I liked this version. True, Gerald Butler's make-up could have been better and his masked ball customer wasn't like Chaney's 1925 version or the Andrew Lloyd Webber stage version, but I liked it anyway.
I've got an even better question. Why bother with the whole business of coming up with the plan to "catch" the phantom during "Don Juan Triumphant" when Raoul had him AT THE POINT OF HIS SWORD in the cemetery only a few scenes earlier??? Why didn't he just keep him there while Christine called the cops? The way that swordfight played out was ridiculous - at the very least, the Phantom should have bested Raoul and escaped. But noooo....
Yeah it was stupid, and there was no sword fight in that scene onstage. The Phantom was throwing fireballs at Raoul, which made him more of a threat and the situation harder to control.
I nearly died of laughter when you talked about Madame Giry's so phony and fake accent. Too funny! love your reviews! Thanks for the laughs! I am going to watch your other commentaries :) Keep the good work up!
I understand why people dislike this film. Half the time they do not move their mouths when they sing, Phantom's singing voice is not too great and the "deformity" is a big pile of shit. However, this is still my favorite movie of all time and favorite Phantom.
Gerard Butler's Phantom was okay. I think it was suggested that since the Phantom spent most of his life in the sewers, so just because he writes great music doesn't mean he can sing well.
An Di I agree. One of the things I hate about the 2004 film version of the song Point of No Return is that there are back up dancers. That is just stupid, pointless, and makes no sense at all.
Thanks for the comment! Although I dont agree about the setting - I think the "hyper-reality" in the film is perfectly suited for this musical, it would look very weird in its real setting. BTW, more reviews are coming soon, first up will be the 1983 Max Schell version... stay tuned...
I didn't think it was all that bad. Gerard Butler sounds better than Steve Harley anyway and the deformity was basically the same as the half face one in the 1943 Claude Rains Phantom, albeit a little lighter. My biggest problems with it would have to be the way they sugarcoated the deformity and the numerous plot holes many of the changes caused.
I always laugh when they reveal the phantom's face. He doesn't even look deformed. It's like he's been hiding his face all that time because he has a mild case of rosacea. Give me a fucking break.
I really like this movie. Gerard did a pretty good job as the Phantom and I love how his singing style makes the Phantom sound sexy but also threatening. Emmy was perfect as Christine. And Patrick what can I say you couldn't get anymore Raoul than his performance. The only problems I have with this is the "deformity" and the masquerade scene.
the masquerede in my opinion was mostly fine, could have used a lot more colour and costumes though, and someone should really tell Gerad that some aftersun would be a lot more effective on that sunburn than the mask
the play is so much more dramatic and impressive then any movie version could be. Like, when in the play they make the phantom's voice come from different places in the theater (in the book it says he is a ventriloquist) before he appears on the stage, or how they end it, with the mask illuminated on a pitch black stage while the orchestra plays haunting cords.
I really like this film, though I will admit that the scaring is the big problem for me. It looks more like Prince Zuko's burn mark from Avatar than a grotesque deformity that earned him a place in a circus freak show.
My thinking is, it was really bad when he was a child; it got halfway decent by the time he reached Gerard Butler's age; but it'll _get_ worse from here on. There's a video of what looks like an earlier test of the makeup, and it looks _way_ more convincingly nasty than what we got. Schumacher wanted it more naturalistic for some reason, but THIS IS THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE OUTRAGEOUS. Personally, both Joel Schumacher and ALW failed to use the film medium to its fullest extent, to really open up the story, to give us a proper fusion of musical and book. I would have cast someone around Crawford's age for present-day Phantom, 'cause *he's supposed to be a daffy old creep,* and Gerard Butler for a younger Phantom who traveled the world and learned his skills.
I like this movie, even though I know it has a myriad flaws. I rewatch it from time to time and always enjoy it when I do. I just get caught up in the experience.
I commented on this in Lindsay Ellis' postmortem: ALW's _Phantom_ is as much magic show as it is Broadway musical. Not only are you meant to marvel at the performances, you're also meant to marvel at the various effects and illusions--the two-way mirror; the chandelier; the boat...
It's so true! I saw this movie when I was fourteen, and I was SO in love with Erik! I wanted him and Christine to be together! Then I saw the clips from the original show online, and I realized how much better the live musical is, especially on Point of No Return. And I always skip the death trap scene.
Casually going thru reviews of this "Phantom", gotta say that this is one of the best. Sure, it may be because I happen to agree with practically everything you said....but bottom line, this version is worth watching, despite its too-attractive Phantom. If he sang with the same purity as Michael Crawford, it would have been too unbelievable---Gerard Butler's gruffer sound made it easier to accept him in the role. Great job on your review, too. You sound like you're a real corker, man!
