The Prom (2020) Movie Review
The Prom is the latest movie from director Ryan Murphy. It’s based off the Broadway musical so if you don’t like musicals at all then I’d advise you to skip this one. I, however, love musicals so I decided to see it despite the fact that Murphy was at the helm. For me, the main attraction of this movie is the monster cast that Murphy assembled.
At the beginning of the movie we are introduced to a select few theater stars including the legendary Dee Dee Allen (Meryl Streep), Barry Glickman (James Corden), Angie Dickinson (Nicole Kidman), and Trent Oliver (Andrew Rannells). Dee Dee and Barry are horrendously self obsessed and narcissistic. Their latest theater production, about Eleanor Roosevelt, was a massive flop and they need a way to improve their public image. As it turns out, people don’t like narcissists. Who knew? They search for a cause to fight for in the hopes that they will win back their mass appeal and return to the public’s good graces.
They find a worthy cause with Indiana teenager Emma. Her high school has cancelled the prom because Emma is gay and wanted to bring her girlfriend. When the theater stars burst onto the scene in Indiana they come head to head with the leader of the PTA, Mrs. Greene (Kerry Washington), who is largely responsible for the crusade to cancel prom. What follows is a zany and ridiculous story of the theater stars fighting for Emma as she tries to find herself and convince her girlfriend to come out to her parents.
Murphy adorns the movie with a rich color palette and bright colors and sequins adorn all of the costumes. The songs are either catchy or entirely forgettable. There is one regrettable song titled “Love Thy Neighbor” where Trent pontificates about the absurdity of religion. In fact about thirty minutes in the middle of the movie (including the aforementioned song) could have been cut out and it would’ve been a massive improvement.
There are some regrettably cringey moments that feel preachy and the movie doesn’t attempt to hide its agenda at all. This tracks because I wouldn’t associate the words subtlety or nuance with anything Ryan Murphy has done in his career. However, if you can set aside the repeated yellings of “Intolerance!” and the tremendously corny ending you can still have some fun watching The Prom.
For one thing Meryl Streep is magnificent as a theater diva who only cares about herself and her career. Every time she plays someone unlikeable she is fantastic which I’m not sure is a compliment. The songs are occasionally very catchy, I particularly liked “It’s Time to Dance”, “Just Breathe”, and “Tonight Belongs To You.” There are enough good songs to make it acceptable to sit through the other fillers. If you are a regular theater-goer you’ll like to hear the many side quips mentioning other famous theater plays and performances. The mentions include Bob Fosse, Wicked, and Evita among others.
The Prom is full of glitz, glam, singing, and dance numbers. Murphy’s “Glee” style oozes through every singing and dancing scene to give you a better idea of what you’re in for. The moral of the story here is that The Prom will rub some the wrong way while being incredibly enjoyable for others. I went in with low expectations so I was pleasantly surprised. I thought it was a little overbearing and over the top but if you can set that aside, The Prom is a fun watch with some catchy tunes.
Film or Movie: Movie
You’ll like this movie if:
1. You love musicals
2. You saw the Broadway version of The Prom
3. You want to see people break out into song and dance while wearing sequined costumes
