From a movie standpoint: Nay

From a play standpoint: Yay

Cinematograhy was good, particularly during the masquarade ball. The singing was all done well, and the acting was pretty good. Unfortunately, it was still just a play. They stayed true to the script of the play, but I think a little too much.

Final analysis: If more plays were like this, I'd go see more plays. If more movies were like this, I'd see less movies.

I've seen the play and it was much better than the movie. The movie was so-so, I didn't really like the phantom in it. Minni Driver was good though. :)

^^` if the movie is still in theatres, I'll go watch it sometime soon.. I'm really into the musical (there can only be so many versions of Phantom) and since I'm a theatre nut, i'll probably enjoy the movie.

... or do you 2 people think I should wait til it comes out on video and rent?

Eh... probably rent it. I didn't like it all that much.

Since I didn't pay for the ticket, I thought it was worth seeing. Though, if I had to buy the ticket, I'd probably be kicking myself for spending $7.50 on a play with decent cinematography.

I saw the movie about two or three weeks ago, and the play about three or four years ago, so I cant say that my memory isnt flawless for this review, but I would say that they got the movie remarkably close to the orriginal form. Which isnt too supprising considering the fact that the movie was co produced by the orriginal writer of the play.... That aside, under the assumption that the accuracy to the play warrents the movie as having at least an above average concept and plot, I would then say that the movie itself was quite well produced. The casting of the Phantom was not as bad as some make it out to be, and the way they decided to portray Carlotta was particularly nice. The problem is the fact that the movie is working off of a play. As such, there are parts in which the actors are talking and suddenly break off into song. This is cheesy, but nessisary in following suit to the movie. Besides, the whole breaking into song was done reasonably smoothing, not forced at all. Besides, in the movie, they were able to go into more detail of the plot that the play was unable to. Over all, as a movie, I would give it an 8.5 out of 10, and would recomend it to anyone, particularly someone who can appreciate good theater. And Kelly, I would suggest seeing it in theaters, because there will be a lot missed when the screen is so much smaller, and the sound just cant compare.

I'd like to go see the movie, since I saw the play back when I was 11 (OMG! That was over 10 years ago!). My only problem is, I will NOT see a movie by myself, due to my phobia of being in the middle of a crowd. (Kind of like claustiphobia, except I have no problems with small rooms or spaces, only large number of people all around me)

If I could find a friend to see it with, I'd see it.