Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical

This comedy musical about the most notorious criminal couple in US history is now available to stream on demand.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 2 hours 1 minute

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL:

This sold-out stage musical was filmed live at the London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane. You can learn more about the musical at www.bonnieclydelive.com where you can purchase merchandise from the show, as well as buy a “perpetual access” ticket to watch it on any device.

The musical was directed by Tony nominee Jeff Calhoun. The film version was directed by Ben Crabb. Writing credits go to Ivan Menchell.

THINGS I LIKED:

The movie and stage production star Tony Award Nominee Jeremy Jordan as Clyde Barrow, and Frances Mayli McCann as Bonnie. They were both reprising their roles from the 2011 Broadway production and did a fantastic job.
I loved Jeremy Jordan in Smash (2012) and The Last Five Years (2014) with Anna Kendrick. He said this role as Clyde has been one of the highlights of his career.
Natalie McQueen was a scene stealer.
Trevor Dion Nicholas played the preacher with a rich, gorgeous voice.
The fun lyrics are by Tony winner Don Black.
Some of the melodies by Frank Wildhorn are lively and catchy, while others are pretty and memorable. He also did the music for Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical in 2001.
In a way, it’s better to see this as a feature film because you get the best seats in the house and can see everything up close and personal, rather than having to pay a fortune to sit in the nosebleed section of a stage theater.
The true story takes place in Texas during the Great Depression.
There is a lot of welcome humor throughout. You can hear the theater audience laughing and clapping with enthusiasm several times.
In addition to putting the spotlight on Bonnie and Clyde, we learn about their families, especially Clyde’s brother and his wife. It’s a good illustration of how our choices affect those we love.
Looking at the cheering audience at the end of the movie during curtain calls will forever be a visual reminder of the pandemic, as the majority of them were wearing masks.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The movie musical and stage production glamorize the romance of the couple, rather than criticize the criminals for gunning down a lot of people.
The stage production doesn’t feature the death of the pair in love.
Some of the songs start to sound alike.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will be bored, especially if they don’t like musicals.
Jokes about alcohol.
An unmarried couple disrobes into their underwear before getting into bed for “shenanigans.”
A man hits a woman and she slaps him back.
Firearms, knives, and other weapons are seen
All of the above is in addition to the crimes we see committed, as well as the murders

THEMES:

The desire for fame
Breaking the law
Greed
Forgiveness
Choices and consequences

FUNNY LINES:

“I know plenty of people who’ve been in jail.” – Bonnie Parker (Frances Mayli McCann) “Well, how many do you know who have busted out?” – Clyde Barrow (Jeremy Jordan)
“No matter how bad things get, women always find money for their hair.” – Blanche Barrow (Natalie McQueen)
“I thought you said it was wrong to judge.” – Henry Barrow (Adrian Grove) “That was not a judgement. It was an observation.” – Blanche Barrow (Natalie McQueen)
“Say what you want about Clyde, but he never forgets family.” – Henry Barrow (Adrian Grove) “Maybe you could ask him to try harder.” – Blanche Barrow (Natalie McQueen)
“I have everything I want, Baby, but there’s still things that I want.” – Henry Barrow (Adrian Grove)

INTERESTING LINES:

“Everyone has a dream. I have a plan.” – Clyde Barrow (Jeremy Jordan)
“Well, I ain’t never going to be set free. Freedom is something I gotta steal.” – Clyde Barrow (Jeremy Jordan) “I want you to be a man, Honey, not a thug.” – Bonnie Parker (Frances Mayli McCann)
“I asked you to pray, not to judge.” – Blanche Barrow (Natalie McQueen)

MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE:

Bonnie and Clyde: (considered to be the best, 1967): https://amzn.to/3yvW4kZ
Chasing Bonnie and Clyde: https://amzn.to/3SJHKfC
The Gangster Files: Bonnie & Clyde, Al Capone, John Dillinger: https://amzn.to/3SIWbQW