I THINK THIS MOVIE IS WONDERFUL, IT IS SPECTACULAR, MAGNIFACENT, GORGOUS, AND VERY VERY TRAGIC! THEY CHOSE THE RIGHT PEOPLE FOR THE ROLE OF ERIK, CHRISTINE AND RAOUL!
Great review! Very entertaining. I'm glad you brought up how static Christine was in the Final Lair scene. When I saw the film in the theater I remember thinking "Why the hell is she just standing there with her mouth gaped open?...Do something!" I think even the stage Christine has more backbone. At least she has the sense to run to her lover's side to try and protect him from further harm.
This movie is actually a big guilty pleasure for me. It was what got me into Phantom in the first place and I actually like the framing device of Raoul collecting the music box to give to Christine's grave.
I agree with everything you said, except for the part where you mentioned that he goes from slick black hair to the blonde-ish messy hair. There's a scene that shows him getting ready and there are a bunch of toupees on his table thing and it shows him sort of fixing his hair in place during that scene too.
I agree with you on all points. So far, no film version can top the iconic Chaney image. But this one is beautiful to watch, like the Rains version. The Webber music is always great. But that "Red Death" - "Tally-Ho" off-to-the-hounds outfit - Wow - what were they thinking? That scared me! Sad, as that is one of my favorite scenes in the Chaney film! Thanks again! - Cortlandt
I CRACKED UP at "it looks like a mild sunburn or Gerry fell down the stairs a few times." Good stuff! Being a Phantom musical phanatic, I had serious problems with this movie, and you pointed out most everything. I love your videos! ~Lesley
I completely agree! and THANK YOU so much for pointing out the crucial continuity errors with the disfigurment AND the fact that the Phantoms supposed to be ugly NOT sexy!!!!! xxxx
I have watched about ten of these reviews. I absolutely love them! :) The way you're cynical and really critically analyse things whilst being funny at the same time make them really enjoyable. I can't tell you how many times I had to go 'that is so true' while I was watching them. I look forward to more. :) God Bless xx
I get that they wanted that rough rockstar voice for Erik, which is fine, but if you wanted a rockstar voice, why not just hire an actual rockstar? I think David Bowie would have made an awesome Erik!
Well to begin with, this is the first film I have ever watched that introduced me to The Phantom. Then after I started watching other versions, I still loved this one. Granted it was not perfect, I would have preffered alot more passion, allthough this one was not too bad, and yeah i agree with the disfiguration, it should have been a stronger effect, I mean really i would still want to be with him cause i already know hes good looking lol...
"I'm not sure why they put someone who isn't a professional singer into one of the biggest musicals of all time." Christine's dad in this film is played by Ramin Karimloo(he played the phantom in the 25 anniversary)
I agree with everything you had to say, including the flaws. But this movie will always hold a special place in my heart, because it introduced me to the phenomenon that is Phantom of the Opera. I can see now that the film wasn't as great as I first thought it was- for example, I thought Gerard Butler was an awesome Phantom, until I saw videos of Michael Crawford and Ramin Karimloo. Then I knew that 'Phantom' was even more awesome than I already thought! :)
Those who say , Phantom is supposed to be the character who can write great music but can't sing, forgets that Phantom hypnotised Christine into believing he's Angel of Music. So singing is a HUGE part of his character. If he can't sing then how can he teach her? Coaches don't play but Coaches were once Players too. If I can't Paint then how the heck I'll teach students how to paint!
I have watched many of your reviews, and have concluded... YOU ARE HILARIOUS! My favourite bit in this is at 5:35! 'He's supposed to be frickin' ugly!'. I laugh every time I watch it! :)
Not only do I agree with everything you said here, to see a scene of Lon Chaney drowning Joel Schumacher has got to be one of the top 5 greatest things I've ever seen!!!!
People can say what they want about this movie, but it will always have a place in my heart. I was little when I first heard about the musical and I couldn't go see it because my parents thought it would scare me. So when this movie came out, I saw it and it got me into everything else. The musical, the book, and other movie versions. This movie has it's flaws, but I will always love it.
OMG! Your review is SO FUNNY! You're hilarious! I agree with the eye thing. They should have been more consistent with Gerard's right 'deformed' eye. Haha, yes it does look like he only fell down the stairs
Brilliant! Very entertaining, and I agreed with many of your main points. I felt that visual beauty of the film/settings especially undercut the story's message about internal over external beauty.
I thought it was soo funny when you were talking about the deformities. Most girls could handle the ALW version, but they'd probably had to think about the silent movie version. XD your reviews are so entertaining and have alot of points to them.
@MadameChristie I have to correct myself. Barton was apparantly only Raoul in Vienna. But he did take over the title role in NY in 1990. So he WAS the Phantom, just in New York, not Vienna.
This was the first phantom version I saw and is my absolute favorite. All the actors did an amazing job. The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is, without a doubt, my favorite version. i got to see it on stage in Las Vegas and it was AMAZING!!!
