Disney purchased the rights to air the stage production of Hamilton for $75 million bucks… let that sink in. Then they release it over the 4th of July weekend which was brilliant… and might have rights now to a film version. All this to say, I watched Hamilton on Disney+ on the 4th of July and I’m actually shocked to say the hype is real.
Hamilton is the modernized, hip-hop inspired retelling of the life of Alexander Hamilton, founding father and fan of duels of honor. The thesis of the production suggests that Hamilton is not one of the more remembered heroes of the American Revolution and should be. And also that he’s ultimately just a man, with heroism and flaws both.
I was massively impressed by the sheer energy and creativity of this production. The filmed version uses the original cast (and was taken from a couple productions back in 2016) and everyone from Lin-Manuel Miranda (writer/star) down to the backup dancers just kill it. Given the production was 2hrs 40min long, the level of sheer effort to get it all right must have been exhausting (though, to be fair, plenty of plays do it).
The songs are all pretty good with some stand-outs including My Shot which has a great double meaning by the end of the play. I enjoyed the occasional refrain from King George. And the hip-hop stylings aren’t remotely overwhelming (I’d heard otherwise). And regardless of the genre of music, the lyrics are complex, fast, erudite, and clever. To be fair, I think some of the songs in the first hour could use subtitles they go by so quick.
I was enormously charmed and had a big stupid grin on my face for the majority of the run time. Of special note, the Purple One – Thomas Jefferson – enters the play about an hour in and steals the show. Also, King George’s appearances are very funny. And there’s also some real emotional weight – whether its due to patriotism and victory or tragedy. The gal playing Hamilton’s wife was particularly good at triggering the tears.
I say watch this film if you have Disney+… and maybe get a free trial so you can work it in if you don’t have the streaming channel. It’s a great stage production and musical that honors America and the founding fathers without ever being stuffy or lectury. The modern feel to the lyrics and the song styling in no way gets in the way of the message… and often adds to it (especially the two rap battles representing congregational debates). Check it out.
Score: 92