Activate your BLOCKBUSTER On Demand device

The Fantasticks (1995)

The Fantasticks (1995)
Play Trailer and Clips
Member Rating:  
The longest-running show in the history of the American theater (it opened at an off-Broadway theater in the spring of 1960, where it remained until the production finally closed in early 2002) finally arrives onscreen. Hucklebee (Brad Sullivan) and Bellamy (Joel Grey) are a pair of small town fathers who are scheming to bring their children Matt (Joseph McIntyre) and Luisa (Jean Louisa Kelly) together in a romance. As a carnival arrives to bring some excitement to the sleepy village, the fathers persuade a mysterious interloper named El Gallo (Jonathan Morris) to stage a mock abduction of Luisa, which will hopefully prompt Matt to come to her rescue. However, while El Gallo's plan succeeds, he also awakens his innocent charges to the darker and more disappointing side of love. The Fantasticks was shot and edited in 1995, but beyond a few preview screenings, it went unreleased until the fall of 2000. The film marked the dramatic debut of former New Kids on the Block vocalist Joseph McIntyre, and features Teller (of the magic/performance art duo Penn & Teller) in a rare speaking role. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

 Read More


Starring:
Joel Grey, Barnard Hughes, (more)
Director(s):
Michael Ritchie
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Format(s):
DVD
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 
 
 

Synopsis of The Fantasticks

The longest-running show in the history of the American theater (it opened at an off-Broadway theater in the spring of 1960, where it remained until the production finally closed in early 2002) finally arrives onscreen. Hucklebee (Brad Sullivan) and Bellamy (Joel Grey) are a pair of small town fathers who are scheming to bring their children Matt (Joseph McIntyre) and Luisa (Jean Louisa Kelly) together in a romance. As a carnival arrives to bring some excitement to the sleepy village, the fathers persuade a mysterious interloper named El Gallo (Jonathan Morris) to stage a mock abduction of Luisa, which will hopefully prompt Matt to come to her rescue. However, while El Gallo's plan succeeds, he also awakens his innocent charges to the darker and more disappointing side of love. The Fantasticks was shot and edited in 1995, but beyond a few preview screenings, it went unreleased until the fall of 2000. The film marked the dramatic debut of former New Kids on the Block vocalist Joseph McIntyre, and features Teller (of the magic/performance art duo Penn & Teller) in a rare speaking role. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
87 mins

Complete Cast of The Fantasticks


Director(s):
Michael Ritchie
Writer(s):
Tom Jones, Harvey Schmidt
Producer(s):
Linne Radmin, Michael Ritchie
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG(Adult Humor)
Categories:
Romance, Music & Performing Arts
Looking for special editions of The Fantasticks?
See All Versions
Subtitles:
Check All Versions
Closed Captioning:
Check All Versions
 
 
 
 

BY MAIL

Monthly Subscription 
NEW! 7 - Day Rental
No subscription required. Usually ships in 24 hours.
 

IN-STORE

 

What's Your Take?

Add to FavoritesIn Favorites  |  Share:     Email to a friendShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
YOUR REVIEW
WRITE A REVIEW
 
1000 
 
Member Reviews
Read all (8)
 
Jay S.

This was a very disappointing adaptation of a cute show. I had the privilege of seeing it in New York as well as other productions. The movie attempts to take the musical (which was based on an earlier play by Edmond Rostound) and turn it into a realistic story. The result is a mess. Leave the show as it is - highly stylized and wistful. I couldn't believe that it didn't open with "Try to Remember" - although you can see the opening version on the features section of the DVD. My advice - if you are familiar with the show, you'll be disappointed. If you have never seen the show, you'll wonder why it was such a big hit.

Yes   |   No

 
Martin E.

Stage productions don't readily translate to screen, especially not musicals. On film, it is too apt to be interpreted as realistic, but it is an allegory about life full of humor, romance, pathos, and reality. This was a good effort with a group of great actors. I thought there were enough clues that this is a fantasy, from the storybook houses and colors, the clothing, the carnival in the middle of nowhere performing for no one, the title itself. Perhaps the surroundings are better left to the imagination, but there is enough here to appreciate why this off-Broadway production ran for 42 years and continues to be revived and produced. The photography was wonderful. The music made me nostalgic for the time we saw the production in New York more than 40 years ago. The DVD contains deleted scenes and uncut songs that enhance its value. If you don't like stage or musicals, you certainly won't like this movie. To those who say it is unrealistic, it isn't supposed to be.

Yes   |   No

 
Thomas P.

If you enjoyed the play, you will enjoy the movie. If you loved or disliked the play, then you will not like the movie. The Fantasticks was the first live theater production I ever saw. It has always held a special place in my heart. It is not the best show, not even close. But it is a fun look at relationships. The movie does a decent job of replicating a show that needs audience involvement. I encourage you to rent it and enjoy it in a new light.

Yes   |   No

 
Read All 8 Reviews
 

Quick Links

Email Exclusives

Find Us Online: BLOCKBUSTER Blog - BLOCKBUSTER Widgets - BLOCKBUSTER RSS FEED - BLOCKBUSTER Facebook Page - BLOCKBUSTER Twitter Page - BLOCKBUSTER Wiki

FIND MOVIES

ALL MOVIES

Popular | # | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

ALL ACTORS AND DIRECTORS

Popular | # | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

BLOCKBUSTER CORPORATE

 

BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster L.L.C. © 2012 Blockbuster L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Portions of Content Provided by Rovi Corporation. © 2012 Rovi Corporation.