Everybody's Talking About Jamie was an earnest film-musical with a positive LGTBQIA+ message led by the equally earnest, screen-catching, fantastic newcomer Max Harwood, and filled with catchy songs (more in the beginning and the end), a great supporting cast (led by in the indomitable Richard E. Grant and Sarah Lancashire) and an attempt to subvert the high-school genre (not always so successful).
Directed by Jonathan Butterell and with a screenplay by Tom MacRae, both of whom directed and wrote the book/lyrics for the original West End production respectively, so there was definite familiarity with the subject, the film started off really strong with a great first act that seemed to have effectively transposed the stage musical to the big screen. The film remained the strongest when it focused on its titular character and his high school environs and struggles. However, it was the moments with the adults the stalled the easy flow of the story and led to a rather draggy (no pun intended) second act. Similarly, the flashbacks were a bit overdone and the paternal storyline slightly undercooked.
That being said, Lancashire's solo was heart wrenching, especially as it was interposed with an equally painful montage, and the duet between Harwood and Lancashire was very cathartic with effective use up of closeups by Butterell.
Although the ending may seemed a tad rush and just too neat, nobody said it had to be realistic. This was a musical after all and like all good musicals, the ending was meant to make you feel good and tie everything up nicely. And of course with a big group song.
Harwood was sensational. A newcomer that boldly captured the earnestness, naiveté, pride and fears of Jamie, but yet also embodied the ballsy, strong, courageous and empowering drag queen within Jamie (name with held cos...*spoilers*).
Grant was a hoot and he seemed to having so much fun. Pity there were not more scenes with him. Lancashire was a great supportive mother whose love felt heartfelt and genuine. Sharon Horgan was the Ms Trunchbull of the film. She was funny with her stare downs and quips but maybe singing is not her forte. And we had the lovely Laruen Patel as the wise best friend who really ought to have more a storyline.
Jamie was the movie that The Prom which it could be. But, perhaps thankfully, without the marquee names adding baggaing and expectations, and a more competent director, ETBJ had a chance to succeed where The Prom so spectacularly failed.
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