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Name: |
Molly |
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Posted on: |
December 26, 2004 09:01 PM |
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E-Mail: |
mollyann1946@hotmail.com |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
NC by
way of Chicago! |
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Referred By:
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Engine |
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I fell
in love with Michael Crawford when I first heard his absolutely
mesmerizing voice while helping two friends get ready to open
their new gift shop. They were playing "The Phantom of the Opera"
on CD. I asked what was playing that was so beautiful. Soon after
I bought the CD package for myself and played it over and over
just in awe of how wonderful is it. When I first heard the movie
would soon be out I got so excited and surfed to see if Michael
Crawford and all the original people would be performing. I just
can't believe they are not. Or He is not! I just wish with all my
heart that I could have seen them perform this on stage. I'm glad
to see I am not alone. I love you Michael. You have a great gift
and thank you for sharing it with us!!
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Name: |
amparo |
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Posted on: |
December 26, 2004 06:56 PM |
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E-Mail: |
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Where are you
from?: |
Spain |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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I vote
for Michael
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Name: |
Nicole
Lopez |
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Posted on: |
December 26, 2004 03:59 PM |
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E-Mail: |
Nyhoopstar124@aol.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
New
York |
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Search
Engine |
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Comments:
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When I
saw the movie, I liked it at first but Gerard Butler needed to get
a few more voice lessons, not that he was HORRIBLE, but not of the
same caliber as the stage play. When I heard that Michael Crawford
tried out for that part, I was SO ANGRY! It isn't fair for those
who were not born in time to see Mr. Crawford on stage to see a
different phantom who isn't even halfway as good as Michael
Crawford in the movie! Andrew Lloyd Webber, HOW COULD YOU! You
were the one who casted Michael originally! You should know the
extent of his wonderful talent! It goes beyond age barriers! And
wasn't the phantom supposed to have been singing in Christine's
dreams since childhood??? How could a phantom who looks her age do
that? How could you rob your younger audience of a pleasure that
they have never known? How could you have disappointed yours and
Mr. Crawford's most adoring fan? The only way you can redeem
yourself now is to either reshoot the movie with Mr. Crawford as
the phantom, or release the original stage play digitally
remastered. Either way, Mr. Crawford made your show a hit. It's
time you showed him some respect. The role is the man, and that
man is Michael Crawford, NOT Gerard Butler.
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Name: |
Danette
Rodriguez |
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Posted on: |
December 26, 2004 01:23 PM |
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E-Mail: |
antcel25@adelphia.net |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
CA |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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The
very first time I saw the Phantom of the Opera was with Michael
Crawford as the Phantom..I've seen it other times with other
Phantoms and none have ever come close to Michael...I wish Michael
Crawford would have been cast...He made the role...
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Name: |
Stacey
Imamura |
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Posted on: |
December 25, 2004 03:50 AM |
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E-Mail: |
CaAngel75@aol.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Los
Angeles, CA |
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Engine |
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Comments:
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The
movie is such an insult, not only to us who have seen Michael
Crawford as the Phantom, but also to those who didn't get to
experience his overwhelming performance. Why was Crawford
considered too old??? Hellloooo....the Phantom was SUPPOSED to be
many years older than Christine. Also, this stuff about wanting a
sexy Phantom.. Helllooo again ...there isn't anything about
Crawford's Phantom that isn't sexy. So it seems he was more than
perfect for the movie .... ESPECIALLY at 62!!!! But the real
mystery to me is how Andrew Lloyd Webber, after seeing the
finished product, actually thought it was good enough to be
released. That shows us he isn't the brilliant composer that we
had thought...but just an idiot. By the way Andrew.. the only
reason there is a movie is because Crawford was such a hit in the
play!!!!
The only way ALW can save face now...is to release the stage
play with the original performers...you know they must have
recorded the play on several nights. How can they not have??? I
think the only reason why it hasn't been released on video or dvd
is because the movie makers were afraid it would take public
interest away from their failure of a movie.
We need to start campaigning for the release of the stage play
(with the original cast) on dvd and video!!!!
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Name: |
Carol
Phaklides |
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Posted on: |
December 25, 2004 02:24 AM |
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E-Mail: |
cphaklides@aol.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
California, USA |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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I was
fortunate to see Michael Crawford 3 times in the play in Los
Angeles. I just returned from seeing the movie version and am
extremely saddened and disappointed that this phantom was not the
same caliber performance as Mr. Crawford. The movie version
suffered severely from his absence.
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Name: |
Lois |
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Posted on: |
December 25, 2004 12:58 AM |
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E-Mail: |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Los
Angeles |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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Why was
Crawford too old for the movie? He is 62. Mick Jagger, Rod
Stewart, Paul McCartney are all over 60 and they still sell out
stadiums all over the world! Age is only important if you're a
piece of cheese!!!
