Rating: 
Summary: Mr. Broderick or Mr. Preston? Hmmmmm....
Review: I really must hand it to Matthew Broderick - it is inevitable that everyone would compare his portrayal of the rascally Professor Harold Hill, to that of the late, great Robert Preston.
Mr. Preston originated the roal on Broadway, and again in Warner Brothers' great 1962 film.
When people think of "Meredith Wilson's The Music Man", they picture Robert Preston, and it is a losing proposition to try to equal his performance. But the brave and gutsy Mr. Broderick does just that, and he does it well!
I am writing this the day after ABC broadcast the movie (this DVD is scheduled to be released in fall). I taped it, and watched it a second time.
It certainly is great to hear all the great songs again, and Disney was indeed faithful to the original play. The only difference that I was able to notice, is that Hill's friend Marceles Washburn, now works at the hotel, instead of the livery stable.
River City, Iowa appears to be a larger town, than I had imagined, and there were a couple of automobiles, which I don't recall seeing before.
But how did the entire population of River City become younger? Every character from Hill himself, Mrs. Paroo, Mayor and Mrs Shinn, the ladies dance auxillary, and the school board members who become the barbershop quartet - all are younger than the performers in to any other version of this musical.
It really is a good looking and talented cast, and I have to say I enjoyed it.
It's hopeless to attempt to be Robert Preston, but Matthew Broderick does a great job. My only problem with his performance, is his "youthful" appearance, and his singing voice, although adequate and always on-key, lacks something I can't put my finger on.
Absolutely fabulous is Kristen Chenoweth!! This young woman is winning millions of fans worldwide, and that number will double after they see her Marion. Her "My White Knight", and "Will I Ever Tell" are both exquisite and not to be missed!
When this DVD is released, I will definately buy it, to complement my existing copy of the WB motion picture.
One thing I must wonder regarding these Disney recreations? Why is Victor Garber is each of them? (The King in Cinderella; Daddy Warbucks in Annie, and now Mayor Shinn in The Music Man) I don't have any problem with his performances, he is able and convincing - just wondering why he is used so often?
Special recognition should be given to the young dancer who portrays Tommy Djilas: he is great. Unfortunately, ABC split the screen during the closing credits, and I was unable to learn his name, but I'll be watching for him in the future!
So thumbs up to Disney for allowing us to again enjoy a classic piece of Americana, and for doing it so well!!
Rating: 
Summary: No replacement to original, but great
Review: I was one of the first 200 people to view this remake of Meredith Wilson's masterpiece. I was in Atlanta at the annual Junior Theater Festival and learned that ABC was allowing us a sneak peek at its' latest attempt at staging a Broadway musical. I was delighted, for Matthew Broderick is my favorite actor along with Nathan Lane. I must say that this production, though not as superb as the original with the definitive Harold Hill, Robert Preston, this production, from the executive producers of "Chicago", is great fun.For those not familar with "The Music Man", it is a Broadway favorite, with the book and lyrics written by Meredith Wilson, who also composed the songs! Talk about a triple threat! It has become a favorite to Broadway lovers around the world, with productions showing up all over. (I cannot count the number of production I have seen!) The story revolves around Harold Hill, a con man who has come to River City in order to sell band uniforms and instuments to the towns families, telling them that they desperately need a boy's band in order to keep the boys out of trouble. The story is engaging and humorous, as Marian the librarian causes some trouble for Hill, and Hill falls for her! uh, Oh! Matthew Broderick was not terrible as Harold Hill, but he was not exactly incredible either. (And believe me, it is hard for me to say ANYTHING bad about Matthew Brodrick, but I'm trying to do the review from an objective standpoint). Very wisely, Broderick does not try to imitate Robert Preston's outstanding performance, as many try to do. He trys to make the character his own, and does a fine job. Just nowhere near Preston's standards. It almost seems like a Grown-up Ferris Bueller has come to River City. But all-in-all, a good performance. However, Kristen Chenowenth is marvelous as Marian. She won a Best Actress Tony in 1999 for her performance in the Broadway production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". She shines as Marian in every way. A tremendous performance. This production of "The Music Man", though not as good as the original 1962 movie, seems less "stagey". The choreography seems to move more freely to different settings in musical numbers, a subsequent problem with the original movie. It always bugs me when movie adaptations to Broadway musicals seem to "stagegy", not a problem with this adaptation. All-in-all, I think that it is hard to choose between this or the original. I beleive both are great, and if you can, buy both in order to see. However, I believe musical-theater junkies alike will savor Robert Preston in his definitive role. However, children and musical-haters will be more drawn to this remake, an enchanting revist to an old favorite. *****If you bought and enjoyed this movie, make sure to check out the classic musicals "Fiddler on the Roof", "West Side Story" and the other ABC remake "Cinderella"- Bernadette Peters is a marvel in it.