Gerard and Emmy will always be my number one Eristine duo, and I understand why people dislike the movie. However, I really hate those people that think their duo is perfection, and others put down those who adore the movie version. I do appreciate your review, and thank you for not putting us down about loving Gerard Butler's Phantom. :)
LeadingBlind well, you should check them out. They are amazing. I also ship them as a couple that should be together because they have such chemistry both on and off the stage. Everything about them just screams soulmates. I know it’s wrong to want them to be together because he’s happily married and has kids of his own but I don’t care at all.
@rockandrollaf I heard him say that in an interview. Was he just joking? Did he have like a wart that he wanted to get rid of but didn't have enough money at the time to remove it? Can you explain this to me, please? :)
Well I agree there is no others like Sarah and Michael, but I think Emmy and Gerard did a pretty good job. Especially for Gerard Butler considering he never really had any experience with musical theatre, or an formal vocal lessons. Sir Andrew lloyd Webber had said that Gerard Butler had the rock voice for the phantom that he always wanted. I agree about the Masquerade ball scene. I had found clips from the original 1988 Broadway cast and it was so much more colorful.
Awesome review! This is one of the best things I've found on youtube that movie and phantom related. I wish that they had done a better job w/this film. Overall, I think the phantom story would do better as an art film, why don't any of these people just read the book. Its not the greatest book in the world. I haven't read it, but its how this whole obession w/ the story started. What's your opinion of Phantom: Love Never Dies, the musical sequence?
My friend and I were discussing this film the other day. She wondered why the phantom was bald and had a bruise. I thought the latter alone was worth sharing.
Yeah, indeed. Some parts were a bit 'raw', but that also added some things actually! :) He just gave Erik a whole new voice, and while I like the musical ones, I also like this one. Not sure which one I like best though, they differ so much is style, and everything...!
I wish you would keep making reviews. Sadly, there aren't enough "Phantom" films in the world for that...But your reviews are the best! Hey, did you ever review the Royal Albert Hall 25th anniversary celebration?
SO agree on the makup. You made me laugh all time along :) I think though that however the 'real' singers for the musical did A LOT better, he did VERY well for an unexperienced singer, really more than I was expecting!
I agree! I'm gonna probably have people thumbs down my comment but I don't care. I thought his singing was fine and making the Phantom bad-ass was a good move! The makeup however, I agree with the Reviewer, was pretty lame. But other than that, good points and HILARIOUS review!
I've seen the 2004 movie of POTO before and I must say without a doubt that this is the worst film adaption I've ever seen. They picked the wrong cast for the characters. Terrible. Awful. Sad. And the Phantom is supposed to be ugly. Not like he has a bad sunburn. If Mr. Shumaker (I call him that because his last name makes me think of the Elves and the Shoe maker) wants to make a Phantom of the Opera movie, the least he could do is film the stage version instead of butchering it with lousy cinematography and bad choreography for the "Masquerade" scene. Where's the color? Where's the heart? Where's the suspense? More importantly: "WHERE'S THE PHANTOM'S DISFIGURED FACE?"
'Lets just get rid of the hump, it does nothing for his figure.-He's supposed to be freaking UGLY' Haha. Coming from a huge Phan I truely thank you PhantomReviews, I haven't laughed So Hard in the longest time. After watching your many reviews I can honestly say you make 'Mystery Science Theater' look like a Joke!
I love your reviews. You're sensitive to people who like this version, probably because you're pretty honest on several points where you actually ENJOY this film. Some fans can't even admit that they enjoyed this film in the first place. But you're also right that it could've done better in many areas. :)
I agree with you with Erik's deformity in this one. I first heard of the plot of Phantom of the Opera when i watched this movie, so beforehand I sort of knew that there would be a deformity. When it was finally shown though, I literally said " they're being this dramatic over a RASH??!!!!" I was very dissapointed
wow. i never really thought about the phantom's deformity before 'the point of no return' [or lack there of!]...i always wondered why his face looked chubbier right before christine pulled off his mask! but anywho, great review!
Most people in 19th century Paris would have seen worse deformities on the street everyday. If they'd paid to see "The Devil's Child" and been faced with Gerry Jr they'd have asked for their money back and a free goldfish.
ROFL! Don't forget all the lovely technical goofs. My favs are the double capes in "All I Ask of You (reprise)" and the bubbles floating down in the water death trap. XD
~~Forgot to add this~~ They probably could have honestly used Michael Crawford in the film because his age would not have ruined the character of the Phantom and he can SING and it would have been a great service to the fans.
holy crap! this made me laugh so hard!! You're so funny! and THANK YOU for this video review of this movie. Although charles dance is my favorite (saw your review great one too but I still love the movie to pieces). But anyway, yeah, Gerard...and the make up...or lack thereof!! STU-PID
Ppl r always down on Gerald's singing voice! I was personally blown away from how good he was (may even go so far as to say he sounded better than Crawford)
Also, another thing is that the character of Christine (if you go purely by the novel, none of the movies) is not quite so young as Emmy Rossum was at the time she did her interpretation of the character. If you take into account her supposed history and the fact that she had, before coming to the Palais de Garnier, trained at the Conservatoire (which takes about 4 years), her age by the time she had met the Phantom would have been around 18-20. Emmy's Christine (at 15-16) is too young.
yeah but its just that its his opera house i don't think he would want to burn it, but i guess if they were going after him he had to leave anyways. i hadn't really thought about that but you are right. i read somewhere that buildings like that were made with metal so it shouldnt have burned the way it did in the end.
