Hamilton Musical Lands on Disney+

Hamilton - Image from Disney+

Like a kid in the days leading up to the holidays, I have been anxiously counting down to July 3rd for weeks now.  Having never seen Hamilton before, but hearing all the hype from friends and family, I had high expectations.  Even bigger confession - I've never listened to the soundtrack.  So, on the morning of July 3rd, I sat down in front of my TV with bated breath, excitement, and pressed play on Hamilton to see what I thought.

Hamilton Review

First things first, let me download the soundtrack and then kick myself for not doing that years ago. . .

Is "wow" enough of a review?  I'm still trying to wrap my head around how to write a review for Hamilton - it's just that good.  I did have a concern going in that a musical of this caliber wouldn't translate to my TV with such power, but I had nothing to fear.  The lights, camera work, and production of this stage production for the screen is probably even better than being in the theater in most respects.  You are up close and personal with the actors - seeing every emotion in their eyes, not just hearing it in their words.  It's also filmed during a 2016 performance in NYC so you hear the audience reaction - laughter, applause - which adds to the feeling of being there.  It's a story of love, passion, sacrifice, forgiveness, strength of will, and much more.  At roughly two hours and 40 minutes there is a lot to love in this movie.  

Hamilton - Image from Disney+

The U.S. history teacher in me obviously loves the story.  When you think about the American Revolution, it's truly amazing that the colonies had the confidence and strength to stand up to the world's superpower of Britain.  Men like Hamilton - though clearly far from perfect - did so much to form our country and learning more about the work they did before, during, and after the war is a perfect way to celebrate the 4th of July weekend. . .and every weekend!  My favorite part of the revolutionary time period is actually the time after the war as the leaders struggle to reach consensus on how to form our new nation and the second half of the movie really highlights those disagreements.

Then there's the music.  Lin-Manuel Miranda is pure genius as he blends modern rhythms with historical storytelling to create show-stopping numbers. The talent that this original Broadway cast brings to the screen is second-to-none.  Quite literally, EVERY cast member nails their performances.  My only wish was that there was more Jonathan Groff (you know, Kristoff from Frozen 2) as King George because I actually laughed out loud during each of his too few times on stage. 

Can I just say that I'm so happy this is on Disney+ because I'm sure I'll be watching this over and over and over again?  Unlike with Artemis Fowl, Disney really could have raked in some big money at theaters with this one.  Definitely make plans to see Hamilton on Disney+!

A Few of My Favorite Lines from Hamilton

Jonathan Groff as King George in Hamilton - Image from Disney+

There are too many great lines to catch them all, but here are just few that stood out as I watched the movie the first time through.  

• "Fools who run their mouths oft wind up dead." ~ Burr

• "I'm just like my country - I'm young, scrappy, and hungry." ~ Hamilton

• "I will send a fully armed battalion to remind you of my love." ~ King George

• "Immigrants - we get the job done." ~ LaFayette and Hamilton 

• "Angelica, tell my wife John Adams doesn't have a real job anyway." ~ Hamilton

• "You built me palaces out of paragraphs." ~ Eliza

• "What is legacy? It's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see." ~ Hamilton

• "Death doesn't discriminate between the sinners and the saints." ~ Burr

Is Hamilton Kid Friendly?

Hamilton - Image from Disney+

Ummm. . .no.  If you saw the news stories leading up to it's release on, Miranda cut two of three instances of the worst language in the film, but there's inappropriate words throughout the film to note.  For example, bas**** and who** are in the first line of the first song of the movie.  In addition the movie covers topics like duels, adultery, sex, war, and more.  I also know my two kids at 5 and 8 are too young to know what all the in's and out of out's of the revolutionary period are so they'd be lost in most of the story.  Sure, the music is catchy, but put the little ones to bed before you turn this on for a parents night in.  My advice, stick to the PG-13 rating on this one when making a decision for your family.

About Hamilton (From Disney+)

An unforgettable cinematic stage performance, the filmed version of the original Broadway production of “Hamilton” combines the best elements of live theater, film and streaming to bring the cultural phenomenon to homes around the world for a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience. “Hamilton” is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, “Hamilton” has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. Filmed at The Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway in June of 2016, the film transports its audience into the world of the Broadway show in a uniquely intimate way. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and direction by Thomas Kail, “Hamilton” is inspired by the book “Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow and produced by Thomas Kail, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeffrey Seller, with Sander Jacobs and Jill Furman serving as executive producers. The 11-time-Tony Award®-, GRAMMY Award®-, Olivier Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning stage musical stars: Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson; Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler; Jonathan Groff as King George; Christopher Jackson as George Washington; Jasmine Cephas Jones as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds; Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton; Leslie Odom, Jr. as Aaron Burr; Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison; Anthony Ramos as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton; and Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton.

“Hamilton” premieres on July 3, 2020 around the world, streaming only on Disney+.