JASON EVANS' 100-WORD REVIEWS: Dear Evan Hansen

 Uneven but entertaining

Film Critic Jason Evans is on a mission to tell you everything you need to know about movies in less time than it takes to microwave last night’s leftovers. His reviews are exactly 100 words (not 99, not 101). This is his 100 word review of Dear Evan Hansen.

The Premise – Based on the Broadway play, this film tells the story of Evan Hansen (Ben Platt, returning to the role for which he won a Tony), a high school loner who is mistakenly believed to be the best friend of suicide victim Connor Murphy. What starts as an innocent mistake swiftly turns into spiraling lies and deception as Evan tries to honor Connor’s memory while not revealing the truth that he barely knew Connor at all. The film features a stellar supporting cast including Julianne Moore and Amy Adams as Evan and Connor’s mothers and Kaitlyn Dever (Booksmart) as Connor’s sister and Evan’s love interest.

The 100 Words – Though uneven, frustrating, and jarring at times, Dear Evan Hansen still held my attention throughout as I tried to figure out how this trainwreck of a situation would resolve itself. Platt is too old for this role, but has a solid singing voice and the film does sometimes soar during its well-staged musical numbers. This may have worked better on stage than in a film. Folks who adore the musical may be somewhat disappointed, but if you lower your expectations and just sit back and let the ridiculousness wash over you, Dear Evan Hansen is a fairly entertaining movie experience. 

Reach out to Jason Evans on Twitter @JasonDukeEvans