THANK YOU. You said everything that I think about that movie. Especially your rant about the lack of deformity. I try to explain that to "phans" and all they say is, "But he's so sexy!" His charisma should make him so... not his face.
YES THANK YOU PHANTOM REVIEWER!!!! the makeup is wrong....he's NOT supposed to be sexy...if you mixed Lon Chaney with Michael Crawford, THAT is the real Phantom
And the deformity... And he breaks a mirror and walks away down a secret tunnel that apparently no one else can see... Red death was okay but too under done. Loved the maze of mirrors immediately afterwards though
It would be so awesome if you review Phantom-inspired songs like "Phantom of the Opera" by Iron Maiden and Nightwish's heavy metal cover of "The Phantom of the Opera" from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.
@rockandrollaf late reply, I know :D So... Gerard DID have some kinda of face deformity? "no he WAS born with a face deformity" How come I never heard of this? Unless I'm reading this wrong....?
I have to disagree on two fronts. I thought Gerard Butler's singing was actually better than I expected and does actually sound a good bit like Michael Crawford. Also, most of the cast are unknown except for the main characters. Other than that I agree completely.
My mistake - she was 17. Christine is naive, but she's not completely naive. I don't see why you have to say "So there", because of that? The point of the matter was that, instead of choosing someone who had the vocal capabilities for the role, ALW and Mr. Schumacher went with someone who was very young (as I said, they wanted to attract a younger audience) and she didn't have the vocal capabilities and techinque to have done the role justice.
Don't blame Butler for what Schumacher did. Butler is a good actor to play Erik. It was the DIRECTOR who changed him to the sexy guy! Heck, read my other comments for this video (which was done very well). Even read the top comments, and you'll see people agree with me!
@MadameChristie same bout that last sentence lol and yes i do agree with on the colm wilkonson's version of the phantom's main theme that he doesnt use too much vibrato which i like because lets all be honest here thats not a classical song its pop/rock song and if u add too much vibrato into it kinda kills that feeling and sound
Great review, I agree with you (funny the phoney accent thing, sometimes when films are dubbed into another language, happen even oddest things...): in the end even if not too "conventional" I've appreciated this last version of the Phantom, regardless its flaws, especially for the photography/spectacle side of it which I usually like (& yep, sexy Butler too, but he didn't do that bad for the singing for me; let's say this version is less *light opera* & more accessible to all kind of public).
![🔴 ฟุตบอลแชมป์กีฬา 7HD แชมเปียน คัพ 2024 [รอบ 8 ทีมสุดท้าย] - ช่วงบ่าย](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/M0S_ReCIkxg/mqdefault.jpg)
"An achitect, a designa, a composa, a magicshan..."
That made me laugh so loud I probably woke up the neighbours.
I liked this version. True, Gerald Butler's make-up could have been better and his masked ball customer wasn't like Chaney's 1925 version or the Andrew Lloyd Webber stage version, but I liked it anyway.
Me too! I do wish that Gerard Butler had used his native Scottish accent, because he sounds more entertaining when he's Scottish.
I wish they would have cast Howard McGillin instead.
I think the Red Death mask used in the movie should've been the main mask for the movie. It would've covered his face. And not rely his good looks
I can't believe this video is, 10 YEARS OOOOOOOOOLD. I still subbed and still look forward to your videos.
I've got an even better question. Why bother with the whole business of coming up with the plan to "catch" the phantom during "Don Juan Triumphant" when Raoul had him AT THE POINT OF HIS SWORD in the cemetery only a few scenes earlier??? Why didn't he just keep him there while Christine called the cops? The way that swordfight played out was ridiculous - at the very least, the Phantom should have bested Raoul and escaped. But noooo....
Yeah it was stupid, and there was no sword fight in that scene onstage. The Phantom was throwing fireballs at Raoul, which made him more of a threat and the situation harder to control.
I never thought of the scene that way. Huh. That makes sense and I agree with you completely.
I nearly died of laughter when you talked about Madame Giry's so phony and fake accent. Too funny! love your reviews! Thanks for the laughs! I am going to watch your other commentaries :) Keep the good work up!