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Name: |
Pete |
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Posted on: |
December 24, 2004 06:37 PM |
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E-Mail: |
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Where are you
from?: |
Knoxville, TN |
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Referred By:
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Engine |
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Comments:
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Butler
had the looks for the part, but damn, he simply did not have the
voice. Props to Crawford for still being the best Phantom.
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Name: |
SW |
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Posted on: |
December 24, 2004 04:13 PM |
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E-Mail: |
casnowflake@yahoo.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Indiana |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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Michael
Crawford is awesome! I've seen the Broadway show several times and
no one compares to Michael.
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Name: |
Marianne Zahn |
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Posted on: |
December 24, 2004 02:58 PM |
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E-Mail: |
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from?: |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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Hy
everyone, first of all, i just wanna say PLEASE NEVER CLOSE THE
VIDEO CLIPS, it's the only way we all can see the real phantom of
the opera. Michael Crawford has the essence of the phantom, that's
why nobody can play the phantom as good as him, so don't waste ur
time making comparisons between them. Michael Crawford will always
be the one and only phantom of the opera. I JUST ADORE U MICHAEL
CRAWFORD!!!!!
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Name: |
Linda |
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Posted on: |
December 24, 2004 02:08 PM |
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E-Mail: |
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Homepage Title: |
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Where are you
from?: |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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I've
been going to Phantom of the Opera on Broadway for years. This
movie is nowheres near as good. Butler is worse than ANYONE I've
seen on Broadway. The stage show is all about the Phantom. The
movie is all about Christine and the look of the movie. The
phantom's deformity is ridiculous but I guess if you cast someone
for their looks you'd better not hide them too much. Skip the
movie. Save your money and go to the show.
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Name: |
Pauline |
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Posted on: |
December 23, 2004 10:37 PM |
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E-Mail: |
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Homepage Title: |
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Where are you
from?: |
Seattle, Washington |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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DONT BE
TOO HARD ON BUTLER....ITS ALL ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER'S FAULT!!!
PHANTOM WAS HIS MASTERPIECE AND HE PERMITTED IT TO BE RUINED!!!
SOME GENIUS!!! THE QUEEN SHOULD TAKE AWAY HIS TITLE!!! SIR ANDREW
THE JERK SOUNDS MORE APPROPRIATE TO ME!!!
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Name: |
Alissa |
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Posted on: |
December 23, 2004 08:00 PM |
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E-Mail: |
band_chick17@yahoo.ca |
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Homepage Title: |
n/a |
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Homepage URL:
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n/a |
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Where are you
from?: |
Vic,
B.C. |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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i went
to a free advanced screening of POTO (film) and I must admit that
I was blown away...at first... i started reading some reviews,
which essentially compared the film to cheap but overpriced
costume jewelry. at first i tried to defend the film, but i must
now say that i pretty much agree with the mediocre reviews. it is
sooo unfortunate though, because i went to see the film wanting to
love it! in a way, i can see why they didn't cast michael crawford,
since he's 62 and joel schumacher (damn you!) wanted to have a
"young, sexy" cast. !?!?!? but even in the novel and ALW's stage
play the phantom isn't 62 years old... i don't think gerard butler
was the right choice for the phantom (he's too damn good-looking -
not hideous or disfigured enough) and he had no previous singing
experience. joel cast him on the basis of his looks and his stage
presence, which are all good, but the phantom needs to have a
beautiful, amazing voice. then again, the phantom is self-taught,
right, so maybe, just maybe, his voice is a bit rough. emmy rossum
can sing, and there is no doubt that she is beautiful, but isn't
christine golden-haired and blue-eyed in the novel? minnie driver
was good, but i think she tried TOO hard to act like a prima donna...too
many tantrums...and isn't carlotta spanish, not italian? anyway, i
might go see the film again with my sister who hasn't seen it, but
i hope and pray that i might have the chance to see the stage play
with michael crawford and sarah brightman. that would be
amazing!!! maybe ALW will eventually swallow his pride, get a new
director, and remake the phantom movie for the sake of phans
everywhere! ~alissa~
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Name: |
Ronald
Slater |
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Posted on: |
December 23, 2004 05:59 PM |
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E-Mail: |
rslater@ar-aero.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Where are you
from?: |
England |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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Name: |
Rebecca |
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Posted on: |
December 23, 2004 05:29 AM |
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E-Mail: |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
San
Francisco, CA |
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Referred By:
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Engine |
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Comments:
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The
movie was....CRAP, CRAP, CRAP! The sets and costumes were
un-impressive. The acting & singing was horrible. Emmy is young
but she appears as though she's had a few too many Botox
injections. Where's the emotion? Who the heck is she singing to
most of the time? Did she forget the words to the songs and have
to look on the ground for them? How about the body language of the
Phantom? Where was it? Obviously, the guy in the movie has never
seen Crawford or Davis Gaines as the Phantom. He could have piked
up a whole lot of tips from them.
