13: The Musical (2022) User Reviews

Dumpster Fire

[aaronmovieexpert · 5/10 · 12 August 2022]

This was an absolute dumpster fire of a movie. Pacing was terrible, acting was minimalistic, songs were average.

Furthermore, they took away the point of the original musical which was that teenage kids aren't the most PG beings out there.

This film had one redeemble five minute scene and it was the football boys absolutely rocking and slaying the song "Bad Bad News."

Not awful...

[freakyfrizz13 · 5/10 · 14 August 2022]

...but I didn't like that they took out half the songs.

The one good thing they did change though is that the popular kids weren't absolute jerks to Archie though. Growing up, disabled kids were completely off limits to even the worst bullies.

This had a lot of potential

[peterw1210 · 5/10 · 15 August 2022]

This somewhat follows the original story from the past Broadway musical, the music is good and the cast is super talented. Where it falls short is too much was changed from the musical, the story falls short. It doesn't leave the audience with anything to think about, it's just generic.

Overall, 5/10.

NOT an adaptation of the original

[etraha · 2/10 · 15 August 2022]

I do not accept this as a movie adaptation of 13 The Musical. I really love the stage production because it's super funny and has so many great songs. This movie was not funny at all. In some weird effort to make the movie more family friendly than the stage production, the writers of the movie changed a lot of the funny lyrics and lines which provides no jokes and no laughs. The show is called 13, it was originally written to be PG-13, not PG.

Another complaint I have is how the movie changed a lot of the songs and cut all of the really good ones. They changed lyrics and added verses. Like babes, WE DID NOT have to add a rap verse to Opportunity, it's already good on its own. They shortened my favorite song Getting Ready from 4 minutes to 1 minute. And in that 1 minute, they cut all of the amazing harmonies and overlapping parts. Not only did they cut verses, they cut ENTIRE SONGS. To list a few: Becoming A Man, Hey Kendra, Get Me What I Need, WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A FRIEND <3, All Hail The Brain, Terminal Illness, Any Minute, It Can't Be True, and IF THATS WHAT IT IS! I love all of these songs dearly, so please go listen to them instead of watching this movie.

Even worse than cutting these songs, replacing them with the worst songs I've ever heard. The one between Brett and Kendra was right out of the movie Trolls and the duet between Evan and his mom had me almost falling asleep from not caring.

They also changed the music production to try to have a more modern sound, but it just sounded like a cringey video of 8 year olds on youtube trying to sing some olivia rodrigo song. The acoustic guitar and piano of the original music created a coming of age feel, and now there is just too much reverb for me to take the music seriously.

Another thing, they added the mom/dad as actual characters?? And with the most boring storylines ever?? One of the cool things about the stage production is that it's all kids, no adults, so I thought that was weird. But the grandma slayed so I'm not mad about that.

I had been looking forward to this movie since it was announced, and I was so disappointed. I was about to turn it off but then Bad Bad News started playing. That song is the one reason why I gave this movie 2 stars. It was amazing, it did the original justice, and I loved it so much.

And there is your very opinionated review from a theatre loser who loves this show (the staged production) so much.

Far from the original

[watchering · 2/10 · 13 August 2022]

The show has changed way too much for this to be called an adaptation. I wouldn't have minded the changes in lyrics but the storyline was revised too much that the entire flow of the story changed. They failed to capture each character. The show started well, which is the main reason I stayed to the end. The movie revolved in Evan getting everyone to go to his party without regard to others. The Broadway told a totally different story. The movie is far from being called an adaptation.

Turning 13

[MB-reviewer185 · 5/10 · 13 August 2022]

I have not seen the Broadway musical from 2008 that 13: The Musical (2022) is based on, so I do not know if it is better than the movie version. Because I thought 13: The Musical (2022) was ok.

The acting was not that bad, like Eli Golden playing the main character Evan and the other characters were good. The characters were likable enough so you can get behind them, but they make decisions that made no sense.

The songs were fine even though I do not think they are worth listening to repeatedly, but they are fine for what they are. The dance numbers have good dance choreography, and the actors are good in them.

I would have liked the musical numbers to be a bit more spaced out, because they would have a song play right after another song ended. There are moments I thought could have last longer or moments that should have ended but kept going.

Other than those issues, 13: The Musical (2022) was a standard enjoyable enough musical to watch for a 1 hour and 31 minutes. You do not have to rush to Netflix to see this.

Can't reply to reviews but cute movie

[saramariyastowe · 6/10 · 15 August 2022]

Literally just writing this because someone said Eli was obviously much older than the character he's playing. Evan is 13 and Eli is currently 15, they filmed a year ago so no he's not drastically older, he was 14 years old at the time.

Anyways about the movie, it was cute. It was very netflix-esque however which i didn't love aka over the top cheesy and reminiscent of a disney channel original movie. Sad that a lot of the songs were cut from the show as well. But it's not a bad movie and worth watching if you like musicals as well as Jason Robert Brown's music.

