Rating: 
Summary: WHY?
Review: When I first heard a few years ago that there was a remake of "The Music Man" in the works, my first thought was: why? Unlike Disney's other remakes of original musical-movie flops (for example, "Annie), "The Music Man"'s original movie was well received and has become a classic. When I heard who was cast, however, I had high hopes. Wow...my hopes shattered as I was watching it! This was one of the worst remakes I have ever seen!Matthew Broderick lacked all of the charm and charisma needed for the role of Harold Hill. His acting and singing were both expressionless and he looked very awkward when dancing. Kristin Chenoweth was the most enjoyable to watch. Though her small stature and mousy voice were somewhat distracting, she stood out vocally. Unfortunately, the musical director decided that Marian should belt and lowered the keys in the songs to enable Chenoweth to do this. I am not certain why, considering she is classically trained. Victor Garber was a humorless Mayor Shinn and Molly Shannon's performance as Mrs. Shinn was the worst in the movie. Never have I seen so little done with such great characters. Debra Monk made a passable, though not very memorable Mrs. Paroo. Her accent needed work but she was one of the better directed characters. Cameron Monaghan was a decent little actor, though again, the keys for his songs were lowered. Why not just cast someone who can sing the role? Clyde Alves was far too old to play Tommy. While he was passable in the role on Broadway a few years ago, his true age shows through on the camera. Cameron Adams lacked the ditziness (and the stereotypical blonde hair) associated with Zaneeta. She too was much better on stage. Megan Moniz was cute enough for the role of Amaryllis but was directed to talk much too slowly. The idea of having a boy band play the quartet was interesting but they were far too young to pass for school board members. "The Music Man" is supposed to be a musical comedy but this movie lacked any humor whatsoever. The majority of the people that I have come across that actually enjoyed this movie were those that had never seen the original or the stage version and did not know that it is supposed to be a comedy. While the more dramatic scenes were well directed, the rest of the movie was flat and boring. The choreography and musical staging were also nothing spectacular. I would not recommend this to anyone!
Rating: 
Summary: Preston & Jones STILL RULE as Harold Hill and Marion
Review: When you do a remake of a highly successful film, yours better be just as good or better. I cannot say this for Disney's version of this classic musical. I like the fact that it is filmed more naturally and less stylized than the original, but I abhor the choice of actor to play Harold Hill. Matthew Broderick tries hard, but his portrayal of the roguish Harold Hill was mis-cast and unconvincing; his boyish good looks simply does not fly for a somewhat shady, oily character like Hill. His singing voice was thin compared to that of Kristin Chenoweth's. Kristin Chenoweth has a pretty singing voice but she is no Shirley Jones. And her speaking voice--EGADS! She sounds more like a cartoon character than an adult female. Don't waste your time buying this DVD--it is NOT a good remake. Most likely you'll see it pop up on The Disney Channel, so you can record it off the TV for free.
Rating: 
Summary: Exceptional Performance
Review: Not to take away from the 1962 performance, we needed a fresh new look for this classic. We got it!!! Mathew and the rest were great. I enjoyed those tunes like it was the first time hearing them. How much more Americana can a show be? I love and appreciate what went into the original and I have played in a pit orchestra, so I feel quite confident about my appraisal of this version. I think that the Disney folks took a script and music and gave it an overhaul. Thanks alot. I can't wait until it comes out in DVD. Mathew's protrayal of Harold Hill was superb, how could you not trust a face like that?
Rating: 
Summary: Charming Re-make of a Classic
Review: I found this recent remake to be a funny and charming version. The music, witty dialogue, and characters were portrayed wonderfully. Although, a few items from the 1962 version were not portrayed as well. It was very enjoyable and a good addition to anyone's collection.
Modern film making added to the freshness of the film instead of distracting from the original script. I feel it was a job well done!
Rating:
Summary: Meridith Wilson's "The Music Man" (TV Film)
Review: Matthew Broderick did a good job as Professor Hill, however, he did not have the imposing presence or believability that Robert Preston brought to the part in the earlier version. The story was preserved and the music was good; however, it lacked the enthusiasm that makes you want to get up and march with the band. Molly Shannon was good as Mrs. Shinn; however, Mayor Shinn's dialog was rather hollow. Marian the librarian was beautiful and expressive, but dialog was a bit shallow, especially in the scene with Charlie Cowell, the anvil salesman. I feel that the story was somewhat compressed and choppy, to fit into television time and the commercials. It was entertaining, but the TV commercials were a distraction to the continuity; should be better on DVD, without the interruptions.
