By Paul Hall
It’s big, it’s bold, it’s flashy — it’s The Prom.
The lowercase prom is also big, bold and flashy, regardless of where you are in the United States, but in this case The Prom is a new film from director Ryan Murphy (Glee).
Broadway stars Dee Dee Allen (Meryl Streep) and Barry Glickman (James Corden) open their new musical to mostly scathing reviews. One critic delivers the harshest blow, calling them narcissistic celebrities. Of course they are, but they don’t like hearing that fact from someone else. So they find a cause du jour to exert their influence on: A young girl in Indiana is pushing for an inclusive prom. So it’s everyone on the bus from the Big Apple to the Midwest.
The PTA is fighting young Emma (Jo Ellen Pellman), who just wants to attend the prom with her girlfriend. They make it clear she is not welcome to bring another girl as a date to this school event. But school Principal Tom Hawkins (Keegan-Michael Key) is on Emma’s side and is trying to find a way to help.
Enter Dee Dee, Barry, Angie (Nicole Kidman) and Trent (Andrew Rannells). The stars descend on the unsuspecting town, attempting to use their status to help Emma. But are they really there for Emma or is this simply about rehabbing their own images?
Get ready to sing and dance your way through some topical social issues in this fight to have a prom where everyone is welcome.
This is a film that is going to polarize some. The country as a whole is split at the moment, and as one group is called out for their faults, they will fight back and the others will cheer, but when the tables are turned, the responses are reversed. The fact is, many individuals think some of these stereotypes don’t exist.
Because of the subject matter, many will be on the defensive and won’t let the true joy of the film come through, and that will be a shame. Streep, Corden, Kidman and Rannells embrace their roles as stereotypical Broadway celebs. From frontline stars to bit players, they embody characters who you hate for their vanity, but love for their heart.
Pellman is an amazing talent who just must play Drew Barrymore’s daughter at some point in her career. A dead ringer for a young Barrymore, Pellman delivers a performance that soundly represents the feelings of teens across the country in similar situations. She is the backbone here, and I wish she would have had even more time in the spotlight. Her song and dance number to “Zazz” with Kidman had me standing and dancing (sure, I was in my own house, but it was catchy). And I really love Keegan-Michael Key. Between this and Jingle Jangle (Netflix), Key has shown an incredible range that many of us always knew he had.
The Prom does struggle a bit along the way, but in a year filled with dread and problems, it’s time to dance, sing and try to put the past in our rear view. Don’t forget your own personal struggles, but look forward to what a new day will bring. Don’t give up your dreams, whether an inclusive prom or a good review or both. Just find it within yourself to be the best you can be and “Love Thy Neighbor” because “Tonight Belongs to You.” The Prom gives us that message in song, but we all need to listen.
Paul’s Grade: B-
The Prom
Rated PG-13
Stars: Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Keegan-Michael Key, Jo Ellen Pellman, Andrew Rannells, Ariana DeBose, Kerry Washington
Director: Ryan Murphy