I understand why people dislike this film. Half the time they do not move their mouths when they sing, Phantom's singing voice is not too great and the "deformity" is a big pile of shit. However, this is still my favorite movie of all time and favorite Phantom.
Who is watching and/or rewatching in 2019? I most certainly am.
Gerard Butler's Phantom was okay. I think it was suggested that since the Phantom spent most of his life in the sewers, so just because he writes great music doesn't mean he can sing well.
This movie is good, not great. It loses many points on its execution of 'The Point Of No Return'.
An Di I agree. One of the things I hate about the 2004 film version of the song Point of No Return is that there are back up dancers. That is just stupid, pointless, and makes no sense at all.
your DA DA DA DA DAAA was the best part haha! Love your videos, keep up the great work!
Thanks for the comment! Although I dont agree about the setting - I think the "hyper-reality" in the film is perfectly suited for this musical, it would look very weird in its real setting. BTW, more reviews are coming soon, first up will be the 1983 Max Schell version... stay tuned...
I didn't think it was all that bad. Gerard Butler sounds better than Steve Harley anyway and the deformity was basically the same as the half face one in the 1943 Claude Rains Phantom, albeit a little lighter. My biggest problems with it would have to be the way they sugarcoated the deformity and the numerous plot holes many of the changes caused.
I always laugh when they reveal the phantom's face. He doesn't even look deformed. It's like he's been hiding his face all that time because he has a mild case of rosacea. Give me a fucking break.
"What's this guy doing here? Vougeing in 19th century Paris?"
I forgot to mention about that swordfighting scene. The organ music for it reminds me of series 1 of Blackadder if anyone has seen that.
I really like this movie. Gerard did a pretty good job as the Phantom and I love how his singing style makes the Phantom sound sexy but also threatening. Emmy was perfect as Christine. And Patrick what can I say you couldn't get anymore Raoul than his performance. The only problems I have with this is the "deformity" and the masquerade scene.
the masquerede in my opinion was mostly fine, could have used a lot more colour and costumes though, and someone should really tell Gerad that some aftersun would be a lot more effective on that sunburn than the mask
*HELLO!!!* He was terrible as the Phantom!! Besides that's no Phantom. That's a wolf in a mask.
the play is so much more dramatic and impressive then any movie version could be. Like, when in the play they make the phantom's voice come from different places in the theater (in the book it says he is a ventriloquist) before he appears on the stage, or how they end it, with the mask illuminated on a pitch black stage while the orchestra plays haunting cords.
I really like this film, though I will admit that the scaring is the big problem for me. It looks more like Prince Zuko's burn mark from Avatar than a grotesque deformity that earned him a place in a circus freak show.
My thinking is, it was really bad when he was a child; it got halfway decent by the time he reached Gerard Butler's age; but it'll _get_ worse from here on. There's a video of what looks like an earlier test of the makeup, and it looks _way_ more convincingly nasty than what we got. Schumacher wanted it more naturalistic for some reason, but THIS IS THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE OUTRAGEOUS.
Personally, both Joel Schumacher and ALW failed to use the film medium to its fullest extent, to really open up the story, to give us a proper fusion of musical and book.
I would have cast someone around Crawford's age for present-day Phantom, 'cause *he's supposed to be a daffy old creep,* and Gerard Butler for a younger Phantom who traveled the world and learned his skills.
I will say since the Lon Chaney Phantom of the Opera the 2004 version did a great job bringing the character back into popularity.
Ah, such nostalgia. I can't believe it's already been six years.
I like this movie, even though I know it has a myriad flaws. I rewatch it from time to time and always enjoy it when I do. I just get caught up in the experience.
This movie was my introduction to the phandom. I still love it.
I commented on this in Lindsay Ellis' postmortem: ALW's _Phantom_ is as much magic show as it is Broadway musical. Not only are you meant to marvel at the performances, you're also meant to marvel at the various effects and illusions--the two-way mirror; the chandelier; the boat...
Ramin and sierra are the best phantom And christine. :)
YES YES YES! MOM AND DAD MOM AND DAD
It's so true! I saw this movie when I was fourteen, and I was SO in love with Erik! I wanted him and Christine to be together! Then I saw the clips from the original show online, and I realized how much better the live musical is, especially on Point of No Return.
And I always skip the death trap scene.
Casually going thru reviews of this "Phantom", gotta say that this is one of the best. Sure, it may be because I happen to agree with practically everything you said....but bottom line, this version is worth watching, despite its too-attractive Phantom. If he sang with the same purity as Michael Crawford, it would have been too unbelievable---Gerard Butler's gruffer sound made it easier to accept him in the role. Great job on your review, too. You sound like you're a real corker, man!
I THINK THIS MOVIE IS WONDERFUL, IT IS SPECTACULAR, MAGNIFACENT, GORGOUS, AND VERY VERY TRAGIC! THEY CHOSE THE RIGHT PEOPLE FOR THE ROLE OF ERIK, CHRISTINE AND RAOUL!