How sad that a movie full of music and a story line that
usually gives me chills and makes my heart pound, left me feelig
cold, lifeless and angry.
What needs to happen is the ORIGINAL cast needs to get together
and perform on the stage again, but this time record it and put it
on DVD for sale just like they did with CATS!
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Name: |
SUE
MCKAY |
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Posted on: |
December 23, 2004 03:22 AM |
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E-Mail: |
retiredmckay@yahoo.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
CONNEAUT, OHIO |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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Name: |
Victoria |
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Posted on: |
December 23, 2004 12:52 AM |
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E-Mail: |
rubyhorse41@hotmail.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
west
midlands |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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Just
want to say you will never be beaten,although i love it (film)and
also reciet the dialogue everyday and night .you will never take
away the music of the night x
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Name: |
William
Barkley |
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Posted on: |
December 22, 2004 07:55 PM |
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E-Mail: |
M_E_Ghaleon900@yahoo.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Tucson,
AZ |
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Referred By:
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Search
Engine |
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Comments:
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I
signed this already before many months ago...but within the light
of the actual release of the film, I had to revisit the site I
held dear. I want to go see this movie...it is something I have
been wanting for many years now; ever since I was mesmerized by
Crawford's enchanting voice. However, upon returning to this site
and looking at all the press, I feel almost compelled to boycott a
movie I have been waiting to see for 5 years. There are two
remedies to this...one, to buy the rights to the entire franchise
and do it right...or slap ALW silly until he can swallow his
overenflated ego and pride and redo the movie in a few years time
correctly with an able director (Yes, I am slamming the current
director). I hope these come to pass before Crawford will no
longer be able to do it. An absolute disaster for Phans
everywhere.
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Name: |
Bill |
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Posted on: |
December 22, 2004 06:26 PM |
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E-Mail: |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Los
Angeles California |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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The
movie review from today's Los Angeles Times says it all:
"...SKIP THE MOVIE.."
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Name: |
Cris
Flogerzi |
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Posted on: |
December 22, 2004 02:53 PM |
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E-Mail: |
cristy1269@yahoo.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Panama
City, FL |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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Name: |
Sean |
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Posted on: |
December 22, 2004 02:44 PM |
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E-Mail: |
sean90@hotmail.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Canada |
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Referred By:
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Engine |
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Comments:
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I saw
the show once with my family and was stunned by the performance of
Mr. Crawford after seeing the film (though I did like it) it
wasn't as good as it could of been if Mr. Crawford himself was the
phantom
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Name: |
Sandy
Rawls |
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Posted on: |
December 22, 2004 12:54 PM |
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E-Mail: |
sandy.rawls@vdot.virginia.gov |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Richmond Virginia |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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I
recently tried to give benefit of the doubt,the movie trailers
with Gerard Butler and Emmy Rosen looked FABULOUS.Then I bought
the mivie sound track, and not since Electrlux, has anything
SUCKED,so badly. He hasn't the voice,the chops the passion, the
chill bump inspiring umph, that Michael Crawford has, it's true
the Man is the role. I could have even lived with Antonio Bandaras,
or Gaines Davis(the phantom i saw on Broadway better than this
total was of music. I will see the movie because the Phantom is my
all time favorite,but it will not be the same without the man who
was born to play it. Michael Crawford is truly missed by all his
Fans, he truly is an Angel of Music.
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Name: |
Pohlin |
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Posted on: |
December 22, 2004 08:36 AM |
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E-Mail: |
tehpohlin@yahoo.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Malaysia |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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I have
just seen the latest Phantom movie. Although I have not seen
Michael Crawford's Phantom , I know that no one can ever be the
Phantom except him. It is a real pity he was not given the movie
role. No one can sing like him. He is simply the only Phantom for
me!
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Name: |
Sharon |
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Posted on: |
December 22, 2004 08:10 AM |
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E-Mail: |
sharonstewart52@msn.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Hamilton Ontario |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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Name: |
Tammy
Dulaney |
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Posted on: |
December 22, 2004 01:07 AM |
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E-Mail: |
garfielda34@aol.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
California |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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It
would have been better not to make the movie at all than to make
it with lower standards. No one can compare to Michael Crawford!
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Name: |
Eric
French |
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Posted on: |
December 21, 2004 11:34 PM |
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E-Mail: |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Athens,
OH |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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First,
Schumacher tells Michael's fans to stay home, then Butler implies
that the movie cast is the first to bring ALW's version of POTO to
life & make the audience care about the characters.
Why are they trying so hard to make the movie flop ? Don't they
realize it's doing a fine job of that all on its own ?
