Today’s quick review: The Producers. Max Bialystock (Nathan Lane) is an unscrupulous Broadway producer whose latest flop has reduced him to schmoozing old ladies for their money. But his fortunes turn around when his accountant, Leo Bloom (Matthew Broderick), comes up with a way to make more money off a failed play than a successful one. After a bit of persuasion, Leo agrees to come aboard as a producer, and the duo set about producing the most spectacular flop in Broadway history. With a screenplay by an impassioned Nazi (Will Ferrell) and a flamboyant director who doesn’t understand drama (Gary Beach), their play seems destined for failure. But if it succeeds, its producers will owe more money to their investors than they can possibly pay.
The Producers is a musical remake of the classic comedy by Mel Brooks. Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick take on the roles pioneered by Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder, and they rise to the challenge with color and energy. Nathan Lane plays the selfish and manipulative Max Bialystock, a producer looking for a quick buch to make up for his tarnished reputation. Matthew Broderick plays the nervous and by-the-book Leo Bloom, an accountant who is dragged from his meager life by Max’s visions of riches and glory. The leads are cast well, with all the exaggerated mannerisms the parts deserve.
Compared to its predecessor, the musical version of The Producer hangs together much better. Although none of the songs are particularly memorable, the addition of musical numbers gives the film a bit of pizazz that the original was lacking. The plot also has several small changes that make it much more cohesive and satisfying. For example, Ulla (Uma Thurman), the boys’ secretary, is an actress who shows up early for her audition, rather than being an offscreen hire by Max.
The result of these changes is a film that delivers on the promise of the original with a cast nearly as distinguished. As a kicker, Mel Brooks writes most of the songs and has a hand in the screenplay, so the changes are a genuine revision of the original rather than an imposition by a third party. Watch The Producers if you are into Broadway-style musicals or comedies. Fans of the original may not appreciate the exaggerated nature of the remake, but those who were looking for a little more in the original should try the remake on for size. While not a smash hit, The Producers is a light, pleasant watch that fans of the genre are sure to enjoy.
6.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for decent songs, good comedy, and great performances.