Great review! Very entertaining. I'm glad you brought up how static Christine was in the Final Lair scene. When I saw the film in the theater I remember thinking "Why the hell is she just standing there with her mouth gaped open?...Do something!" I think even the stage Christine has more backbone. At least she has the sense to run to her lover's side to try and protect him from further harm.
This movie is actually a big guilty pleasure for me. It was what got me into Phantom in the first place and I actually like the framing device of Raoul collecting the music box to give to Christine's grave.
When you started that "dadadadaaaaah" singing I burstet out laughtingxD
No offens on your singing tho, it just hit me^^
THANK YOUU I TOTALLY AGREE WITH ECERY SINGLE WORD YOU SAID! please do one on the 25th anniversary version :) you're great
I agree with everything you said, except for the part where you mentioned that he goes from slick black hair to the blonde-ish messy hair. There's a scene that shows him getting ready and there are a bunch of toupees on his table thing and it shows him sort of fixing his hair in place during that scene too.
I agree with you on all points. So far, no film version can top
the iconic Chaney image. But this one is beautiful to watch,
like the Rains version. The Webber music is always great.
But that "Red Death" - "Tally-Ho" off-to-the-hounds outfit -
Wow - what were they thinking? That scared me! Sad, as
that is one of my favorite scenes in the Chaney film!
Thanks again! - Cortlandt
I CRACKED UP at "it looks like a mild sunburn or Gerry fell down the stairs a few times."
Good stuff!
Being a Phantom musical phanatic, I had serious problems with this movie, and you pointed out most everything.
I love your videos!
~Lesley
I completely agree! and THANK YOU so much for pointing out the crucial continuity errors with the disfigurment AND the fact that the Phantoms supposed to be ugly NOT sexy!!!!! xxxx
I have watched about ten of these reviews. I absolutely love them! :) The way you're cynical and really critically analyse things whilst being funny at the same time make them really enjoyable. I can't tell you how many times I had to go 'that is so true' while I was watching them. I look forward to more. :) God Bless xx
"Gerry fell down the stairs a few times.." that was nice.. LOL
"How many times?"
"I lost count."
I get that they wanted that rough rockstar voice for Erik, which is fine, but if you wanted a rockstar voice, why not just hire an actual rockstar? I think David Bowie would have made an awesome Erik!
Are you sure?
Well to begin with, this is the first film I have ever watched that introduced me to The Phantom. Then after I started watching other versions, I still loved this one. Granted it was not perfect, I would have preffered alot more passion, allthough this one was not too bad, and yeah i agree with the disfiguration, it should have been a stronger effect, I mean really i would still want to be with him cause i already know hes good looking lol...
"I'm not sure why they put someone who isn't a professional singer into one of the biggest musicals of all time."
Christine's dad in this film is played by Ramin Karimloo(he played the phantom in the 25 anniversary)
I agree with everything you had to say, including the flaws. But this movie will always hold a special place in my heart, because it introduced me to the phenomenon that is Phantom of the Opera. I can see now that the film wasn't as great as I first thought it was- for example, I thought Gerard Butler was an awesome Phantom, until I saw videos of Michael Crawford and Ramin Karimloo. Then I knew that 'Phantom' was even more awesome than I already thought! :)
Those who say , Phantom is supposed to be the character who can write great music but can't sing, forgets that Phantom hypnotised Christine into believing he's Angel of Music. So singing is a HUGE part of his character. If he can't sing then how can he teach her? Coaches don't play but Coaches were once Players too. If I can't Paint then how the heck I'll teach students how to paint!
"he's supposed to be freakin' UGLY!"
LOLLLLL
it's so true!!!
Well, I liked it better then the Dario Argentino version...is that fair?
I have watched many of your reviews, and have concluded... YOU ARE HILARIOUS! My favourite bit in this is at 5:35! 'He's supposed to be frickin' ugly!'. I laugh every time I watch it! :)
Not only do I agree with everything you said here, to see a scene of Lon Chaney drowning Joel Schumacher has got to be one of the top 5 greatest things I've ever seen!!!!
People can say what they want about this movie, but it will always have a place in my heart. I was little when I first heard about the musical and I couldn't go see it because my parents thought it would scare me. So when this movie came out, I saw it and it got me into everything else. The musical, the book, and other movie versions. This movie has it's flaws, but I will always love it.
I loved Robert Englud versión of phantom ( aside form the fact is a bit bloody) but so well done!! specially the phantom lair.
it would be awesome if you reviewed the TV mini-series version of Phantom of the Opera
OMG! Your review is SO FUNNY! You're hilarious! I agree with the eye thing. They should have been more consistent with Gerard's right 'deformed' eye. Haha, yes it does look like he only fell down the stairs
Brilliant! Very entertaining, and I agreed with many of your main points. I felt that visual beauty of the film/settings especially undercut the story's message about internal over external beauty.
