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Hamilton
(Walt Disney Pictures)
By Lucas Allen
The Broadway phenomenon “Hamilton” took American history and retold it through a mixture of hip-hop, R&B and musical theater that became something relevant for 21st century history. If you missed out on it during its original run, or have no idea about the hype surrounding it, then Disney+ has your back by presenting the multi-Tony winning musical in its entirety as a feature film.
The film version, directed by Thomas Kail, was shot in the Richard Rodgers Theater in June 2016 in front of a live audience. As the show begins, we learn about the life of Alexander Hamilton (Lin-Manuel Miranda), who goes from an orphan to a rising supporter of the American Revolution. He becomes friends with rising politician Aaron Burr (Leslie Odom Jr.), who gives him advice on how to speak up for what’s right.
Eventually, Hamilton becomes right-hand man to general George Washington (Christopher Jackson), which soon turns Burr’s friendship into a rivalry. As the revolution wears on, Hamilton marries Eliza (Phillipa Soo), though her sister, Angelica (Renee Elise Goldsberry), has feelings for him.
After the end of the war, Washington becomes president and Hamilton becomes the treasury secretary, debating with Thomas Jefferson (Daveed Diggs) and James Madison (Okieriete Onaodowan) over the country’s issues. Hamilton’s personal and professional life starts to unravel when he deals with changing politics and infidelity that’s becoming scandalous. Not to mention Burr’s jealousy, which brings the rivalry to a breaking point by the end.
Does the show live up to the hype? That depends on whether you find the songs catchy and enjoy the talented cast who bring it all together. Using a small set and background performers as stagehands, the show brings an interesting approach, and viewers must use their imagination to follow the story while having an emotional connection to the main characters.
All the lyrics written into the music also act as narration and dialogue to tell the story like a concept rap album or music video. The end result is entirely upbeat and certainly toe-tapping fun thanks in part to the catchiness of these hit songs.
Not everybody appreciates hip-hop as an art form, but Miranda uses it effortlessly giving each rhyme an importance in the overall story. He also takes the actual history of Hamilton from revolutionary soldier to politician and gives it a modern spin for those who never heard of him. It’s pretty cool to see American history given a remix for a new generation to enjoy than just learn from those textbooks in school, especially with the cabinet debate scenes, which are written like the rap battles in “8 Mile.” With the way the play was presented, some may find it tough to see the old history without thinking of the music.
The diverse cast is certainly extraordinary, performing swift moves and rapping throughout both acts. Besides Miranda’s charismatic lead, Odom is also a major highlight, adding layers to a great supporting role. Diggs, Onaodowan and Jackson all bring extra energy to their scenes, while Soo and Goldsberry brought emotional tenderness to the story. Jonathan Groff, best known as the voice of Kristoff from “Frozen,” makes an occasional appearance as King George, delivering big laughs with a cheerful tune and a colorful personality.
To sum up “Hamilton” as both a Broadway musical and a feature length film, it’s definitely as good as those who saw it on stage have said and a genuine moment in pop culture history. It may not be for younger viewers because of language and rough themes, but it’s certainly a family experience perfect for Disney+. So, give yourself the best seat in the house and enjoy the magnetic energy of American history re-revolutionized.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG-13 (for language and some suggestive material)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.5 Stars (Out of Four)
