tick, tick… BOOM! Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A struggling playwright freaks out about turning 30 while trying to write a musical that’s basically about him freaking out about turning 30.

🍿 tick, tick… BOOM!: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: Jonathan’s Struggle

The film opens with Jonathan Larson in 1992, performing his rock monologue, ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’. He sets the stage by explaining the incessant ticking noise in his head and how it reflects the pressure he feels to achieve success before turning 30. The film then shifts back to 1990, immersing us in Jonathan’s life as a struggling composer.

Balancing Dreams and Reality

Jonathan juggles his job as a waiter at the Moondance Diner with the intense work of preparing for a workshop of his musical ‘Superbia’. The film highlights the challenges he faces, including financial struggles, relationship tensions, and the overwhelming pressure to create something meaningful. He’s torn between his artistic aspirations and the growing sense that time is running out.

Relationships Under Strain

Jonathan’s relationships are put to the test. His girlfriend, Susan, considers a teaching job outside of New York, creating distance and conflict. His best friend, Michael, who once shared his artistic dreams, now works in advertising, offering Jonathan a glimpse into a more stable, but less fulfilling, life. These relationships force Jonathan to confront his priorities and make difficult choices.

Workshop and Realizations

The workshop of ‘Superbia’ arrives, bringing a mix of praise and disappointment. Despite positive feedback, no one offers to produce his musical. This rejection leads to a moment of despair, but also a crucial realization. Jonathan finally understands the importance of writing about what he knows and experiences, setting the stage for his future work.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jonathan Larson (Andrew Garfield): A driven and anxious young composer struggling to create a successful musical before turning 30.
• Susan (Alexandra Shipp): Jonathan’s girlfriend, a dancer contemplating a career change, struggles with his artistic obsession.
• Michael (Robin de Jesus): Jonathan’s best friend, a former aspiring actor, now working in advertising and grappling with his health.
• Karessa (Vanessa Hudgens): A talented singer and performer who supports Jonathan’s artistic endeavors.
• Stephen Sondheim (Bradley Whitford): A legendary composer who offers Jonathan guidance and validation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jonathan Larson: “What is the point of money if you don’t spend it on the people you love?” – Jon expresses this sentiment when faced with the opportunity to sell out for financial security, highlighting his belief in the value of relationships over wealth.
• Jonathan Larson: “Everything you do is just prolonging the inevitable. You’re gonna die.” – Jon says this to Michael in frustration, underscoring the underlying anxieties of the AIDS crisis and the ticking clock of life.
• Stephen Sondheim: “Write what you know.” – Sondheim’s advice to Jonathan, guiding him to create art that reflects his own experiences and the world around him.
• Jonathan Larson: “Are you a sellout or are you holding out for something real?” – This quote captures Jon’s internal conflict between artistic integrity and the allure of financial stability.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $55,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $112,777

💥 tick, tick… BOOM! Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’ Andrew Garfield’s performance is mesmerizing; you feel every ounce of Jon’s passion and fear. The ‘Sunday’ diner scene was incredible, spotting all the Broadway cameos was so cool! It made me reflect on my own dreams and whether I’m making the most of my time. Seriously, give it a watch!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of musicals”
  • “Andrew Garfield fans”
  • “People interested in Broadway history”
  • “Those who enjoy stories about pursuing dreams”
  • “Fans of Lin-Manuel Miranda”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “References to the AIDS epidemic”
  • “Brief drug use”
  • “Emotional scenes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Lin-Manuel Miranda directs with passion and verve, showcasing Andrew Garfield’s astounding performance. The film beautifully captures the anxieties and joys of a young artist striving for greatness in a world filled with challenges.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Garfield shines in this energetic and heartfelt adaptation. Miranda’s direction is inventive, and the film effectively balances the humor and heartache of Larson’s story. A vibrant tribute to a creative soul gone too soon.
• The Guardian: “While occasionally veering into sentimentality, the film offers a compelling portrait of artistic struggle and the importance of pursuing one’s passions. Garfield’s raw and committed performance anchors the film’s emotional core.

