03:45

Dear Evan Hansen

Actor Ben Platt has a voice like an angel and a forehead that reminds one of Frankenstein. No, I speak not of his looks. This is due to the heavy makeup he's sporting as he reprises his Tony Award-winning performance in the big screen version of the musical "Dear Evan Hansen". Platt's 28 trips around the sun don't preclude him from playing someone younger. Presumably, producers thought the makeup would help. But it lends itself to the messiness of the story because Platt is playing BIG teen pretender Evan Hansen. When emotionally troubled teen Connor Murphy commits suicide, he is found with a letter addressed to Hansen. Hansen himself suffers from near-crippling social anxiety and can't fess up to Connor's grieving parents that the two weren't friends and he actually wrote the note to himself.

So here comes more messiness. Hansen compounds lie upon lie, fabricating a posthumous friendship with Connor which leads to acceptance, social media likes and the social media holy grail: going viral. This film plays out as a Shakespearean-like comedy of errors in some parts, and also as an agonizingly real social media morality play. "Words Fail" is just one of the songs where the lyrics capture the social media driven moment in which we live and how the story plays out. "And it's right there...in front of you. And you want to believe it's true. So you make it true. And you think maybe everybody wants it. And needs it a little bit too."

Posted:

You May Also Like

Stanford Parodies Meghan Trainor's 'Dear Future Husband' With 'Dear Future Doctor'

Stanford Parodies Meghan Trainor's 'Dear Future Husband' With 'Dear Future Doctor'

Medical school: a major commitment with big risks and lots of responsibility. The stress only mounts more and more as the years of schooling go by, so why not start things off with a laugh? The Stanford School of Medicine opted for this approach with their doctoral parody of Meghan Trainor's, "Dear Future Husband." It's clever, well-produced, and quite informative! Outside of the final touches done by an audio engineer, the entire project was student run, including the directing, filming, editing, acting, props — the whole enchilada. See what RightThisMinute hosts thought below: View Now
Gayle On Film: 'Godzilla vs. Kong'

Gayle On Film: 'Godzilla vs. Kong'

Godzilla vs. Kong King Kong is not a happy camper. You wouldn't be either if you were kept in a giant VR stadium. Godzilla? He's got a bad case of heartburn; so we find these two titans in pretty foul moods in "Godzilla vs. Kong." After an absence, Godzilla rises from the deep in an attempt to take out Apex Cybergenics. No, he's not an anti-capitalist. But humans die and it's a pretty big PR blow to his image. Maybe he's been listening to Bernie (Brian Tyree Henry), a conspiracy theory enthusiast and host of "Titan Truth Podcast." He realizes something hanky is about to go down with those two titans. Who's really listening to him? It's Madison Russell (Millie Bobby Brown) and her fellow teen buddy Josh (ironically in a van reminiscent of the Mystery Machine). This comically unlikely trio thinks they know what's really going on with Godzilla and want to break into Apex— or what's left of it. And who wouldn't think they could? After all, this is a popcorn action movie where such things are plausible. We've come to expect this behavior from Madison as she has a prior relationship with the big lizard. I mean she's old enough to drive now, and she's at that age where she declares to her scientist father she really understands him! Meanwhile, these meddling teens and their friend are not too far off from the truth as scientists think a battle royale between the two behemoths is possible. And when the pair do engage, it's like two gigantic toddlers tossing around a game of Battleship. A friend of mine who's a fan of these titans says he doesn't like seeing his friends fight. But that's exactly what you're bound to get (as the title gives that away). Yes, Kong has a mean right hook (and a preteen who seems to be the only one who understands him as well). However, If you're a fan of either of the pair, mean right hooks, conspiracy theories, or fantasy adventures— this will be right up your alley. Don't go looking too deep for a believable plot; Godzilla goes fathoms below and he still can't find it. That being said, it's certainly a fun adventure. View Now
Gayle On Film: 'Selah and the Spades'