A couple of minutes ago, a read a message in the guestbook of
the Michael Crawford International Fan Association from someone
who referred to themselves as Michael's " #1 youngest fan. " This
person said they thought Michael was very talented " and really
sexy, too. "
Are you reading this, Schumacher ?!
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Name: |
Rick
Iverson |
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Posted on: |
December 21, 2004 08:22 PM |
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E-Mail: |
rick_iverson@comcast.net |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
longmont, colorado usa |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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Name: |
Mary F. |
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Posted on: |
December 21, 2004 07:57 PM |
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E-Mail: |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Michigan |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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How
disappointing after waiting so long for the Phantom movie to have
no Michael Crawford. Put the stage show on DVD!
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Name: |
Amalia |
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Posted on: |
December 21, 2004 04:22 PM |
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E-Mail: |
ferrisphoto@yahoo.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Frazier
Park, California |
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Referred By:
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From a
Friend |
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Comments:
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This is
the day before Phantom is released in southern California and I
found it necessary to write my thoughts out. The media is coming
out with trailers of the film and the newspaper articles are all
out there, mainly to lure people to the movies. I saw a 15 min.
bit on HBO on "The Making of the Phantom Movie" and felt as
Phantom felt when the opera house continually went against his
wishes. Such as when Carlotta was cast instead of Christine. Sad
to say, Webber nor Schumacher don't understand the story. They
cast the wrong ones for the film just as in the story. They just
didn't get it.
As for the directing, well, take someone who gives you the
illusion of being in a roller coaster ride and flying thru the
masquerade scene and swooshing through other scenes which remind
you of being more in a Star Wars ship than giving you the feeling
of being there. Action scenes don't work for the Phantom movie.
Now we have the singing to deal with. All should be aware by
now that few can sing in this film. Those that do, do so with
little emotion. Emily Rossum looks like she would be better in
Secret Garden. What ever happened to at least considering some of
the acresses/singers who have played Christine on stage?
The movie may be somewhat of a hit only because there are
people out there who haven't seen the real thing. Also, nowadays,
have you noticed how films are rated successful, not on how well
performed, etc., rather on how much money it made at the box
office. So, it really is about money.
Meanwhile, wherever I am these days, I will be listening to
Michael and Sarah signing on my cd. This is the memory I will
always have of the Phantom of the Opera.
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Name: |
Paula
Kestler |
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Posted on: |
December 21, 2004 11:01 AM |
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E-Mail: |
paula.kestler@us.army.mil |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Maryland |
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Referred By:
|
Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
|
I have
seen the Phantom five times in New York and nothing beats the live
performances. I would like to see Michael Crawford play the movie
role.
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Name: |
Diane |
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Posted on: |
December 20, 2004 08:29 PM |
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E-Mail: |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
|
Omigod,
I just watched these clips of the movie, and I scarcely know where
to begin.
http://videodetective.com/home.asp?PublishedID=901769
It is all so awful, it is difficult to decide what has thrown
me the most.
This is NOT the film I imagined.
PONR is disgusting, MOTN is terrible. Masquerade is just odd,
what is up with that weird vogue dancing stuff? And I do not like
the costumes at all. Ever seen Labyrinth? Those were costumes...
Don't get me started on Carlotta... THAT is who is getting the
rave reviews? I do not like this interpretation at all!
The Phantom looks like Zorro. The black gloves are NOT what
almost every Phantom I ever saw on stage was about; the use of
hands and body language, along with the voice of an angel. What
happened to sensuality, elegance, mystery, magic, and pain?
What a sellout, and parts are just CHEESY.
Thanks alot Andrew.
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Name: |
Jane |
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Posted on: |
December 20, 2004 06:18 PM |
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E-Mail: |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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Anyone
who has seen POTO many times can tell you that it is two very
different shows. It can be a powerful moving story of a tortured
disfigured man who never knew love or it can be a show with no
heart or soul that leaves people talking about the scenery, the
candles and THAT chandelier. It all depends on the actor playing
the phantom. The chandelier show, as we called the latter, is all
looks and no substance.
The reviews of the movie that I have read all seem to be
talking about the "chandelier" show. The best reviews are for the
look of the show. (Well, it should look good; Maria Bjornsen
managed to make the stage show look spectacular with a lot less
money than the moviemakers had.) The opening is getting some
raves. It's pretty sad when the highlight of the film occurs in
the opening sequences. The early buzz was all about Minnie Driver
(who is dubbed). How odd. Don't think I've ever seen reviews for
the show that focused on Carlotta. Not a good sign.
Phantom fans deserved more than the chandelier show. But to get
that requires an extraordinary phantom. Butler isn't one. Crawford
was.
