Prom com with a straight face
THE PROM Cert 12 ★ ★ ★
On Netflix now
If Jamie Oliver’s jerk rice was offensive, is it OK for James Corden to dive hips first into gay stereotypes? If, like me, you’re a bit confused by the rules around “cultural appropriation”, you might find his mincing entrance into this comedy musical rather perplexing.
It felt more suited to a 1980s variety show than a 2020 Netflix movie. Has a road just opened up for a Duncan “Chase Me” Norvelle comeback?
Thankfully, camp Corden doesn’t completely hog the limelight in Glee director Ryan Murphy’s glitzy adaptation of a 2016 stage musical. He plays one of three attention- seeking Broadway stars – diva Dee Dee ( Meryl Streep), “gay as a box of wigs” Barry ( Corden) and chorus girl Angie ( Nicole Kidman).
After their Broadway show f lops, singing barman Trent ( Andrew Rannells) hits on a PR stunt. A bible- bashing town has made headlines for banning lesbian Emma ( Jo Ellen Pellman) from taking her sweetheart Alyssa ( Ariana Debose) to her school prom.
“We’re liberals from Broadway!” shouts Trent as the misguided foursome gatecrash a PTA meeting in protest. Pitting bigoted red state Americans against smug blue state liberals is full of comedic potential. But, after an intriguing set- up, it loses its edge with each Broadway star given their own momentum- sapping subplot. The satire, along with gay student Emma, is edged off stage.
There are some sharp lyrics and a couple of decent tunes. Rannells is excellent, and Streep and Kidman, while hardly stretched, provide the requisite amount of showbiz pizzazz.
Corden’s performance, I suspect, will be a matter of taste. He can hold a tune but I couldn’t buy him as everyone’s lovable, fabulous, gay best friend.
You might find Corden’s mincing entrance into this musical perplexing