I went to see the movie with a few friends of mine from school, who know how emotional I can get over a show. They were shocked when I didn't cry at this movie. I think, overall, the movie was decent, but it certainly didn't create that emotional attachment to the characters that I had felt when I saw the show on stage.

Sets and costumes for the movie were gorgeous. I was really impressed by the Requiem scene. I also liked the addition of the scene at Eva's father's funeral. I think it added to the story a lot. Oh, and I better mention, for Karen and Melanie, the scene where Antonio is dancing in the fountain. That was okay too. ;-)

As I mentioned with the recordings, I loved the inclusion of "The Lady's Got Potential"...except for the tanks!! AAAAHHHH!! (Sorry, long story...) Anyway, I thought it was really effective at showing the political climate of Argentina, though I was disappointed that they cut "The Art of the Possible" so much...it's really neat how they stage it in the musical, like a game of musical chairs.

Things I really didn't like: having Eva sing "Another Suitcase in Another Hall"...I suppose it was to try to make the audience sympathize with her more, but it seemed out of character. I mean, she uses all the other men in her life, so why change the story and have Magaldi leave her instead of the other way around? I also really disliked the way they did Peron's Latest Flame. The soldiers singing in the shower and everything...very cheesy!

I felt Madonna did a much better job towards the end of the movie than at the beginning. She had me believing that she was weak and sick, and "You Must Love Me" *almost* moved me to tears, but she just hadn't created that emotional attachment earlier on! Anyway, the ending saved the movie for me, though I was sad that they took out the little comment at the end about Eva's body! I always found that so fascinating! :-)

Now, I know a lot of people disagree with me about the movie, but I really haven't found anyone who saw it on stage and saw the movie, and preferred the movie. I think that's an important consideration. It wasn't a terrible film by any stretch, but it can't compare with seeing the show on stage. As great as it is to have a movie like this, it will forever change how people view this musical. It's the main reason I'm against the idea of a Phantom movie...but you can visit my Phantom pages for more about that.