Gayle On Film: 'Selah and the Spades'

Selah and the Spades The new film "Selah and the Spades" is anything but your average comedic/rom-com high school romp. Fictional prep school Haldwell is run by five rival student gangs dealing in the usual vices — drugs, parties, gambling, grade manipulation and keeping the grown-ups in the dark. And Selah, the drug lord, laments that she has no capable successor to her kingdom. In a mature soliloquy early, the gravitas is thrown down by 17-year-old Selah who laments that everyone tries to control the sexualization of young women's bodies. It's a sign that this is more reminiscent of a Shakespearean inspired adult drama than a high school musical or John Hughes inspired rom-com. While grandiose in its intentions, what results is a watchable highly stylized film about personal politics and power told through the lens of teen-hood. Available for streaming on Amazon Prime. View Now
Gayle On Film: 'The Tomorrow War'

Gayle On Film: 'The Tomorrow War'

The Tomorrow War Malevolent aliens. Earth invasion. Time jumping. All the elements of most science fiction movies you've seen are present in "The Tomorrow War." And it's a nice Saturday popcorn film if you don't look too deeply. A pretty diverse cast lead by Chris Pratt is charged with saving the world multiple times. Pratt is Dan Forester, a military vet who simply wants his chance to be a professional biologist instead of a mere biology teacher. He gets his chance when soldiers from the future make a worldwide appearance at a football (soccer) game warning of the invasion to come. Of course, it's surprising to see THAT many Americans watching a soccer match. Mass conscription ensues, one of the most involving and interesting parts of the film, but that storyline overshadowed by the amount of ammunition carnage used to take down aliens who just refuse to die— like they usually do (just ask Ripley from "Alien"). Toss in some comically delightful nerds called up to be heroes too, pair them with the always watchable J.K. Simmons, and you've got a pleasant shoot 'em up that is typical summer fare. View Now

Animals

Chester Wants Pie & How To Get Your Dog To Eat Its Food

Chester Wants Pie & How To Get Your Dog To Eat Its Food

Chester the Pug's humans say he's a picky eater, but we have a hard time believing that while watching him beg for Thanksgiving pie! He's relentless in his attempts to get a bite (or more!) even though his humans gave him his own slice. His little noises sound like our stomachs when we've had too much pie! via ViralHog View Now
Hope For Paws Saves Cat With Broken Leg

Hope For Paws Saves Cat With Broken Leg

If a human had two broken legs, they'd let you know with their words and cries. Animals can't communicate their discomfort like we can. That's where Hope For Paws comes in! They rescued Zorro, a cat with a broken leg, broken tooth and nerve damage. After successful surgeries, Zorro is back on his four feet and loving life! We just love happy endings! View Now
More animal videos

Recipes

Mushrooms But Make It ‘Chicken Bacon’

Mushrooms But Make It ‘Chicken Bacon’

Who said mushrooms couldn't make for a delicious dinner? The pair at Bosh TV transformed King Oyster mushrooms into a mouthwatering dish. This vegan recipe elevates your mushrooms into a "chicken bacon" sandwich. Excuse us while we head to the kitchen! View Now
Quick And Easy Enchilada Recipe? Yes, Please!

Quick And Easy Enchilada Recipe? Yes, Please!

This may be Salty Cocina's lazy enchilada recipe, but it looks like it tastes anything but lazy! All it takes is a box of taquitos, cheese, canned enchilada sauce, and 30 minutes to whip it up. Add some toppings like lettuce, tomato, and Mexican cream, and you've got yourself a delicious meal for those days where you just don't have time to make the real thing! View Now
More recipe videos

Celebrity

William Shatner Has Answers For Your Burning Questions

William Shatner Has Answers For Your Burning Questions

He's been to space before, but only in movies and on television. Now, the iconic Star Trek star William Shatner has gone to outer space for real on the Blue Origin spacecraft. Before he left orbit, Captain Kirk himself spoke to Wired and answered the web's most searched Shatner questions. WIRED video produced by Condé Nast Entertainment. View Now
Kirsten Dunst Gives A Tour Of Her Cozy Unique Home