Harmless while also being weightless, 13 takes a very safe approach to coming of age with not many standout songs or characters, but the acting and directing are serviceable

[IonicBreezeMachine · 5/10 · 13 August 2022]

Evan Goldman (Eli Golden) is a 12 year old Jewish boy in New York City preparing for his bar mitzvah when his life is torn asunder by his parents Jessica (Debra Messing) and Joel (Peter Hermann) divorcing following Joel's affair. Jessica and Evan move to Walkerton, Indiana to live with Jessica's mother and Evan's grandmother Ruth Weiss (Rhea Perlman) which means that Evan will leave behind his friends and life and be forced to have his bar mitzvah in a new town. Evan befriends next door neighbor Patrice (Gabriella Uhl) over the Summer, but once they start school in September Evan is determined to get the cool kids to come to his party which puts strain on his relationships.

13 is an adaptation of the 2007 musical of the same name with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown and book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn. Attempts had been made as far back as 2014 when the now defunct CBS Films acquired the rights only for nothing to be done with them before the company folded in 2019. Following the reversion of the rights to the original creators, Netflix along with producer Neil Meron best known for the adaptations of Hairspray and Chicago acquired the rights and Tamra Davis hired to direct and Robert Horn. Now having been released 13 is competently made and easy enough viewing, but it's also not all that substantive and I think despite its title the film will probably appeal best to those whose ages are a few digits below 13.

I'll preface this by saying I know next to nothing about the original stage show as I've not seen it so I can't speak to how successful the film is at recreating the experience audiences got from the stage production aside from Robert Horn having credit on both the stage work and the film. When I was watching 13 it felt very much like the same level you'd expect from something like High School Musical or other similar Disney Channel musical fare and much to my surprise came to find Horn does indeed have a number of credits on such productions one of which is a spin-off from High School Musical and director Tamara Davis also directed three episodes of the Disney+ TV series High School Musical The Series. There's really nothing 13 The Musical does all that wrong exactly, but if you're familiar with the petty drama seen in stuff like Saved by the Bell or High School Musical where tween to teen problems are presented in over the top fashion but with a softer edge you're pretty much going to see all of that on display here only the linking element of Evan's forthcoming bar mitzvah used as a centerpiece around which the story is constructed. In terms of the actors most of them are perfectly fine with Reha Perlman probably my favorite as I've always been a fan of her comedic delivery and it's still very much on point here. Most of the young cast are relative newcomers with the exception of JD McCrary who was previously heard as the voice of young Simba in the 2019 Lion King Remake and they're perfectly serviceable if understandably a little green given for many of them this is their first feature production. The two standouts were probably Ramon Reed as Eddie and Jonathan Lengel as Archie who despite being supporting players did give me some of the funnier moments of the movie and did show a natural screen presence and energy to their roles so it's possible they may be ones to watch out for.

To say "this movie wasn't made for me" is an understatement. While the movie will be perfectly serviceable to the same tween demographic who indulge in various Disney channel films or other inoffensive musical fluff, there's not much here that will compel those whose ages are the title or above with the best hope being tolerance as it plays in the background to possibly mild annoyance. I understand I'm not the target audience for this movie, but I do have to be honest about my thoughts and I really didn't enjoy this.

Didn't watch the original musical review

[hazard111 · 6/10 · 17 August 2022]

I'm not really the target audience of this but I've always loved film rendition of musicals.. this one isn't bad but it's also not great. Watchable but not memorable. Perhaps for the target audience this will be liked, related, and understood more.

It's a basic pre teen show premise and plot. With characters focused on where 'most' of us were focused on when we were kids going through what we then believe to be a highlight of our year (love life and social life). "You're ruining my life" era basically lol.

Nothing twisted or unnecessary. Just straight forward and wholesome overall which I think is always a plus for this type of genre.

Ohmy!

[haroldf-30871 · 2/10 · 9 January 2023]

I thought that this movie was seriously and unbelievably bad. I did not see the Broadway musical that this movie was based on, but I can't imagine it was really as bad as this adaptation. There was some very minor redeeming acting in the movie, but even that was just some actors standing out from a surround that provided a very low standard of comparison. I've read that the Broadway musical's songs were butchered in the making of the movie... based on what the movie songs sound like, that seems quite reasonable. All in all, it almost doesn't pay to over-analyze this effort.... this is a "skip" if there ever was one!

Really Nice Movie

[warkap · 8/10 · 25 August 2022]

I never saw the play. I liked the movie for what it is. Great effort by young people whom we will see again in other movies. Some of the amateur critics should cut them a little slack. One reviewer complained that the 15 year old did not look like 13. That's nuts. Enjoy this movie for what it is. I am sure you will.

