tick, tick… BOOM!

Lin-Manuel Miranda's directorial debut, 'tick, tick... BOOM!' attempts to bring Jonathan Larson's life and struggles to the screen. While it captures the essence of artistic ambition, it occasionally feels more like a trendy music video than a cohesive narrative.

A Countdown to Success

'tick, tick... BOOM!' follows Jonathan Larson, played by Andrew Garfield, as he grapples with the pressure of turning 30 and the ticking clock of creative success in New York City. The film chronicles his relationships, particularly with his girlfriend Susan (Alexandra Shipp) and his best friend Michael (Robin de Jesús), while he tries to compose a rock musical that reflects his dreams and fears. Against the backdrop of the HIV/AIDS crisis, the film highlights Larson's journey of self-discovery and the harsh realities faced by struggling artists. However, the film's narrative sometimes feels disjointed, making it hard to fully immerse oneself in Larson's emotional landscape.

Performance Highlights and Gaps

Andrew Garfield delivers a solid performance as Jonathan Larson, skillfully portraying the character's ambition and vulnerability. Alexandra Shipp and Robin de Jesús provide commendable support, but their characters often feel underdeveloped and overshadowed by Larson’s internal conflict. Vanessa Hudgens as Karessa Johnson showcases her vocal talent but has little depth in the character's storyline. The film could have benefitted from more moments that fleshed out the secondary characters, creating a richer tapestry of relationships that reflect the pressures of artistic life.

Visuals with Style Over Substance

Lin-Manuel Miranda's direction brings a vibrant pace and energy, complemented by dynamic musical numbers that reflect the contemporary Broadway aesthetic. However, the visuals can sometimes overwhelm the story, leaning too heavily on flashy sequences instead of grounding the emotional core of the film. The frequent transitions between musical numbers and narrative scenes can disrupt the flow, leading to a disjointed viewing experience. While Miranda’s enthusiasm shines through, it occasionally feels like style is prioritized over substance.

Highs and Lows of Emotion

Watching 'tick, tick... BOOM!' evokes a mix of admiration and frustration. There are moments of genuine emotional depth, particularly when the film touches on themes of artistic struggle and the urgency of time. However, inconsistencies in pacing lead to bouts of boredom, as the film sometimes lingers too long on less impactful scenes. The film's emotional highs are often followed by awkward tonal shifts that dilute the overall experience. It strikes a chord, but it doesn't always hit the right notes.