tick, tick... BOOM! (2021)

Written by Nathan on May 16, 2023

tick, tick…BOOM! is a cinematic triumph that captivated me from start to finish. The film tells an inspirational yet tragic story, with both of these elements being captured perfectly by the unique direction of Lin-Manuel Miranda. The backdrop of the AIDS epidemic serves as a poignant reminder of the era's struggles, which constantly brings the positive highs of the music into sharp relief, ultimately foreshadowing Jonathan Larson's conclusion.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's background in theater is evident in every frame of the film. The way the scenes are shot is unlike anything I've seen before in a movie, making tick, tick…BOOM! a true masterpiece. Add in Andrew Garfield's masterful performance, which is arguably his best yet. He embodies the character of Jonathan Larson flawlessly, with his quirky mannerisms and extravagant persona. What's more, Andrew Garfield’s voice is incredible, which I was pleasantly surprised to discover.

Alexandra Shipp gives an emotionally nuanced performance that plays off Garfield's portrayal very well, creating a believable on-screen chemistry that adds depth to the movie's narrative. In addition, Robin de Jesús's performance is fantastic, and Vanessa Hudgens delivers an outstanding vocal performance, though her role is somewhat limited. It was disappointing to see that she was barely in the movie, considering she was billed as one of the lead actresses.

Overall, tick, tick…BOOM! is a masterpiece that exceeded all my expectations. It's a biographical picture that stands out among the rest, cementing its place as one of my favorite movies of the genre to date.

Score: 90% 🏅 Verdict: Excellent