Merrily We Roll Along

Merrily We Roll Along is further evidence that more broadway shows should be transferred lock, stock and barrel to the big screen. The film which was shot with original broadway cast last year tells a story over twenty years in reverse order beginning in 1979 old pals Frank (Jonathan Groff, excellent), Charley (Daniel Radcliffe, truly incredible) and Mary (Lindsay Mendez, also great) have achieved their Broadway dreams at the cost of their friendship especially in regards to the egotistical Frank, we than roll along to vignettes in past years leading up to this low point. Merrily We Roll Along is a triumph of storytelling regardless of medium, a coming of age tale where by starting low and ending high we get a sense of how cruel and bittersweet time and its passage can be (Richard Linklater is working on a film adaptation being shot over 20 years due for release in 2040 which in hindsight is the best choice) and in turn showing just how perfect the trio of leads are especially Radcliffe who delivers a heartbreaking turn as a true friend devastated by what his best pal had become. But despite it being a stage production this truly feels like a film with incredible editing and use of close ups that really brings the show to life. If you need guaranteed entertainment this holiday season roll along to see this. 

I Give It 5 Stars!!!