“Hunky Dory” Is
An Okay Musical
Reviewed by Shirrel Rhoades
Think of it like “Glee” set in a Welsh high school during the sweltering
summer of 1976. Here, Viv (Minnie Driver) is an energetic drama teacher who decides
to shake students out of their malaise by putting on a play. Not just any play,
but a rock ‘n roll musical based on Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.”
This gives the students plenty of opportunity to entertain us with the
upbeat music of David Bowie, Pink Floyd, 10CC, The Who, Beach Boys, and the
Electric Light Orchestra.
The film -- “Hunky Dory” -- takes its name from one of Bowie’s albums. And
like its name, everything’s okay here. It’s currently making music at the
Tropic Cinema.
Lovable Minnie Driver handles her role well, a free-spirited teacher who
clashes with her more staid colleagues, but engages beautifully with the
students. Here are all the subplot clichés, from broken homes to gay students,
but it’s the musical performances you’ve come to see. Talented young Aneurin Barnard, as troubled student Davey, is backed by a terrific cast of
relatively unknown young actors.
Sure, you’ve seen it all before in
“Dazed and Confused,” “High School Musical,” and “School of Rock. But who
cares. Tap your feet. Dance in the aisle. Hum along with the young performers
who did their own music live on set in front of the camera. It’s a feel-good
movie.
If you expect more than that you’ll
be disappointed.
Welsh-born Mark Howell (editor of
Solares Hill) will enjoy the “orange and glowing” picture postcard of Swansea
in the blistering summer of 1976. But for a few years difference, he could have
been one of these rock-inspired students. And that would have been hunky dory
with him.
srhoades@aol.com
No comments:
Post a Comment