Children with singing and dancing

[jsw-92427 · 6/10 · 12 December 2022]

Sometimes the characters came out, sang and danced, and it was fun. I want to recommend it to people who like musicals.

And it was very nice to see all the students being close together. I remember the scene where the main character, who resembles Lee Jung-jae, had a party at the cathedral the most.

Sometimes the characters came out, sang and danced, and it was fun. I want to recommend it to people who like musicals.

And it was very nice to see all the students being close together. I remember the scene where the main character, who resembles Lee Jung-jae, had a party at the cathedral the most.

Had potential to be a good family movie

[formicary · 5/10 · 12 August 2022]

The acting's pretty good but subpar in some scenes, although the kids do a really good job for their first lead/supporting roles! It portrays high school nowadays pretty well. The soundtrack has some good tunes and the casting is diverse without it being forced.

But these things can't fix the main issues of this movie. The pacing is fast and quite off-putting; songs after songs can be tiring, relationships fluctuate every scene, you name it. The dialogue can be a bit forced and dramatic at times. There are also a bunch of weird cinematography & editing choices within this movie that I can't bother getting into.

Evan's Jewish identity also gets quite undermined in this movie, which was a huge part of the story both in the musical and in the book. Most parts of the movie also say a lot of things about Jewish culture (bar mitzvahs being parties and nothing more) which aren't necessarily true.

All in all, a decent movie that had a lot of potential but failed to meet it.

Old folks speaking on behalf of teens

[mrmikalodom · 5/10 · 21 August 2022]

Though the film highlighted many teen issues, the dialogue often felt way too mature. This came across in the musical numbers as well. Granted, many teens today feel as if they know everything, but they're still very immature beings- which makes them intriguing subjects. This film, in its mission to replicate "high school musical" I guess, missed this mark terribly. Other than being cute, these kids lack real depth.

A lot of reviewers on here have commented on how the film is a sanitized version of the stage play. Perhaps this is the overarching issue (I haven't seen the stage play, so can't say for sure).

A real disappointment.

[edb-5 · 4/10 · 18 August 2022]

What was a charming stage musical has been turned into a boring and inept movie. All the charm has been removed and replaced with mostly mediocre and pretentious performances. Changes to the storyline have all been mistakes. What a disappointment!

Aimed at teens...probably only serious audience

[johnnesche · 5/10 · 15 August 2022]

On Broadway (seldom welcoming to kid-centric musicals even when they have quality like a HENRY SWEET HENRY, a TUCK EVERLASTING or a BE MORE CHILL - the one possible exception, ANNIE, is really not about the kids but the adults taking care of them), 13 felt like it was written and directed by 13 year olds and bombed out almost immediately. There *were* adults involved however, and the composer had a certain following. In the 12 years since the show tanked it even proved somewhat popular in local high-school productions so Netflix, the largest streaming service and always hungry for new product, took a chance and sprung for a full fledged movie version of the stage mistake. This version is more obviously professional but still aimed clearly at the teenagers it attempts to portray on the verge of young adulthood. It is admirably diverse (within a limited "middle American" range, which is to say mostly white Christian and Jewish - preparation for a Bar Mitzvah plays a central role) and the child actors turn in appealing, professional performances of the songs (which pretty much all sound alike in a bland pop-rock mode) and book scenes, but the few moments which were memorable on stage (cross-couple flirting at the movies) don't really work in a realistic film - at least under this fairly standard direction. This 13 The Movie isn't hard to sit through, but for an adult it's simply passing dull. The target audience may enjoy the energetic dances and if they don't have a particularly broad frame if reference may identify with the kids struggling with problems of parental divorce and having to move away from established friends and support systems (certainly broadbased experiences in the 2020's), but there is little original or surprising. Not great, not disastrous, just a "5" out of "10."

A 13-year-old party

[parkhb-66127 · 7/10 · 12 December 2022]

It was impressive to see the main character trying hard to make friends. And the scene where a girl took the boy she liked from her friend was angry. I envied the scene where the main character had a party with his friends at the end.

It was impressive to see the main character trying hard to make friends. And the scene where a girl took the boy she liked from her friend was angry. I envied the scene where the main character had a party with his friends at the end.

It was impressive to see the main character trying hard to make friends. And the scene where a girl took the boy she liked from her friend was angry. I envied the scene where the main character had a party with his friends at the end.

Title = Content

[keumjiwon · 5/10 · 12 December 2022]

Lucy was the most impressive character.

Lucy is the most humane character in the movie.

At first, he was jealous and didn't understand others, but as the movie progressed, he wanted to emulate how he knew how to admit his fault. He also looked cool trying to win what he liked.

It was quite a sight!

Lucy was the most impressive character.

Lucy is the most humane character in the movie.

