmarcoronconi · 10/10 · 20 November 2021]

Majestic and wonderful biopic. The whole film has a pressing and motivated pace and manages to drag you and make you feel very strong and wonderful emotions. The songs are beautiful and are cleverly laid out in the film without ever being outlandish.

Very good directorial debut from Lin Manuel Miranda

[lisafordeay · 7/10 · 22 November 2021]

Tick Tick Boom is a 2021 Musical drama starring Andrew Garfield(in his singing debut) Alexandre Shipp(who plays his on screen girlfriend Susan),Robin De Jesus (who plays Michael Jonathan's friend) and Vanessa Hudgens(who plays a backup singer).

Based on a true story on the composer for Rent Jonathan Larson who used to work at a diner before making it big in Broadway with his Broadway debut Superbia along with his 2 friends Karessa(Vanessa Hudgens) and Josh Henry.

Andrew Garfield's singing debut was very good(who knew he could sing and play the piano so well). I honestly find Andrew to be a very underrated actor as he never won an Oscar(honestly he was snubbed at the Oscars for Breathe which was another film based on a true story). The story was very good along with the rest of the actors. The music was good too but it's not as memorable as Enchanted, The Lion King etc. Lin Manuel Miranda did a good job for his directorial debut(as he was known for being in Hamilton and the music for Moana). If you love musicals then check it out. Bradley Whitford co stars as Stephen Sondheim(Jonathan's idol).

On a side note the real Jonathan Larson died in 1996 of Aorta Aneurysm at the young age of 35.

Ramalamadingdong...

[Xstal · 8/10 · 2 December 2021]

A beautiful celebration, full of musical escalation, with a gifted congregation and their great performances; an outstanding dedication, with oratorical elation, for a truly special showman, makes a great retrospective.

Boom indeed

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 27 November 2021]

It's 1990 New York City. Struggling writer Jonathan Larson (Andrew Garfield) is having trouble creating a final piece for his musical.

I remember hearing something about this film quite a long while ago. I didn't know that this is that film until much later. For the first thirty minutes, I like the song and dance but it all feels like empty calories. I like the party and song to set up the atmosphere for his group of friends. Bradley Whitford as Stephen Sondheim delivers the first clarion Meta-criticism for both Larson's musical and this film. The songs are swell but there's no meaning. There's no emotional heart. It has no drive. There are no stakes. This continues in the movie for awhile as it lays out the clear raison d'être for his future work. It just takes a person with any self-inspection to see what's right in front of him. Just in case, his agent tells him to write something personal and his performers asks him about his musical. They also don't see any meaning to any of it and that's how I felt about the movie. The story hits this nail on the head again and again. As far as I'm concern, the film doesn't get its emotional start until the Michael reveal. The following song is the only truly emotional song. Then it packs in all the character arc for Larson. I get what the musical is trying to say. He is sleepwalking through a devastated world for the first two thirds. As a film, it needs to move faster. I still like it and the last third is certainly very compelling.

Thank Lin so much for telling Jonathan's story

[loveutroyesivan · 10/10 · 13 November 2021]

I cannot express how much I love tick, tick... BOOM! It's officially my favorite film now.

Thank Lin, Andrew and the whole ttb cast and crew so much for creating such a vivid, moving world of Jonathan Larson and the world of musical theatre. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TELLING HIS STORY.

For people who love musical theatre or love Jonathan Larson or his work, this is a MUST-WATCH! Plz see it on the big screen it is so worth it!

"I'm allowing myself to be led by love."

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 30 January 2022]

I'm not a fan of movie musicals and readers of my reviews already know that. So when I say I didn't care much for this movie, it shouldn't surprise. Now I do credit Andrew Garfield for a remarkable performance, but at the same time, I thought he brought too much of a theatricality to the daily life of a songwriter/composer. It was as if he was 'on stage' in all aspects of his day to day relationships while over emoting at the same time. While some of the song lyrics were cleverly written, there was a pretentious feel to some of them, with one in particular quite irritating in it's repetition; I don't know the name of it but you'll recognize it. With a countdown clock ticking for the final song needed to complete his introductory play to a host of professionals, I was getting quite annoyed with Jonathan's (Garfield) repeated refusal to deal with his situation with Susan (Alexandra Shipp), delaying the inevitable until the last minute when he knew all along how it would go. Combined, all these elements made for an unfavorable movie experience for this viewer, which made me feel bad when I learned at the end of the story that it was about composer, lyricist and playwright Jonathan Larson, who died on the day of his off-Broadway preview of 'Rent'.

Confused and self indulgent

[ffwfc · 2/10 · 26 December 2021]

I don't really see anything good in this.

A movie about soemone trying to write a Rock Musical, yet there's no Rock and little Musical.

I'd summatise this as a bit of on unengaging melodrama.