Nomar R
Best musical ever! This made me want to go see it in person even more now!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
07/10/25
Full Review
Jackson E.
Amazing. Truly amazing. It captures the spirit and the amazing story of Alexander Hamilton in one of the best ways ever. And the music is SO GOOD. 100% recommend it to anybody! There are a few swear words including an F bomb but other than that’s it’s fine. Amazing actors as well. Leslie Odem Jr (Aaron Burr) was incredible. And Lin Manuel Miranda also did great. Incredible film even though it’s just a recording as a broadway show.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
07/04/25
Full Review
Jenson B
I cried. And im 13. Watched it both on disney plus and theatre. West End show was sooooo good. I genuinely though. I cried.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
07/04/25
Full Review
Silly G
A masterpiece, from the music to the insane choreography to the brilliant cast and the unique stage set. Absolutely recommended to everyone, regardless of musical history.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
06/10/25
Full Review
Simon R
I used to hate this film, but ever since watching it 2 years later, I actually love it and I will forever be begging my middle school to do the school approperiate version of Hamilton
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
06/03/25
Full Review
Janelle S
'Hamilton'- An Epic Reminder of The Forgotten Founding Father
Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, performed by a star-studded cast, and available on Disney+, Hamilton is a two and a half hour long musical following the life, death, and legacy of Alexander Hamilton- one of America’s founding fathers. The film starts off tragically- introducing Hamilton as an orphan from the Caribbean longing for more- before chronicling his success in America. Joining the Revolution, Hamilton finds his place at George Washington’s side as his right-hand man. Post-war, Hamilton makes his way into Washington’s cabinet as the Treasury Secretary but finds himself in conflict with the other founding fathers- specifically Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Coupled with his infidelity and the loss of his son, Hamilton’s success dwindles as he chooses a quiet exit from politics, working on his marriage. As his marriage revives itself, America anxiously awaits an endorsement from Hamilton to determine the next President. Hamilton’s life ends in tragedy when he endorses Thomas Jefferson, a disgruntled Aaron Burr challenging him to a duel. Surrounded by the ghosts of his past, Hamilton succumbs to a gunshot wound, leaving his wife to continue his legacy.
Renée Elise Goldsberry steals the show with her portrayal of Angelica Schuyler, leaving little spotlight for the rest of the cast. However, one performance in particular completely overshadows the rest. Set as a wedding speech for Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler, Goldberry’s character toasts to the new couple, yet her words are tainted with a layer of longing. She belts out a beautiful performance, reminiscing on what could have been if not for her own jaded judgement on society and her everlasting love for her sister, Eliza. Towards the end, she gathers her bearings and forces herself to play the part of joyous sister-in-law; despite knowing she will never be quite “Satisfied” with her decision- just as the title of the song states.
Despite Lin-Manuel Miranda’s casting as the main character, he struggles to match Leslie Odom Jr. (Aaron Burr) in both energy and style when the two are on the stage together. Both Odom Jr.’s acting and singing overpower Miranda’s own- it is nearly impossible to shift focus between the two when faced with Odom Jr.’s satisfying rhythms and clean, smooth tones. Nowhere is this more prevalent than while the two are performing “Your Obedient Servant.” What is meant to be an even face-off leaves Hamilton paling in comparison as Burr’s vengeful voice cuts through the orchestra, the weight and depth of his anger tangible to the audience. Betrayal lays heavy in the air as Burr comes to terms with Hamilton’s failure to endorse him against Thomas Jefferson- a man he has openly labelled his enemy. Odom Jr.’s powerful performance in this duet seemingly foreshadows Hamilton’s death- his grandiose stage presence outliving Miranda’s.
This version of Hamilton is directed by Thomas Kail, who has made his presence known in both film and theatre since 2008. His experience as a director lends to ‘Hamilton’s’ success, staging a clear story and narrative easy enough for anyone to follow. His use of lighting throughout the play creates visual mood cues, adding to the emotional and explosive performance of those on stage. During “Burn,” the deep blue lighting shrouding Eliza places her sorrow center stage, emphasizing the fragile, reserved nature she has which prevents her from exploding in anger. The single flame in the lantern before her serves as a metaphor for her controlled anger as she burns the letters before her. Towards the end of “Ten Duel Commandments,” the lights are a bustling gold splayed across the stage as soldiers watch on in the background while a duel commences. When Washington walks onto the stage, the lights dim suddenly, shrouding the ensemble in darkness. This sudden shift in lighting creates an intimate conversation between Washington and Hamilton, signifying the switch to privacy. One of my favorites moments of Kail’s successful directing comes from Miranda and Odom Jr.’s performances during “Dear Theodosia,” where two equally spaced chairs and a sudden drop in lighting create a beautiful parallel between both Hamilton and Burr. The spotlights drop on both Burr and Hamilton, building a wall of darkness just between the two as they both perform a heart-warming song about their children. This lighting and stage set up provide a moment of similarity between the two, their goals aligned through fatherhood.
The production design of Hamilton is a brilliant balance between past and present. The structures, lighting, and costuming all lend to the period while simple tweaks and color stories make the whole thing feel more refreshed. The simplicity of the overall stage design takes you back in time, wooden staircases and brick walls echoing the 1700s. The same set is used throughout the film, which works for the time it is written in- showcasing the monotony and infancy of American independence. In addition, this design really allows the main characters to flourish, their bright costumes pulling them away from the neutral tones of both the ensemble and stage. The levels of the stage also help symbolize certain aspects of the performance. In the opening scene, the most impactful characters are set up across the balconies, each explaining their importance in Hamilton’s life. Placing them on these “pedestals” elevates their performances, symbolizing the weight they have on Hamilton’s legacy.
This film is a testament to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s brilliance as a composer. His ability to turn a history lesson into an epic and dramatic musical experience is unlike anything else. The explosive entrance of Washington, Hamilton’s evolving rivalry with Burr, and Eliza’s soft and loving insistence on building her late husband’s legacy all lend to an unwavering masterpiece. Each song has its own unique flare, even when remixed or called back on through later scenes. There is not a single boring moment throughout this film- between Hamilton’s betrayal to his wife, his struggle in Washington’s cabinet, and the recreation of The Revolutionary War, the whole film serves as a roller coaster ride of emotion. Despite these hard-hitting scenes, Hamilton still offers moments of reprieve through Burr’s declarations of love to Theodosia, Hamilton’s rekindling of his marriage, and Eliza’s steadfast devotion to her husband and his legacy. Phillipa Soo (Eliza), Leslie Odom Jr. (Burr), and Renée Elise Goldsberry (Angelica) bring this film to life through their radiant performances, placing Hamilton on the map as a revolutionary production.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
05/11/25
Full Review
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