Is Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2022)

📖 The Core Premise

Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends stands as a 2022 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Music landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "On 3 May 2022, Cameron Mackintosh invited many of Stephen Sondheim’s old friends to join him in London’s West End for a thrilling, joyously staged production. He had specially devised it to celebrate Sondheim’s extraordinary talents as a composer and lyricist. Featuring an all-star cast including Michael Ball, Helena Bonham Carter, Rob Brydon, Petula Clark, Anna-Jane Casey, Rosalie Craig, Janie Dee, Judi Dench, Daniel Evans, Maria Friedman, Haydn Gwynne, Bonnie Langford, Damian Lewis and Julia McKenzie."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Cameron Mackintosh shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Music. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends worth your time? If you appreciate Music films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2022, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 130 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.