Kirsten Dunst Gives A Tour Of Her Cozy Unique Home

It's not unusual to find celebrity homes that are the definition of modern interior design. However, movie star Kirsten Dunst has opted for a much cozier, timeless atmosphere for her Hollywood home. Dunst was joined by interior designer Jane Hallworth to discuss what went into making her home reflect her sensibilities. Architectural Digest video produced by Condé Nast Entertainment. View Now
Singer Chlöe Shares Her Daily Beauty Routine

Singer Chlöe Shares Her Daily Beauty Routine

Chlöe (aka Chlöe Bailey) has exploded in popularity recently. The singer, songwriter and actress has a breakout hit with "Have Mercy," the first single off her solo debut album. Vogue asked the rising superstar to share some of her beauty secrets. So if you would like to pick up some new hair and makeup tips, just follow Chlöe's handy guide. Vogue video produced by Condé Nast Entertainment. View Now
More celebrity videos

Love is in the Air

Woman Creates Dream Man Cave For Her Husband

Woman Creates Dream Man Cave For Her Husband

Brecken devised a sweet surprise for her husband Gavin. She transformed their spare bedroom into the ultimate gamer's paradise! And just in time, because Gavin just returned from a deployment with the Marines with a broken ankle and leg. It's the perfect spot to take it easy and recover! View Now
Blindfolded Proposal Leaves Girlfriend In Tears Of Joy

Blindfolded Proposal Leaves Girlfriend In Tears Of Joy

John E. McDonald II might just win "Most Thoughtful Proposal EVER." To ask his girl Tarai Washington to be his wife, he blindfolded her and brought her to a beautifully decorated outdoor location surrounded by family. Family members one by one read heartwarming words written by John describing their relationship. At the end, John took off Tarai's blindfold, got on one knee and popped the question. Through her sobs of joy, she said yes! View Now
Quick Update On The Game & Zombie Farm

Quick Update On The Game & Zombie Farm

What could be more important to a bride and groom on their wedding day than the wedding itself? If you're Jessica Jester and Kevin McCarthy, then keeping up on the University of Cincinnati vs Notre Dame score is right up there. Their friend Adam Billiter paused during his officiating of the wedding to update the couple on the score. Hopefully, there isn't a Bearcats game during the birth of their first child. View Now
More Love is in the Air videos

RTM Hall of Fame

Notice Anything Unusual About This Guy's Tongue?

Notice Anything Unusual About This Guy's Tongue?

Kobe Freeman was enjoying a hamburger when he felt a sharp pain in his mouth. Somehow, a bee had gotten onto Kobe's burger and it stung his tongue while he was eating! His tongue swelled up to massive proportions, so he took to social media to find a remedy that worked. You can keep up with Kobe Freeman on Instagram and TikTok. View Now
Home Invasion Captured Live On Zoom!

Home Invasion Captured Live On Zoom!

What started as just a normal Zoom classroom meeting turned into a call for action to help a fellow student. A woman in Ecuador was robbed while she was taking part in the virtual classroom, her laptop capturing the whole thing. Other students and the professor sprang into action, contacting the police right away. Fortunately, nobody was harmed and the suspects were arrested soon after the incident. The cellphones they stole led the police right to their location. View Now
Man's Overjoyed Reaction To Seeing Color For The First Time

Man's Overjoyed Reaction To Seeing Color For The First Time

Here at RTM, we love getting to watch people experience seeing color for the very first time. Vic is colorblind, so his girlfriend surprised him with a pair of EnChroma glasses for his birthday. He's so stoked to see all the vibrant colors around him, and we're so stoked for him! Sometimes it's the simplest things in life we take for granted the most. via ViralHog View Now
More RTM Hall of Fame videos