The only thing I knew about the musical upon which this movie is based is that it was about a lesbian couple that couldn’t go to their prom. Actually, the focus is more on the quartet of Broadway actors who travel to the small Indiana town to get involved (for their own self-serving reasons). The comic stars of this group are expected and obvious: Meryl Streep is having a wonderful time playing the vain, arrogant fading star, while James Corden is delightfully funny as her gay co-star. Nicole Kidman stands out in her big chorus-girl duet and Andrew Rannells gets to shine in his big number. The songs are all derivative, but bright and tuneful. Director Ryan Murphy has staged this like one of his biggest budgets episodes of Glee, which also means there are moments of emotion and messages of inclusion. While this musical won’t set any standards for originality, it’s a blast to watch the stars have so much fun!
(4.5 / 5)