Rating: 
Summary: Except For A Few Parts, Nauseautingly Boring
Review: I was intrigued with both sides of this argument - the people that loved the 1962 version, and the ones that loved the 2003 one. Thus, never having seen either version, and driven to do so because my local community theater is rehearsing and planning to put on "The Music Man" next month, I decided to watch both with an open mind. Well. I must admit that I like the 1962 version one whole heck of a lot better. Although the 2003 version has its merits, including Kristen Chenoweth, the wonderful dancing, the wonderful, colorful, vibrant sets, the sharp-looking uniforms and instruments, and the wonderful Pick A Little Ladies, Matthew Broderick does, indeed, have that "deer in the headlight" look - anxious, frantic, scared and uncertain of what he perceives to be a situation that needs running away from, pronto. Just one question: Is he capable of doing anything with his eyes other than keeping them propped wide-open? Sorry to all you Matthew B. fans out there, but his performance in this movie is lackluster, boring, flat, shallow and unbelievable. Yes, he MAY have a charismatic, sweet-talking, down-to-earth charm that could - and I use the word loosely - enable him to dupe an entire town, but people! Listen to what the men are saying on the train! If Professor Harold Hill is as slick-talking, wise-cracking and "thimble-rigging" as they say, then doesn't this conjure up an image of a man that is slick, oily, smooth-talking, devious? Something like a con artist? Matthew B. is capable of being none of those things. He is far too pretty, far too boyish-looking and far too baby-faced. I felt the urge to diaper his head once too many times. Also, Victor Garber and Molly Shannon's roles were abominable. Where was the charm of the mayor and his wife who were supposed to feel that they were River City's celebrities? Garber spends so much time scowling and pretending to look angry it grows tiresome and quite evident to the audience that his acting needs some remedial training. And although it is commendable that Disney chose to hire many African Americans as extras and the like, it is historically inaccurate. I lived in Iowa for four years in the late 1990s, and traveled to Mason City on several occasions. And I must say, I don't think I ever saw any black people. In 1912, I can't believe there would have been that many as depicted in the film. I don't think there are that many now in Des Moines! And the guy who portrayed Marcellus? Hello? His performance was so remarkable that I can't even remember his name. Needless to say - he was AWFUL. No charm, no personality, no interesting characteristics there. Even if there was no comparison to Buddy Hackett to be done, this guy could not stand on his own as an actor to be remembered. With the exception of the charming, multi-talented, vivacious Kristen Chenoweth - it was as if the casting crew set out to hire the most boring people on the planet to depict what they probably perceive as a bland town in a bland state. I can assure you, Iowans are none of these things! Matthew B.? Go back to being Ferris Bueller. It's your niche. How you can accept a paycheck for doing this movie is nothing short of unbelievable. I realize that you were probably trying to create your own characterization different than the one founded by Robert Preston, but son? Your performance just doesn't cut it. And Victor G.? Time to retire, bud. I do believe you've out-acted your usefulness. Molly S.? Next time, dear, audition for a role that shows your talents, one in which they use you for more than 15 minutes all told. And as far as Zaneeta and Tommy go - I think Zaneeta was lackluster in BOTH productions. Annoying in the first; blase in the second. Tommy Djilas is okay in the first; in the second he looks a little too old (crow's feet and all showing) to be playing that of a teenage rebellious boy. And the barber shop quartet, while talented, are WAY too young to look convincing as school board members. These guys look like THEY should have auditioned for the part of Tommy D.! What is it with Disney? Why does everyone have to look so darn pretty and perfect and eternally youthful and have such great teeth and hair? Don't they know what kind of a message this sends to children (and adults) who are impressionable, or have disabilities, or have disfigurements, or feel less than pretty? Sorry to sound so harsh, but I simply cannot put a "Good Housekeeping Seal" on the 2003 version. I like the quote of the individual on one of these Amazon pages who said something to the tune of, "Save your money and buy the older version or better yet, spend the money at your local community theater or high school to see THEIR version." Save your money. I agree wholeheartedly. I inquired as to what the folks at MY local community theater thought (my friend is in the play), and they overwhelmingly agreed that the 2003 version is horrible. As a matter of fact, the director has forbidden any of her cast to see the newer version until the play is over! And that surely speaks volumes in itself.