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|
Name: |
Summer |
|
Posted on: |
December 20, 2004 06:08 PM |
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E-Mail: |
,summerelijah@aol.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
,California |
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Referred By:
|
Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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Well I
am glad that Emmy Rousum has an okay voice. But I do not like
gerrys singing it just doen't flow! Why did they have to "sexy" up
Erik? He's already Sexy. But they ruined him in my opinion. I need
to go listen to more clips from the movie so I can get more used
to gerrys' voice *cries*
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Name: |
Trinidad |
|
Posted on: |
December 20, 2004 05:39 PM |
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E-Mail: |
gtrini1010@nyc.rr.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
New
York |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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Name: |
Vincent
Lovell |
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Posted on: |
December 20, 2004 04:42 PM |
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E-Mail: |
vincelovell@yahoo.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Raleigh
NC |
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Referred By:
|
Search
Engine |
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Comments:
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I am
upset that the original and only Phantom, Michael Crawford should
have the title and starring role in this film. In addition, Sarah
Brightman needs to be Christine. I missed a chance to see the
original cast on Broadway 18 years ago and have regretted it ever
since. Maybe there will be a recasting of Phantom of the Opera
with the original cast. We can only hope and pray that will
happen.
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Name: |
don |
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Posted on: |
December 20, 2004 07:27 AM |
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E-Mail: |
dondudley@excite.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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Ooops...I
guess its good to proof read....I meant take them to the broadway
show first!
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|
Name: |
Don
Dudley |
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Posted on: |
December 20, 2004 07:23 AM |
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E-Mail: |
dondudley@excite.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Philadelphia area |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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I am
taking my sons to NYC to see the musical, which I have previously
seen. I am so glad I found this web page. We were thinking of
going to the movie but now I am not sure. It may be a good idea to
take them to the movie first so they can see and hear how it is
done correctly. Then we can rent the movie when its relased on
video which should be soon based on the horrific reviews.
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|
Name: |
Kathleen |
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Posted on: |
December 19, 2004 11:21 PM |
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E-Mail: |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Washington, DC |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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I have
been a fan of this page and the campaign for a while, and was very
disappointed when I heard the battle had been lost. Viewing the
trailors for the movie put it into a very good light, and I was
ever hopeful that perhaps this film could still be just what we've
all been waiting for. Upon listening to the soundtrack however (a
purchase I blame entirely on curiosity and my incurable Phantom
addiction) I realized that the movie will not be a perfect
reproduction of the stage show we've come to adore. Far from it,
thanks to the horrid singing capabilities of certain cast members,
most notably Mr. Butler as Erik, the Phantom. Why they hired
someone with virtually no vocal talent to play the most pivotal
role in the entire show is beyond my realm of understanding. And
Ms. Rossum as Christine can sing well enough when she really
tries, but does not sound like she has been studying opera for at
least 10 years. It is almost impossible to believe someone with
that voice is portraying a woman who dazzled 19th century Paris
with her astounding, angelic, never-before-heard singing. She is
most certainly no Sarah Brightman, and Gerard Butler is about as
far from Michael Crawford as one can be. Michael Crawford made
that role is own; he won a Tony award for his amazing portrayal
and his smooth-as-silk voice has been captured on the OLC
recording forever. It is that very voice which people now
associate with the role of Erik, and his performance deserved to
be immortalized as well. I was too young and therefore not
fortunate enough to see Mr. Crawford in Phantom, and now I don't
think I ever will. What a terrible waste of such rare talent.
Shame on you, Andrew Lloyd Webber, for selfishly depriving the
world of Michael Crawford's incomparable genuis all for the sake
of casting a "pretty face."
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|
Name: |
Linda
White |
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Posted on: |
December 19, 2004 06:48 PM |
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E-Mail: |
lindamwhite@msn.com |
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Homepage Title: |
msn |
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Homepage URL:
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netzero |
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Where are you
from?: |
south
bend, IN |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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i loved
michael crawford in the musical and i can't wait to see movie and
i wish it stared Michael
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Name: |
Debbie
Brown |
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Posted on: |
December 19, 2004 01:54 PM |
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E-Mail: |
choir10@cox.net |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
VA |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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Name: |
Caroline Bakker |
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Posted on: |
December 19, 2004 10:27 AM |
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E-Mail: |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Tennessee |
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Referred By:
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Search
Engine |
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Comments:
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I never
got to see Michael Crawford, but his music speaks for itself. I
visited the movie website, and I am disappointed by the lack of
form as well as talent in the singers. I am, though, excited just
to get to see the whole story played out, though it will not be
nearly as good as if Crawford, THE Phantom had done it.
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|
Name: |
Lisa
Magill |
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Posted on: |
December 19, 2004 12:32 AM |
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E-Mail: |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
California |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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I love
Michael Crawford. He has great voice when he sings. I will always
be a huge fan of him. I have alot of his cd's that he did and I
always play them all the time.
