Where Did We Go Right?: THE PRODUCERS great despite critics complaints

If you liked the Broadway show, The Producers, then you will also like the film. If you're not used to stage shows, be forewarned: YOU ARE WATCHING MUSICAL THEATRE!

As Brecht forced the notion that his audiences were watching theatre down their throats, so does The Producers. Right off the bat, the chorus is singing to the camera, and using the set and blocking right off of the stage. There is no doubt about it, you're watching a musical. Unlike the 2002 film Chicago, which reenvisioned the musical specifically for film audiences, The Producers plays it like they were playing to a packed theatre. Director Susan Stroman, who incidentally also directed the play, keeps that musical theatre world consistent throughout the whole film.

Nathan Lane, Max Bialystock, is a washed up Broadway producer. He meets up with a mousy accountant Leo Bloom, Matthew Broderick, and they devise a skeme to make 2 millions dollars off a flop. Lane, as always, is absolutely incredible. Broderick, however, was slightly disapointing. It was interesting to see him in a role that is much more over the top than he is used to doing, but it did not read well on screen. He was actually a bit annoying. I hate to compare it to the original, which was not a musical, but it seems Gene Wilder is unreplacable in that part. I was quite scared by what to expect from Will Ferrel in his role as Franz Leibkind, the German writer of the play Max and Leo decide to produce (Springtime for Hitler.) Ferrel blew me away. I was so pleased by his performance. Not only was his voice excellent, but he did not play Will Ferrel. I actually forgot it was him for a while. Another person I was a little worried about was Uma Therman. Unfortunately I was not as pleased with her performance. Remember vhen Ulla belt? Vell, it sounded more like Ulla turned her mic up. Thurman was just not big enough for musical theatre, or for the world that was created in this film.

Gary Beach, the original who played Roger De Bris on B-way, was great, as was his common law assistant, Carmen Ghia, played by Roger Bart, also from the original cast. The tons of chorus girls, and grammas, were incredible, and spectacular. And the surprise after the credits was the icing on the cake (I would have been very sad without it...)

The musical was always known for it's obsene humour, and the fact that it made fun of just about everyone. The shock value has worn off for someone who knows the words to all the songs by heart, but there still is something slightly devilish seeing all those glittery swastikas on the big screen. And the Mel Brooks humour is there, although not as much as I would have hoped (look in the background, you'll be surprised what you find!)

This film is fun for all. It's funny, and entertaining. Anyone who likes musical theatre, Mel Brooks, and even those who might not, will like this film. Definately go see it in the theatres. Overall Grade: B+