Audience Reactions

Andrew Garfield’s performance is phenomenal!: Viewers overwhelmingly praised Garfield’s portrayal of Jonathan Larson, noting his energy, charisma, and vocal talent.

The music is incredibly catchy and moving.: The soundtrack received high marks for its emotional depth and memorable melodies, resonating with both musical theater fans and general audiences.

Overall Consensus: ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’ is a well-received musical biopic praised for its energetic performances, compelling story, and heartfelt tribute to Jonathan Larson’s legacy.

Awards

1. American Film Institute Awards (AFI Movies of the Year)- 2021
2. Critics’ Choice Movie Awards (Best Actor)- 2022

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Lin-Manuel Miranda, the director, makes a cameo as the short-order cook at the Moondance Diner.”
• “The ‘Sunday’ brunch scene features cameos from numerous Broadway legends, including original cast members of ‘Rent’: Adam Pascal, Daphne Rubin-Vega, and Wilson Jermaine Heredia.”
• “Andrew Garfield learned to sing specifically for this role, and performed all of Jonathan Larson’s songs live on set.”

🖥️ How to Watch tick, tick… BOOM!?

Tick, Tick… BOOM! is available to stream on Netflix. It is not currently available for purchase on physical media. Check Netflix for availability in your region. As a Netflix Original, it is unlikely to be available on other streaming services such as Prime Video or Apple TV.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed tick, tick… BOOM!, you might like these similar films:

• Rent (2005): A direct adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s most famous musical, dealing with similar themes of art, love, loss, and the AIDS crisis in 1990s New York.
• All That Jazz (1979): A semi-autobiographical musical drama about a workaholic director-choreographer facing his own mortality, similar to ‘tick, tick…BOOM!’ in its introspective look at the life of an artist.
• Fame (1980): Captures the ambition, struggles, and camaraderie of young artists pursuing their dreams in New York City during the same era.
• La La Land (2016): Explores the challenges of pursuing artistic dreams in a modern setting, with a focus on the sacrifices and compromises often required.
• Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001): A cult classic rock musical about an East German transgender punk rocker, similar in its exploration of identity, artistic expression, and finding one’s voice.

🛒 tick, tick… BOOM! Related Products

• tick, tick… BOOM! (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Experience the complete soundtrack from the movie, featuring Andrew Garfield and the cast performing Jonathan Larson’s iconic songs. Includes both vocal tracks and instrumental versions.
• tick, tick… BOOM! Movie Poster: High-quality print of the official movie poster. Perfect for decorating your home theater or displaying your love for the film.
• Jonathan Larson: The Biography: Delve deeper into the life of Jonathan Larson with this comprehensive biography. Explore his creative process, personal struggles, and the lasting impact of his work.
• tick, tick…BOOM! Inspired T-Shirt: Show your love for the musical with this stylish T-shirt featuring a design inspired by key themes from the movie. Comfortable and perfect for everyday wear.

🎧 Soundtrack

tick, tick… BOOM! features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “30/90” – performed by Andrew Garfield, Vanessa Hudgens, Joshua Henry, Robin de Jesus, Alexandra Shipp, MJ Rodriguez
• “Come to Your Senses” – performed by Alexandra Shipp
• “Therapy” – performed by Andrew Garfield and Vanessa Hudgens
• “Louder Than Words” – performed by Andrew Garfield, Joshua Henry, Robin de Jesus

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Andrew Garfield & Lin-Manuel Miranda Break Down ‘tick, tick…Boom!’s’ Party Scene | Vanity Fair

Curious to hear Andrew Garfield and Lin-Manuel Miranda dissect one of the movie’s most energetic scenes? This video will give you a glimpse into their creative process!

Vocal Coach Reacts Tick, Tick…Boom! – Therapy | WOW! They were…

Ever wondered how Andrew Garfield nailed those high notes? This vocal coach breaks down the techniques behind the ‘Therapy’ song, it’s fascinating!

Rent Star Tells Story Of Show’s Preview After Jonathan Larson Died | PEN | People

Get ready to be moved by this interview with a Rent star, as they share their experience of performing the show after the tragic loss of its creator. It’s a touching tribute and adds depth to the movie’s context.

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