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Name: |
Karen
Dick |
|
Posted on: |
December 18, 2004 09:16 PM |
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E-Mail: |
castleb@pulsenet.com |
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Homepage Title: |
Castle
Blood |
|
Homepage URL:
|
www.castleblood.com |
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Where are you
from?: |
Pittsburgh, PA USA |
|
Referred By:
|
Just
Surfed On In |
|
Comments:
|
I have
not seen the movie yet and am trying to keep an open mind, but
have heard the soundtrack in the last week and Gerard Butler is
*no* Michael Crawford.
I have been a Michael Crawford fan since he was in "A Funny
Thing Happened On The Way to the Forum" 'way too many years ago. I
have seen POTO on stage 4 times (in London, NYC, and twice in
LA)--once was with Crawford, and the subtleties and depth he
brought to the role just blew me away. ANY of those 4 stage actors
would have been an improvement over Gerard Butler.
I don't understand the logic of depriving Crawford of the role
he originated. I sure was hoping that the Powers That Be would let
Crawford play the Phantom in the film, just as Ellen Greene got to
play the role she originated in the Westwood Playhouse when the
musical of Little Shop of Horrors became a film. Alas, it was not
to be.
I will probably see the film (can't help looking at car wrecks,
either), but I will definitely miss Michael Crawford's presence.
It could have been a great film; now it is just a mediocre one
with pretty costumes and sets.
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|
Name: |
Colin
Jones |
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Posted on: |
December 18, 2004 06:31 AM |
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E-Mail: |
skrjones@lineone.net. |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Yorkshire |
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Referred By:
|
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Engine |
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Comments:
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I
watched the file with my wife and she was blown away... I was not,
period.
The casting of the Phantom has destroyed the film and his
singing instead of having feeling is too often shouting to music.
I have both CD releases and to compare them back to back is
shameful Crawford was robbed of his chance.
However i would say that the rest of the casting is pretty
good, who would HAVE thought Jennifer "Chunky Chips" Ellison would
have done such a good job as Meg (I presume she was dubbed tho?)
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|
Name: |
Melissa |
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Posted on: |
December 18, 2004 12:14 AM |
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E-Mail: |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Wisconsin |
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Referred By:
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Engine |
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Comments:
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As I
pour over these messages, I'm relieved to see as many people upset
about the casting for this film version. I think both the Phantom
and Chrisine were grossly miscast. I would also like to offer
another reason why I'm so upset. As an opera student, I am
constantly fighting an uphill battle to prove that my choice of
study is one of legitimate art in our society. I, as well as
thousands of other musicians in my position, look up to and rely
on people like ALW to remain true to the art form and those people
who work in performing it. I am appalled that a man of such
talent, who has given us some of the most startling and moving
music of our time could "sell out". How could you do it-casting
young and attractive instead of talent? People aren't going to the
film version of POTO to see thier favorite hollywood star, they're
going because they love the music. Unfortunatly, they're going to
be disappointed.
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|
Name: |
Tricia |
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Posted on: |
December 17, 2004 11:05 PM |
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E-Mail: |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
New
Jersey |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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I saw
this review of the original cast album and knew I had to post it
here. It describes all the things that are missing from the
current movie and soundtrack. It also touches on Michael
Crawford's performance, which to this day is one of the most
incredible live performances I have ever had the privilege of
seeing. The review was found at the Barnes and Noble web site.
"As much a brand name as a composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber never
does anything In a small way. 1988's The Phantom of The Opera,
perhaps the finest effort of Lord Webber's career, began life with
a particularly human heart beating at its center: Michael
Crawford's Phantom. The very last word in swoony romanticism,
honey-tenored Crawford stormed Broadway and jumped-started a
late-career revival that has yet to slow down. This double-disc,
original cast recording also features costar Sarah Brightman (the
former Mrs. Lloyd Webber), who uses her powerful voice to stunning
advantage on "All I Ask of You" and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here
Again." Crawford's gorgeous, hushed vocal dazzles in the memorable
showpiece, "The Music of the Night," as spectacular and definitive
a Broadway moment as any in the last half-century." David Cohen
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|
Name: |
BreAnna
Wenz |
|
Posted on: |
December 17, 2004 08:30 PM |
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E-Mail: |
lero_zero@hotmail.com |
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Homepage Title: |
Google |
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Homepage URL:
|
google.com |
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Where are you
from?: |
Utah,
United States |
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Referred By:
|
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Engine |
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Comments:
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I have
loved the musical ever since I started listening to it. Then every
time something new happens with it, my love grows stronger.
Michael's voice in the original cast CD is one of my favorites.
Now I have come to love his Christmas and his Disney songs as
well.
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|
Name: |
Di |
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Posted on: |
December 17, 2004 03:48 PM |
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E-Mail: |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
|
I just
picked this up on a Phantom phan webboard run by a friend of mine.