Rating:
Summary: Less stagy presentation of old-fashioned musical
Review: The Music Man is a grand old musical best performed on the stage. On the screen it has proven to be more problematic. The original 1962 version is essential for the definitive performance of Robert Preston. However, the direction is rather static and clunky. It cannot escape the trappings that it is a stage production dropped into a studio lot. The musical numbers are not set imaginatively, emphasizing instead the limits of cinema. The new production makes an attempt to stage the music numbers creatively, thereby managing to infuse the musical with a larger scope and expansiveness. The numbers have movement and momentum- the delightful Shipoopi is an example. Although the production is flawed, it tries to free the inherent staginess of the piece. Matthew Broderick wisely does not mimic Preston, unlike recent stage reincarnations. His approach to the role is set in realism, not larger than life. He works within himself and sneakily underplays Harold Hill rather than overplaying it. His perennial boyishness works to his advantage: how can anyone not trust that sweet face? This is an intimate, refective take on the role, not flashy but simple. It is successful as an alternative and altogether subtle approach to the role. Wily and self-contained, it cannot erase the virtual steam engine performance of Preston. It is an intelligent move not to impersonate Preston. It is a performance the low key Fred Astaire might have given-professional, underwhelming and smooth. In fact, Broderick's best moments are when he is dancing-the physicality of the musical numbers is infused with a kind of joy-and in that small measure he is equal to or may even better Preston. The rest of the cast is a mixed bag. Molly Shannon is not given enough to do. Victor Garber is too austere for Mayor Shin. The barbershop quartet is exceptional. But it is Chenoweth's Marian who delights. She is in radiant voice and her chracterization is spot on. To sum up, it is a fresh version of this warhorse. Although it is in no way a replacement of the original, it does serve as a companion piece for younger audiences and a new generation of viewers. And that can't be a bad thing.
Rating:
Summary: Don't bother- buy the original '62 release instead.
Review: [...]P>I watched this on Disney's television presentation. I'm sorry, but this was the worst production of this great musical I have ever seen, including local community theater productions. Matthew Broderick's performance lacked energy and effort, surprising for such a talented performer. The casting overall was very poor, the direction was lost and confused, the dancing (if you can call it that) was mediocre-- typical for a television production-- lines were swallowed, dialog was rewritten, scenes were rewritten, the bad news goes on and on.<[...]There were other significant dialog changes as well, which prompts me to wonder if they wouldn't have been better off just writing an entirely new musical based on this classic. [...] Save your money. Instead of buying this [...], buy the original 1962 classic with Robert Preston and Shirley Jones, or use the money to see a local stage production at your nearby high school. [...]
Rating:
Summary: I FELT AS IF I WERE WATCHING A HIGH SCHOOL PLAY
Review: I must start this with a confession that I am a big fan of the 1962 version with Robert Preston. Preston was perfect in the role of Prof. Harold Hill, with his charm and fast talk. He appeared to actually believe what he was saying. Matthew Broderick, although he has been excellent in many of his roles in other movies, struck me as if he were merely reciting his lines. He just did not have the commanding Presence of Preston. The same could be said for most of the other actors. Arguably, Kristen Chenoweth's singing voice was better than Shirley Jones', but she failed to project Jones' fire as she tried to persuade the men of River City to denounce - and later accept - Proffessor Hill. The production was better than in the original. 1962's version was quite obviously a stage play transplanted almost exactly to film. Jeff Bleckner's version used the power of film to actually make River City look like an genuine place out in the world. I'm a sentimentalist at heart, though, and having lived with Preston, Jones, et al, for over 40 years, I cannot give the remake a very high rating.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!!
Review: This remake of "The Music Man" is fantastic! Matthew Broderick is superb, and boyishly charming as Prof. Harold Hill. Kristin Chenoweth is delightful and brightens the screen in her portrayal of Marian Paroo. The supporting cast including Victor Garber and Molly Shannon are hysterical and right on cue! This is a winner from all directions. I was hypnotized into watching from the very first scene to the very last. It was warm, funny, and the music was great! It's rare to see a piece of entertainment like this that goes back to the basics without any sex, violence, or crudeness. Just pure fun and wonderful acting. Cheers for ABC and Disney doing a fabulous job!
Rating:
Summary: AS GOOD (IF NOT BETTER) AS THE 60'S VERSION!
Review: The remakes (when they're not remade by Disney) are hardly ever as good as the original. This one, because it was remade by Disney, is as good as the original. They couldn't have chosen a better new "Music Man" than Mathew Broderick! I DIDN'T KNOW HE COULD SING LIKE THAT! Honestly if you liked the original version with Robert Preston, then you should seriously think about seeing this version!
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