Review - Dicks: the Musical
Directed by: Larry Charles
Written by: Aaron Jackson, Josh Sharp
Starring: Aaron Jackson, Josh Sharp, Nathan Lane, Megan Mullaly
Running Time: 124 minutes
Rating: 3.5/5
Aaron Jackson and Josh Sharp have always seemed like they’re on the verge of breaking through in a major way. Backed by A24 and a superb supporting cast including excellent comedic turns by Nathan Lane and Megan Mullally, Dicks: The Musical get them almost all the way there. Almost.
Dicks: The Musical, adapted from the stage production by Aaron Jackson and Josh Sharp, takes the classic trope of a separated family yearning to come together and spins it into a wildly entertaining, albeit occasionally uneven, cinematic experience.
The heart of Dicks: The Musical lies in its music.. Some numbers are executed with such precision that it becomes clear that Jackson and Sharp have put years of dedication into perfecting them. However, the uneven quality of a few songs in the second half does detract from the overall experience.
While the directing and production may feel somewhat limited in variety, the film compensates with an abundance of care and imagination. It's evident that the filmmakers worked tirelessly to bring this story to life, despite budget constraints.
But here's where the criticism stops and the praise begins. The supporting cast shines brilliantly in their roles. Megan Mullally's eccentric portrayal of the vagina-less Evelyn is a standout, matched only by Nathan Lane's Harris, the ever-evolving father figure whose life revolves around caring for his unconventional sewer boys. Lane's end credit bloopers reveal his sheer delight in letting loose, even if it means spitting cold cuts into animatronics' mouths.
The film's main cast, Sharp and Jackson, are equally impressive. Sharp exudes cool confidence, while Jackson's comedic timing and physical humour channels Jim Carrey at his best. For those who've followed their journey from live performances to online skits including their excellent portrayals of Jared and Ivanka, this film marks a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. If you know them from their appearances on their co-star Bowen Yang's podcast, "Las Culturistas," you'll be pleasantly surprised by how much further they can take when given a chance to shine.
Dicks the Musical is a unique cinematic experience that pushes boundaries and takes risks. While it may have its share of flaws, it makes up for them with its eccentric humor, outstanding performances, and the undeniable passion of its creators.
While it’s not perfect Dicks The Musical is destined to become a new cult classic, and more importantly, the quality we see here is a promise that Aaron and Josh will deliver in the near future. They just need Hollywood to give them a budget that matches their minds.
