Dear Evan Hansen (2021)

 Pros: Yikes, it's hard to find a true positive thing about this film, which is such a shame, as there was so much potential, from the big name cast including Julianne Moore and Amy Adams, not to mention Ben Platt reprising his Tony-winning role as the titular Evan Hansen. Sure, the songs are great, but they were such a minor part of the film, it's a shame when they were the best part.

Cons: I feel that Platt wasn't miscast as many. Yes, he was too old and his hair was awkward, but I felt he did well with the role, considering he's done it hundreds of times before. Evan is a loner, with issues and while he makes a huge mistake, worming his way into a family who wished their actual son was as kind as Evan, he is still a leading character we need in Hollywood. However, the plot was offered an opportunity to highlight mental illness in teenagers, as Connor (Colton Ryan) clearly had some huge issues and honestly, thank goodness he only killed himself (which is still sad), it didn't focus on those very relevant issues, skimming over them instead, and that's unacceptable as so many are on anti-depressants and other medications to deal with the pressure of being a human. And also, while the songs were great (Requiem was especially a highlight), this film is not a musical, but rather a drama with songs sprinkled in. I guess the ending is a happy one, but it also fizzles out. And it's a shame that Amandla Stenberg's and Kailtyn Dever's performances were wasted as they are two of the most talented actresses of their generation. 

Recommend: Probably not

Grade: C+

Side Notes:

-Evan is undoubtedly a lonely child, as his father left and his mother works a lot as it is difficult to support the two of them without any financial support, so there is a wealth discrepancy between the two families as well. 

-Zoe (Devers) has no lost love for her brother, and he was largely a bully, misunderstood, but a bully nonetheless. 

-This is also one of the few films where the male and female leads don't end up together.

-The plot twist of Evan actually wanting to die is chilling and while devastating, certainly the best part of the film.