The Producers - ***

Let me just preface this review by saying that I love Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane probably a little too much. I've loved Matthew Broderick since Ferris and I've loved Nathan Lane since Joe Vs. The Volcano. And the recent pairing of these two on Broadway and on the silver screen is probably a stroke of genius. Whoever thought that these two had chemistry knew what he/she was talking about. Ahem. But, on with my own thoughts...

The Producers, a recent musical release which is based off of the critically acclaimed Broadway musical, which is based off of the original Mel Brooks' hit also entitled, ahem, The Producers, stars Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick as two aspiring producers who attempt to extort money out of their own broadway show by creating the worst flop in the history of broadway theatre.

In Susan Stroman's directorial debut we follow Max and Leo on a wild ride through the golden days of the Broadway musical. The film is satirical, witty, and has a sense of humor so biting you expect to see John Cleese somewhere in the second act. But, unfortunately, no such luck.

Here's the deal: if you don't like musicals, stay the hell away from this movie. Because like any musical brought to the screen you have to realize that if you aren't already attached to the broadway diagram of what a musical must do in order to succeed you end up losing out on a lot of the meat and grit in the story.

Broderick is increasingly funny and the hysterics his characters brings to the stage were increasingly welcome as some of Lane's laughs seemed forced. The jokes ended up tiring throughout the second act and the fact that Uma Thurman has a gorgeous body wasn't enough for me to actually care about her character.

But, you know what? That's Broadway.

Keep it gay, keep it gay, keep it gay.

***

Joey Banks