I've always been a big fan of the musical Dear Evan Hansen. After watching it, I pleasantly enjoyed it overall. I didn't really have any issue with Ben being too old for the role, for me it wasn't very noticeable and he was right for the part that he originated. His performance here really broke me, very sympathetic, alone and heartbroken as he is, I really wanted his character to just be okay in the end. His voice is a work of magic and wonder, it's hard not to be impressed by those soaring vocals mixed with his vulnerability.

The cast were of course phenomenal. Julianne Moore slayed it as Evan's mother and her emotional song brought out the tears although she is a bit underused. Amy Adams and Danny Pino did fine work as well playing the grieving Murphys and I wished we could've seen more of them. Kaitlyn Dever was outstanding as Zoe, Evan's love interest. She brought vulnerability, warmth and kindness to the role. Amandla Stenberg as Alana was also impressive, they gave her more depth and development compared to the stage musical. Her new song "The Anonymous Ones" was also really good and fit well into the story. Colton Ryan was too brief as Connor but even in his short scenes, he was able to put in the torment, rage and tortured soul into the role real well.

Evan has mental health issues and social anxiety disorder while desperately wanting to belong somewhere. He finds in the Murphys a real family, the family that he always wished to have and finally being able to belong and feel the love he craved. When he finally reveals the truth, it's heartbreaking as shown in the song he sings, "Words Fail." I get that this is a very emotional story but I feel like they linger a bit too much on the sad, emotional parts particularly with Evan. There were happy moments that were shown but they seemed rushed only to gloss over quickly to the next emotional scene. The pacing is a little too over the place and I actually wished they balanced the happy and sad moments together. The film ends with Evan being in a much happier, peaceful place than before, promising to be better. That's what I enjoy about his journey, although I personally wanted the ending to be more expanded like maybe showing him go to college.

Some songs like "Anybody Have a Map" and "Good for You" were cut which is too bad cause they were not only great songs but also helped with the characters' developments in the musical. The other musical numbers were fine but should've been handled a little bit better. The "You Will Be Found" number was my favorite, that song spoke to me a lot and was portrayed well in the film, with the social media use and whatnot. "Waving Through A Window" which is my most listened to song speaks volumes. Being a big fan of that song and relating to it so much, I too liked the way it was shown in the movie with Evan feeling lost and being ignored while wanting attention from at least someone.

So, this movie is still a must watch for fans of the musical, for those who don't know the musical and are still intrigued and for those who can relate to the feeling of isolation, loneliness and simply wanting to belong just like Evan. There are aspects that I wish they could've expanded or do better but it doesn't take away the viewing experience much. Ben and the rest of the cast did amazing. Ignore all the negative voices about this film and just go in with an open mind, at least to be impressed by Ben's soaring voice and performance. The film's reassuring message about you not being alone and that there is someone out there who will grab your hand when you're on the ground is beautiful enough. You might just be able to believe you'll be okay, that you won't be forgotten and that you will be found...

It's a shame when you see a Broadway show that worked so well on stage and then watch it choke on screen. It's not a complete misfire as director Stephen Chbosky provides a faithful adaptation here, but the intimacy of the camera works against the more stylized elements of the story including how the songs get inserted into the narrative. It's true that Ben Platt is too old for the role now, and he accentuates Evan's awkwardness in a way the camera magnifies uncomfortably. The central conceit of the story still stings, but it plays out way too long despite a stellar supporting cast that includes Julianne Moore and Amy Adams. Both actresses can really sing with Moore beautifully nailing her solo, "So Big/So Small".

First of all, this film is a musical. If you can't handle dialogue being sung, don't see this film. Second, this is not a classic musical with rousing show tunes and great dance numbers. This is a movie that sings stream of consciousness thought and the thoughts are angst driven. Those two disclaimers might, possibly, have detoured most of the haters away from the film. Otherwise, this is a film about struggles, false solutions, anxiety and eventually courage. I have a friend who saw this on Broadway over a dozen times, and it has won Tonys, a Grammy, an Obie and an Olivier. Ben Platt's vocal talents soar. The cast is stellar and the performances are solid. I think the highest praise comes from people who resonate with the character themes for they can speak to you in a very personal way. However, those moments come and go. There is not a consistent pace. I give this film an 8 (for perfect moments) out of 10. {Musical Drama}