I thought it was soo funny when you were talking about the deformities. Most girls could handle the ALW version, but they'd probably had to think about the silent movie version. XD your reviews are so entertaining and have alot of points to them.
Haha finally someone noticed the madame giry accent thing!
You totally get me lol.
@MadameChristie I have to correct myself. Barton was apparantly only Raoul in Vienna. But he did take over the title role in NY in 1990. So he WAS the Phantom, just in New York, not Vienna.
@zangetsumizu Where can I find the Harley version of MOTN?
This was the first phantom version I saw and is my absolute favorite. All the actors did an amazing job. The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is, without a doubt, my favorite version. i got to see it on stage in Las Vegas and it was AMAZING!!!
Gerard and Emmy will always be my number one Eristine duo, and I understand why people dislike the movie. However, I really hate those people that think their duo is perfection, and others put down those who adore the movie version. I do appreciate your review, and thank you for not putting us down about loving Gerard Butler's Phantom. :)
My number one Eristine duo is Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess. Always has been and always will be.
@@eristineforever6934 Eristine. That's one I haven't seen before. Or ship.
LeadingBlind well, you should check them out. They are amazing. I also ship them as a couple that should be together because they have such chemistry both on and off the stage. Everything about them just screams soulmates. I know it’s wrong to want them to be together because he’s happily married and has kids of his own but I don’t care at all.
@rockandrollaf I heard him say that in an interview. Was he just joking? Did he have like a wart that he wanted to get rid of but didn't have enough money at the time to remove it? Can you explain this to me, please? :)
In the Point of No Return scene the d eformity looks actually worst than ehat it looks like the rest of the movie
Well I agree there is no others like Sarah and Michael, but I think Emmy and Gerard did a pretty good job. Especially for Gerard Butler considering he never really had any experience with musical theatre, or an formal vocal lessons. Sir Andrew lloyd Webber had said that Gerard Butler had the rock voice for the phantom that he always wanted. I agree about the Masquerade ball scene. I had found clips from the original 1988 Broadway cast and it was so much more colorful.
Awesome review! This is one of the best things I've found on youtube that movie and phantom related. I wish that they had done a better job w/this film. Overall, I think the phantom story would do better as an art film, why don't any of these people just read the book. Its not the greatest book in the world. I haven't read it, but its how this whole obession w/ the story started. What's your opinion of Phantom: Love Never Dies, the musical sequence?
My friend and I were discussing this film the other day. She wondered why the phantom was bald and had a bruise. I thought the latter alone was worth sharing.
Great review! Gerard's non-deformity, the singing ability of the two leads, and the actors being too young are my major issues with this movie.
Yeah, indeed. Some parts were a bit 'raw', but that also added some things actually! :)
He just gave Erik a whole new voice, and while I like the musical ones, I also like this one. Not sure which one I like best though, they differ so much is style, and everything...!
I wish you would keep making reviews. Sadly, there aren't enough "Phantom" films in the world for that...But your reviews are the best! Hey, did you ever review the Royal Albert Hall 25th anniversary celebration?
This video is now as old as I was when I watched it for the first time.
SO agree on the makup.
You made me laugh all time along :)
I think though that however the 'real' singers for the musical did A LOT better, he did VERY well for an unexperienced singer, really more than I was expecting!
I agree! I'm gonna probably have people thumbs down my comment but I don't care. I thought his singing was fine and making the Phantom bad-ass was a good move!
The makeup however, I agree with the Reviewer, was pretty lame. But other than that, good points and HILARIOUS review!
I've seen the 2004 movie of POTO before and I must say without a doubt that this is the worst film adaption I've ever seen. They picked the wrong cast for the characters. Terrible. Awful. Sad. And the Phantom is supposed to be ugly. Not like he has a bad sunburn. If Mr. Shumaker (I call him that because his last name makes me think of the Elves and the Shoe maker) wants to make a Phantom of the Opera movie, the least he could do is film the stage version instead of butchering it with lousy cinematography and bad choreography for the "Masquerade" scene. Where's the color? Where's the heart? Where's the suspense? More importantly: "WHERE'S THE PHANTOM'S DISFIGURED FACE?"
I agree, especially when he did the parts of the deep voice, that was excellent considering
Brad Pitt as Quasimodo...
I'm gonna have nightmares.
'Lets just get rid of the hump, it does nothing for his figure.-He's supposed to be freaking UGLY' Haha.
Coming from a huge Phan I truely thank you PhantomReviews, I haven't laughed So Hard in the longest time.
After watching your many reviews I can honestly say you make 'Mystery Science Theater' look like a Joke!