At first, he was jealous and didn't understand others, but as the movie progressed, he wanted to emulate how he knew how to admit his fault. He also looked cool trying to win what he liked.

It was quite a sight.

Not great but still has fun moments

[trinaboice · 6/10 · 22 August 2022]

IN A NUTSHELL: After his parents' divorce, Evan Goldman moves to New York City to a small town in Indiana. As his 13th birthday nears, he must master the complex social circles of his new school and win friends by turning his Bar Mitzvah into the coolest party ever.

The movie is based on the popular Broadway musical that featured an all-kid cast for the first time ever. The play was based on the book by Dan Elish and directed by Tamra Davis.

THINGS I LIKED: The adorable lead is Eli Golden who does a fantastic job.

Other talented cast members include Josh Peck, Debra Messing, Rhea Perlman, Gabriella Uhl, Jonathan Lengel, Liam Wignall, Frankie McNellis, Shechinah Mpumlwana, and more.

For young performers, there were some great dancers and singers.

Due to their youth, there is a lot of energy and enthusiasm in each scene.

A few times, I felt a vibe similar to Dear Evan Hansen. That's a huge compliment.

There's no big villain, but just Tweens trying to grow up and figure out who they are.

In order to help kids fall in love with the song, Netflix uploaded all of the musical numbers to its kid's YouTube channel before the movie premiered.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: A few times, you can see that the audio and video don't quite sync when people are singing.

I've been a fan of Debra Messing for many years, but I was really distracted every time she was on screen, trying to figure out what plastic surgery she did to her face. She's always been beautiful and didn't need to do anything to her face.

I didn't feel the genuine emotional beats I was hoping for. Everything, including the emotion, looked very polished and rehearsed.

Some have complained that the movie is too sugary-sweet. While that may be true, is that such a bad thing in today's angry, cynical world?

The big challenges for the kids are how to get that first kiss and who will attend the Bar Mitzvah party. In other words, the story is simple.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: No profanity Some LGBTQ+ kids are represented.

It's explained in the beginning that the boy's father had an affair and now his parents are divorced.

If you're not Jewish, talk to your kids about the Jewish faith and some of the customs and traditions you see in the movie.

THEMES: Jealousy Divorce Friendship Romance and getting that first kiss Finding yourself Forgiveness Coming-of-age Becoming a young man Jewish culture and traditions

Middle School The Musical

[movies-01873 · 4/10 · 18 August 2022]

Parents get divorced check. Move to new town check. Let's have singing check. Can we just call this Middle School the Musical please?

This is an insult to Bar Mitzvahs. It felt like a Bar Mitzvah where G-d wasn't invited.

Fun

[seven5tx · 9/10 · 18 August 2022]

I had no expectations and watch because I like music and dancing. I thought the kids had a ton of talent. I don't get the folks that expect everything to be the best or better than the last. I know people that will go to a restaurant and if every bite is not a mind blowing orgasm they complain. This was a fun little movie and I am glad I watched. In particular I liked Nolen Dubuc. I watch him dance on youtube and it is nice to see so much joy from someone doing what they love.

Age

[Keester · 1/10 · 14 August 2022]

Shame they couldn't have used an actual 12/13 year old boy as the star. Boys change tremendously through their teenage years and it's obvious that Eli was much older than the character he portrays.

Not 13 the musical.

[iet2-301-830017 · 2/10 · 22 August 2022]

If you like the movie then don't watch this movie, you'll just get disappointed. In fact I got so disappointed that it would take me a long time to write everything here so I only wrote six.

6. To much focus on the parents.

5. Unnecessary characters added.

4. Big changes in some characters and not for the better.

3. Major song changes, they took out some great songs (it cant be true is one of them) and added some new ones.

2. They made some major lyric changes, they made so many and so PG that I think the writers of kidz bop wrote them.

1. They changed the entire ending. In the stage show Evan learned that its better to have few friends who love you for who you are. In the movie they disneyfied the ending, everyone became friends and actions do not have consequences in relationships.

If they had just adapted the stage musical as it was and not made it PG it could have been amazing!

Excellent musical numbers!

[danielwill · 10/10 · 12 August 2022]

If you love musicals you'll find yourself smiling while watching this. The songs are snappy and smart, the choreography is exciting and the performers top notch.

The story may be conventional, but it's all done unconventionally well.

Musical theater lovers of all ages will love this.

good.

[mehajine · 9/10 · 12 December 2022]

I watched a lot of musical movies. Because musical movies always give me new inspiration and enlightenment.

But this movie broke the reason why I was watching the musical. This movie comforted me and gave me good advice.

So it is second place in musical movies by my standards.

Actually, I like the movie The Greatest Showman, but it was only because I liked the song. No advice or consolation was obtained. Social life is a difficult world for me who is still young.

However, this movie had trouble with friends that can happen in adolescence, so I sympathized with it and liked it. So 9 ratings.