This is not a horrible movie, and people unfamiliar with the Robert Preston version may like it. But it really doesn't quite work. Despite Broderick's background as an actor, he's not very good in this movie (partcularly in the "Trouble in River City" number). Victor Garber didn't play the Mayor as a stupid man, which meant his constant maloprops came off oddly.
On the other hand, Kristin Chenoweth as Marian and Debra Monk as Mrs. Paroo are just wonderfully cast.
The music numbers are generally well-performed (particularly the Marian numbers), so I'd recommend just buying the CD and not worrying about the movie.
On the other hand, Kristin Chenoweth as Marian and Debra Monk as Mrs. Paroo are just wonderfully cast.
The music numbers are generally well-performed (particularly the Marian numbers), so I'd recommend just buying the CD and not worrying about the movie.