I have quite a rant to give, and this seems like a good place to
do it. Gerard Butler gave an interview apparently to a Norwegian
magazine, and here is a portion of what he had to say:
"It was important to me to learn to sing, but not TOO good. In
movies, singing is more about emotions, while at the stage there's
more about the singing. That's what I thought when I saw the stage
version - it was so incredible gorgeous music, and it was
performed so amazingly good - but I was not touched emotionally. I
think the movie will do that. It's been important to me to make
the role come alive so that people can identify with him."
Other than I find this completely condescending and terribly
insulting to the actors who have performed Phantom over the
years... I do not know what Phantom he saw in the show, but when I
saw it with Michael Crawford in the role, people were CRYING all
around me and I was personally shaking. The show's emotion is
hinged on the Phantom... and check this out Gerry... he is
supposed to be seducing Christine with his VOICE first and
foremost, and not a sporting tan, chest showing, and being in
general a piece of beefcake that sings with a vast amount of
mediocrity.
It is so depressing, to have been a fan for 14 years, wait over
a dozen for a film that you were so looking forward to... And then
get not only a substandard Phantom, but one that thinks it is just
fine that a role that should have been a classic and an
immortalized performance vocally along with the physical shouldn't
be sung "TOO good."
Makes me want to drop a chandelier myself. :(
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|
Name: |
CARIG
KING |
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Posted on: |
December 17, 2004 12:33 PM |
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E-Mail: |
BABSANDCARIG'TISCALI.CO,UK |
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Homepage Title: |
MICHAEL
CRAWFORD |
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Homepage URL:
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NO |
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Where are you
from?: |
HAVERFORDWEST |
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Referred By:
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E-Mail |
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Comments:
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HI NAME
IS CARIG KING I LIKE MICHAEL CRAWFORD AND I LIKE THE PHANTOM OFTHE
OPERA AND I LIKE MICHAEL CRAWFORD SONGS FROM OF THE SHOW IN LODON
HE MADE THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA I HOPE TO SEE MICHAEL CRAWFORD
ONE DAY IN THE MOVIE IN 2005 THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME HAVE XMAS
LOVE CARIG KING
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Name: |
Jemma
Smithson |
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Posted on: |
December 16, 2004 06:27 PM |
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E-Mail: |
jemmasmithson@hotmail.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Blackpool |
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Referred By:
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Engine |
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Comments:
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|
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Name: |
Linda
Kirscht |
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Posted on: |
December 16, 2004 04:15 PM |
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E-Mail: |
LKirscht@aol.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Colorado |
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Referred By:
|
Search
Engine |
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Comments:
|
I saw
Michael Crawford in "Phantom" twice and am so disappointed that
Webber and others chose to change the characters in the film. My
daughter (who was 10 at the time she first heard "Phantom," 12
when she first saw Crawford in "Phantom," and is now 26) fell in
love with musicals, operas, and theatre simply due to that
performace. In fact, her Honors Thesis in college was on "Phantom"
and she graduated magna cum laude because of it. They were totally
wrong to think that young people wouldn't flock to see Crawford.
The movie sounds as if it will be a failure, and that is a shame.
It could have been brilliant. Thank you for keeping up the page.
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|
Name: |
Dario
Dalla Costa |
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Posted on: |
December 15, 2004 09:31 PM |
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E-Mail: |
dario.dallacosta@deakin.edu.au |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Australia |
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Referred By:
|
Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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Frankly, I am not surprised by what Hollywood and ALW have done.
It's been repeated so many times in the past where artistic
integrity has been replaced by greed.
|
|
Name: |
Louise
DeMasi |
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Posted on: |
December 15, 2004 08:16 PM |
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E-Mail: |
Louise637@aol.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Phila
PA |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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Name: |
Kim |
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Posted on: |
December 15, 2004 06:19 PM |
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E-Mail: |
k_manstead@hotmail.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
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Referred By:
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Search
Engine |
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Comments:
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I did
not know that they were thinking about having him then not! I grew
up with Michael as the Phantom! I cannot ever imagine another one
then they came out with another one (the movie) and i was so
stoked then i came in here and i am like WHOA hit hard! dang!
Michael is like way good no not good FABULOUS! he needs to be the
phantom forever!!!
