Not that terrible

I actually enjoyed it, for the most part. The stage show is one of my favourite musicals and the film is every bit as bonkers. Yes there were times when the ‘feline’ movements looked more like the cast had been struck by some kind of palsy, but there was also some outstanding choreography and the original song ‘Beautiful Ghosts’ was surprisingly moving- Francesca Hayward was every bit the beautiful ballerina that Victoria should be.

Low points for me were not the weird CGI faces or the woolly story (the original stage show was never criticised for) but the over acting and casting. The first time I saw Dame Judy I questioned whether those whiskers were actually hers and when she cocked her leg I almost died; I really hope this isn’t her last film. Rebel Wilson and James gas-bag Corden did their best, which predictably wasn’t good enough. Watching Sir Ian Mckellen drink milk from a saucer made me uncomfortable, and failed to fulfil the fantasy I hoped it would. However the most surprising disappointment was Jennifer Hudson’s portrayal of Grizabella. Elaine Page’s rendition of Memories personified the beauty of reflection, it’s incredibly moving to anybody who has the gift of experience and the curse of regret. J. Hud production fucked up big style- Grizabella’s character should display acceptance of circumstance but the acknowledgment of regret but J. Hud’s overacting, over-singing, over-indulgence screamed a millennial level of attention seeking that is unforgivable.

I would say it’s imperfect, but not terrible; 5/10 rather than the 2/10 it’s been getting...having said that I’ll probably see what’s on the other side when it’s on TV.