Rating:
Summary: No Trouble in This Remake
Review: Professor Harold Hill has come to River City, Iowa, to get them to start a boys' marching band. He claims he can teach the students to play; all the parents need to do is buy the instruments and uniforms. Only the mayor and Marian, the local librarian and piano teacher, seem at all suspicious of this fast talking smooth salesman. Can they find the proof they need to stop him from swindling the rest of the town? Will they want to? I'm almost ashamed to say that this was my introduction to this classic American musical only because it took me this long to see it. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it, however. Since I had nothing to compare it to, I thought it was wonderful. I have since seen the original film, and I can see differences. Matthew Broderick plans a toned down version of Harold Hill, but I find his charm more appealing as a selling point to the town's people. Kristin Chenoweth shines as Marion. That woman can sing and brings real warmth to the roll. The rest of the cast is wonderful as well, especially Victor Garber as the mayor and Molly Shannon as his wife. Considering Victor Garber's past musical experience, I was surprised at how small his part here really was, but he makes every appearance memorable. This version takes better advantage of the film format for some truly inventive, fun dance numbers, especially in "Seventy-six Trombones" and "Marian the Librarian." Those hoping for some nice bonus features on the DVD like I was will be disappointed. There is only a short (7 or 8 minute) documentary on the making of the film that barely scratches the surface and a special recording of Kristin Chenoweth singing "Till there was You." The movie itself is presented in full frame, which makes sense considering it was made for TV. Picture quality and sound are top notch throughout the DVD. So, which version is better? That's really a hard call. Those raised with Robert Preston will probably find flaws with this version and reasons to like the original. I think I lean a little more toward this one, mainly for the dance numbers and favorites in the cast. Both are excellent, however, and capture the charm of this musical well.
Rating: 
Summary: Technically correct
Review: Professor Harold Hill, traveling salesman, presently is selling boy's bands. He is challenged by the other salesmen and the tuff sale of River City. Can he sell the band, and get out of town before they find out that he does not know one note from another, or will the local librarian find him out first? While technically correct it lacks the finish of the movie ("The Music Man" 1962). You immediately realize that this is neither a stage play nor the movie. It is some type of hybrid that attempts to apply the play in a movie setting and misses both marks. Next you will see the lack of dialog and expressive facial quarks that set the sparkle and is half of the story it's self. I do not know if the original play and movie deviated as much as this program does? However it is not an improvement. No one has quite the singing abilities. It is reasonable to expect different people to have different acting and singing styles. Yet I am not quite ready to see Farris Buller (by the way Matthew Broderick was excellent as Farris) in this dynamic role. Maybe 150 minutes were not long enough still many of the songs were cut short and some changed lyrics. Every once in a while Matthew would mumble the song. Even if he could carry it off there was a dismal amount of support from the other characters. Marian (Kristin Chenoweth) looked more like a gypsy than a librarian. In all of this sea of mediocrity Victor Garber is well suited for the part of Mayor Shinn. There were a few time though where he was ahead and behind his queue. This presentation was just not worth the effort.