I love your reviews. You're sensitive to people who like this version, probably because you're pretty honest on several points where you actually ENJOY this film. Some fans can't even admit that they enjoyed this film in the first place. But you're also right that it could've done better in many areas. :)
I agree with you with Erik's deformity in this one. I first heard of the plot of Phantom of the Opera when i watched this movie, so beforehand I sort of knew that there would be a deformity. When it was finally shown though, I literally said " they're being this dramatic over a RASH??!!!!" I was very dissapointed
Can't stop giggling at your review!!!
wow. i never really thought about the phantom's deformity before 'the point of no return' [or lack there of!]...i always wondered why his face looked chubbier right before christine pulled off his mask! but anywho, great review!
Most people in 19th century Paris would have seen worse deformities on the street everyday. If they'd paid to see "The Devil's Child" and been faced with Gerry Jr they'd have asked for their money back and a free goldfish.
ROFL!
Don't forget all the lovely technical goofs. My favs are the double capes in "All I Ask of You (reprise)" and the bubbles floating down in the water death trap. XD
I agree, Butler gets the job done and he does it pretty well (taking into consideration that he had some pretty big shoes to fill).
~~Forgot to add this~~ They probably could have honestly used Michael Crawford in the film because his age would not have ruined the character of the Phantom and he can SING and it would have been a great service to the fans.
holy crap! this made me laugh so hard!! You're so funny! and THANK YOU for this video review of this movie. Although charles dance is my favorite (saw your review great one too but I still love the movie to pieces). But anyway, yeah, Gerard...and the make up...or lack thereof!! STU-PID
Ppl r always down on Gerald's singing voice! I was personally blown away from how good he was (may even go so far as to say he sounded better than Crawford)
someone has posted bits of this version with ABBA songs playing instead of the orginal music
Also, another thing is that the character of Christine (if you go purely by the novel, none of the movies) is not quite so young as Emmy Rossum was at the time she did her interpretation of the character. If you take into account her supposed history and the fact that she had, before coming to the Palais de Garnier, trained at the Conservatoire (which takes about 4 years), her age by the time she had met the Phantom would have been around 18-20. Emmy's Christine (at 15-16) is too young.
yeah but its just that its his opera house i don't think he would want to burn it, but i guess if they were going after him he had to leave anyways. i hadn't really thought about that but you are right. i read somewhere that buildings like that were made with metal so it shouldnt have burned the way it did in the end.
THANK YOU. You said everything that I think about that movie. Especially your rant about the lack of deformity. I try to explain that to "phans" and all they say is, "But he's so sexy!" His charisma should make him so... not his face.
YES THANK YOU PHANTOM REVIEWER!!!! the makeup is wrong....he's NOT supposed to be sexy...if you mixed Lon Chaney with Michael Crawford, THAT is the real Phantom
5:59 wig!!!
Best thing about this movie is using Ramin's pic as Christine Dad. that deepened the Lore 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Joel Schumacher Passed away four days ago I thought you would want to know that reviewer 😱
And the deformity... And he breaks a mirror and walks away down a secret tunnel that apparently no one else can see... Red death was okay but too under done. Loved the maze of mirrors immediately afterwards though
It would be so awesome if you review Phantom-inspired songs like "Phantom of the Opera" by Iron Maiden and Nightwish's heavy metal cover of "The Phantom of the Opera" from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.
@rockandrollaf late reply, I know :D
So... Gerard DID have some kinda of face deformity?
"no he WAS born with a face deformity"
How come I never heard of this? Unless I'm reading this wrong....?
I have to disagree on two fronts. I thought Gerard Butler's singing was actually better than I expected and does actually sound a good bit like Michael Crawford. Also, most of the cast are unknown except for the main characters. Other than that I agree completely.
My mistake - she was 17. Christine is naive, but she's not completely naive. I don't see why you have to say "So there", because of that? The point of the matter was that, instead of choosing someone who had the vocal capabilities for the role, ALW and Mr. Schumacher went with someone who was very young (as I said, they wanted to attract a younger audience) and she didn't have the vocal capabilities and techinque to have done the role justice.
Don't blame Butler for what Schumacher did. Butler is a good actor to play Erik. It was the DIRECTOR who changed him to the sexy guy! Heck, read my other comments for this video (which was done very well). Even read the top comments, and you'll see people agree with me!
@MadameChristie same bout that last sentence lol and yes i do agree with on the colm wilkonson's version of the phantom's main theme that he doesnt use too much vibrato which i like because lets all be honest here thats not a classical song its pop/rock song and if u add too much vibrato into it kinda kills that feeling and sound
WHAT MOVIE IS FROM 5:58? with the phantom with no mask?
Great review, I agree with you (funny the phoney accent thing, sometimes when films are dubbed into another language, happen even oddest things...): in the end even if not too "conventional" I've appreciated this last version of the Phantom, regardless its flaws, especially for the photography/spectacle side of it which I usually like (& yep, sexy Butler too, but he didn't do that bad for the singing for me; let's say this version is less *light opera* & more accessible to all kind of public).
oh my god that ending was so funny