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|
Name: |
John
Schweitzer |
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Posted on: |
December 14, 2004 09:14 PM |
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E-Mail: |
Trek33@concentric.net |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Apple
Valley,Mn. |
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Referred By:
|
Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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I just
heard about the release of the Movie and am disappointed that
Michael is not the Phantom. I hope that I may get a chance to see
him in the title role someday.
|
|
Name: |
John
Schweitzer |
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Posted on: |
December 14, 2004 09:12 PM |
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E-Mail: |
Trek33@concentric.net |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Apple
Valley,Mn. |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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|
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Name: |
Dvorah
Bat-Zion |
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Posted on: |
December 14, 2004 06:31 PM |
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E-Mail: |
dvorahruth@yahoo.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Memphis, TN |
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Referred By:
|
Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
|
I
cannot believe they would have the gaul not to make sure they had
the one true PHANTOM i.e. Michael Crawford star in the flim. There
is no way the production can be as powerful as the play. Shame
Shame, Shame on Hollywood!!!!
|
|
Name: |
Lois
Jeanne |
|
Posted on: |
December 14, 2004 05:24 PM |
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E-Mail: |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
California |
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Referred By:
|
Just
Surfed On In |
|
Comments:
|
Now
that the movie is out and it stinks, why can't Lloyd Webber
release Phantom with Michael and Sarah (or Dale) on DVD? He must
have them doing the show on tape somewhere in his vaults....Just
release it and let everyone see the show done the way it should be
done...The right way!
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Name: |
Rachelle |
|
Posted on: |
December 14, 2004 11:50 AM |
|
E-Mail: |
littlelotte2003@yahoo.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
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Referred By:
|
Search
Engine |
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Comments:
|
I
totally agree that the Phantom needs to be Michael Crawford. No
one can sing the part of the phantom like he can. I heard the
trailer of the movie and Gerard Butler is not nearly as good as
Michael Crawford. Plus Emmy Rossum is not nearly as good as Sarah
Brightman; not to mention she is only 17. I think the original
cast is much better and that the movie will be nothing like the
musical.
|
|
Name: |
Jida
Malas |
|
Posted on: |
December 14, 2004 05:05 AM |
|
E-Mail: |
um_aljooj@yahoo.com |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
Syria |
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Referred By:
|
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Engine |
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Comments:
|
as much
as i was happy to hear that the Phantom of the Opera movie version
is finally out is as much as i was disappointed that Michael was
not the Phantom! i cannot imagine the Phantom's voice to be anyone
else's....
|
|
Name: |
Well,who are YOU? |
|
Posted on: |
December 13, 2004 08:54 PM |
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E-Mail: |
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Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
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Where are you
from?: |
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Referred By:
|
Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
|
There
is still hope,peeps.
ALW made this mistake with Evita-and it did poorly.
It seems like he might have to dub Crawford's voice(if not do a
reshoot) in a re-release just to meet the production costs.
He might get a clue.Let's keep on praying!
|
|
Name: |
galassia argentiana |
|
Posted on: |
December 13, 2004 09:28 AM |
|
E-Mail: |
|
|
Homepage Title: |
il
mondo argentiano |
|
Homepage URL:
|
http://www.witchstory.com |
|
Where are you
from?: |
roma |
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Referred By:
|
Just
Surfed On In |
|
Comments:
|
Anteprima da urlo da Phantom, con Dario Argento, Vanzina e altri
v.i.p. Reportage.
|
|
Name: |
S.M.G.L |
|
Posted on: |
December 12, 2004 01:53 PM |
|
E-Mail: |
sglrml@btopenworld.com |
|
Homepage Title: |
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Homepage URL:
|
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Where are you
from?: |
England |
|
Referred By:
|
Just
Surfed On In |
|
Comments:
|
Hi! I
am a big fan of 'The Phantom of the Opera'. I have seen the film
version of the musical and I would just like to say that I am
really disappointed in it. There are several things in that movie
that are wrong. Gerard Butler simply cannot sing, the way he just
breaks up some of those notes in Music of the Night, and he hardly
put any feeling into it whatsoever! It was supposed to be a love
song and I don't know about you but it didn't seem very romantic
to me, even my mum agrees! Emmy Rossum was in a way good but she
just wasn't Christine Daae. It seems that everyone in the entire
movie was not a singer but an actor. Have people forgetten that
this film is meant to be a musical? The only one who did well in
singing was whoever dubbed Minnie Driver's voice. The only other
thing that was good was the scenery, the camera angles and the
effects but that's all. By the look of it, the people who made
this film obviously had donkey dung for brains. The way this film
has been presented, I frankly am very upset to say that it has
turned the world's greatest and most successful musical into a
disaster!!! I would have loved Michael Crawford to have been in it
along with Sarah Brightman. I think that they are just perfect as
The Phantom and Christine. It's just a shame that at the time the
idea was brought up there were complications. I have often wished
that I could travel through time back to 1986 to see the original
London cast performing the show. Unfortunately I wasn't around at
the time and wouldn't be for another three years. As far as I'm
concerned, 'Phantom' should never have been brought to the screen.
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Name: |
Julie |
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Posted on: |
December 12, 2004 07:11 AM |
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Where are you
from?: |
Memphis |
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Referred By:
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Just
Surfed On In |
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Comments:
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This
just breaks my heart. To wait so long and then see who they have
cast. How did Andrew stomach listening to the cast destroy his
masterpiece????
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