Different

Rating: 7/10 (4 July 2002)

I enjoy experimental filmmaking, so this caught my attention when a friend showed it to me. Having seen a can-can performance at the REAL Moulin Rouge, I can honestly say that this film does not do it justice. For any fans of this movie, I suggest seeing the real thing, then your regard for this film might falter.
But back to the film . . .
Visually it's eye-candy. It does a nice job of representing the world as a stage, but it looks too much like an MTV music video. Please note that this does NOT hurt the film - it simply makes it difficult to watch - like watching the epilepsy enducing visuals of Pokemon. Just be warned.
The songs are fun - that's what I really enjoyed about this film. What better way to update the movie musical than by using POPULAR songs? And the way the film incorporates the songs really works. It's humorous and uplifting to hear them in the context of the story. (The Beatles' "All You Need is Love." is a subtle, yet strong example.)
Ah, but now I reach the story . . .
GAG! PUKE! WTF!!!!!
*cough* *cough* Excuse me . . . Okay, I'm better now. :)
Disney seriously comes up with more original and complex storylines than this (Bambi, The Lion King, etc). But lest I forget the dialogue! Whoo-boy! CLICHE is the word of the day!

Anyhoo, like Batman, this film is all about the visuals (and the music) so it's best to watch it looking and listening for those things. Just cover your ears when they're not singing, folks. :) Otherwise, do yourself a favor and turn off the television, leave the movie theatre, and take your next vacation to Paris to feast your eyes on the one and only Moulin Rouge!
P.S. For a better modern musical, check out Dancer in the Dark. It's definately MORE experimental and MORE creative in its experimentation than Moulin Rouge. And guess what? The dialogue's intelligent.