Rating: 
Summary: This could have been great
Review: Ah, what might have been! Visually, this remake is beautiful. The lighting makes every shot look like a faded scrapbook picture from a by-gone era (as opposed to the original 1962 movie with its gaudy colors). Unlike in the "stagey" 1962 film, the musical numbers are imaginatively staged and filmed. Again unlike the original, this movie succeeds in looking and feeling like America in 1912 (the original to me always looks like the 1960's with period costumes tacked on). All these points come together in the opening "Rock Island" scene. Thanks to the camera work, lighting, etc., you are practically sitting on that train in the midst of that exclusive crowd! Many of the performers in this movie are excellent, especially Kristin Chenoweth with her fine soprano voice. Too bad the weak link is the leading man - Matthew Broderick. As one reviewer said, he looks as if he is sleep-walking through this performance. This salesman exudes no charisma; his singing voice is also very weak. "Trouble", which elicited a powerhouse performance from Robert Preston, is a colossal disappointment here. While this gentler take on Harold Hill is interesting in theory, Broderick doesn't manage to pull it off. Preston's was such a strong and memorable performance that Broderick makes no impression whatsoever. This was truly a horrible miscasting. With a different leading man, this remake could have been a great success. What a shame.
Rating:
Summary: A Nightmare on Main Street
Review: This movie in no way can be compared with the wonderful 1962 version of the Music Man starring Robert Preston. Poorly paced, poorly written, poorly acted, and a wonderful example of why some movies should never be remade. Mathew Brodderick is non-existent in this role. He has the look of a deer caught in a cars headlights and acts as if he wants to runaway as fast as he can from this production. For anyone to say that these music and dance numbers are superior to the original is the equivalent of saying that Days Inn is better then the Ritz Carlton. No comparison! See the original and bask in its energy and joy because they are clearly lacking in this shameful remake.
Rating:
Summary: Harold Hill Meets Ferris Bueller
Review: Though it was a highly promoted production, not everyone was all that thrilled with a made for television version of THE MUISC MAN. Some viewed this production as blasphemy of a great American musical. Robert Preston and Shirley Jones did a good enough job in the original, so why tamper with a classic? Without a doubt, the original film version is a classic and is the better production. This is not to say, however, that the made for television production starring Matthew Broderick as Professor Harold Hill and Kristen Chenoweth as River City's faithful librarian Marion does not have its good points. Broderick does a wonderful job presenting his interpretation of Harold Hill. He has the same mischivios charm and charisma that made FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF such a success and I suppose we can easily imagine the fictional Ferris Bueller growing up and becoming a Harold Hill. Broderick uses his many talents to make the role come to life and does more than an adequate job. The musical numbers are lively and the dance scenes are superb. Molly Shannon adds to the cast. I will have to admit that the barbershop quartet in the made for T.V. Version will never rival the Buffalo Bills, and no one can match Buddy Hackett's version of "Shipoopie". If the purpose is to present an enjoyable version of an all time classic, this it does rather well.
Is this version as good as the stage version or movie? No, but I'm not sure that anyone involved in the production ever expected that it would. They simply wanted to entertain and this version is entertaining.
Rating:
Summary: Are you Crazy?
Review: This version of the Music Man would make Meredith Willson turn over in his grave! I have been a BIG fan of MM for many years. I have the original film version and saw the broadway show 4 times. This TV version ought to be burned!! Craig Bierko (who did the broadway version) should have played the part for TV. He is handsome, funny and a hell of a better singer that Matthew B. He is Robert Preston reincarnated! I'm sure, somewhere, there is a video of the Broadway version and Amazon.com would be crazy not to find it.
Rating:
Summary: Magnificent!
Review: Matthew Broderick does an amazing job as Harold Hill. This has always been one of my favorite musicals, and they have certainly done it justice. A young, fresh new cast who can sing surprisingly well and play the role of their character with dramatic finess. If you liked the original, you will enjoy this "version"!
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