Blue Moon (2025)
Are musicals your thing?
Presentation:
Want to get immersed in a speakeasy and chat the night away? Here it is, just don’t expect to leave because this is basically a one setting movie. To make this work, the conversations need to be stimulating. If anyone is to do it, it should be Linklater. Unfortunately, you’re going to need to be well versed in Lorenz Hart and the history of musicals just to follow the storyline. I don’t like musicals so this experience felt like social gatherings of absent minded nodding my head, pretending to understand what everyone is so enthusiastically talking about. What makes the presentation fascinating are the costumes, charming time period and a fascinating 4 foot Ethan Hawke. They use CGI and practical effects to make him look really short, which can be distracting when his shortness is being cheated. Ethan Hawke’s performance is great, but I can’t help feel it would have been better if he’d developed a higher pitch to pair with the eccentric personality.
Conclusion:
This film is not for me. I don’t know the original Blue Moon and my understanding of Oklahoma! is limited to references in movies. I actually quite like Linklater’s organic conversational style, but I really couldn’t engage with the context. The topic of creative jealousy for another’s success is relatable and you could enjoy this film just for that. It’s a good film, but I’m have to admit I was bored. But you don’t have to take this review seriously, watch it for yourself.
Recommendations
Are musicals your thing?