Merrily We Roll Along movie review by Movie Review Mom

MOVIE TITLE: Merrily We Roll Along

This film is now available in select theaters, as well as on Fandango at Home.

It was filmed in the Hudson Theatre in New York City, winning the 2024 Tony Awards for Best Revival of a Musical.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: Approx. 2 hours, 30 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL:

Merrily We Roll Along is the filmed version of the acclaimed Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim’s musical, telling the story of a once-idealistic composer whose friendships and values unravel as success takes over his life. Stephen Sondheim’s most famous musicals are Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, and West Side Story.  You can absolutely hear some of the common beats and style from those in this musical.

Uniquely told in reverse chronological order, the story begins with bitterness and regret and slowly rewinds to hope, friendship, and youthful dreams. It’s thoughtful, emotional, and musically rich, but definitely not light entertainment.

The musical “Merrily We Roll Along” is based on the 1934 play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. The film was directed by the charming Maria Friedman. I loved her when she sang and acted in the Broadway musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

This film is best suited for teens and adults who appreciate Broadway, complex storytelling, and emotionally mature themes. There is strong language, alcohol use, infidelity, and heavy relational conflict.

THEMES:

• Friendship and betrayal

• The cost of success

• Idealism vs. compromise

• Regret and reflection

• Time, memory, and lost innocence

THINGS I LIKED:

• Outstanding performances, especially from Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez.

• I first noticed the incredibly talented Jonathan Groff when he was a visiting character on the popular TV show Glee. He absolutely crushed it in the Broadway musical Hamilton!

• Stephen Sondheim’s clever, emotionally layered lyrics

• The reverse timeline, which becomes more powerful as the story unfolds

• Intimate staging that translates surprisingly well to film

• A haunting reminder of how small choices can change an entire life.

• Keep watching during the final rolling credits to see some cute pictures of the ensemble, as well as crew, and Stephen Sondheim!

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

• The reverse structure can be disorienting at first. A movie musical I thought did it exceptionally well was The Last Five Years.

• This is definitely not my favorite musical. I didn’t really like any of the characters.

• The tone is often somber and emotionally heavy.

• Some songs are more cerebral than memorable.

• Viewers unfamiliar with Broadway may struggle to connect.

• Fans of big Broadway numbers might be disappointed.

FUNNY LINES:

There are moments of sharp, witty humor typical of Sondheim, but humor takes a back seat to emotional impact in this production.

• “I think Charlie and I will handle success very well.” –  (Jonathan Groff)    “Look at how we handled failure!” –  Charlie   (Daniel Radcliffe)

INTERESTING LINES:

• “How did you get to be here?” – the ensemble

• “It’s a hit!” (A line that takes on deeper meaning as the story rewinds)

• “The worst vice is advice, so I don’t give any.” –   (Jonathan Groff)
• “I’m a very excessive personality.” –   Mary   (Lindsay Mendez)
• “Charlie, I love success, okay?” –  (Jonathan Groff)

MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE:

• Maestro:  https://moviereviewmom.com/maestro-movie-review/ 

• Into the Woods:  https://moviereviewmom.com/into-the-woods-brews-mixed-messages-for-adults-and-children/ 

• Les Misérables :  https://amzn.to/49yqZgc  

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@MovieReviewMom @TrinaBoice

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