How Sweet It Is

How Sweet It Is is an eclectic fusion of music, comedy, and insightful character drama, directed by Brian Herzlinger and released in 2013. The movie features an exciting ensemble of notable stars including Joe Piscopo, Paul Sorvino, along with the impressive Erika Christensen.

How Sweet It Is is centered on the life of Jack Cosmo (played by Joe Piscopo), a washed-up Broadway director and famous choreographer who gained fame during his heydays but then fell into obscurity, as he battles his individual struggles and personal failures. The audience is taken on a whirlpool ride of emotions as they experience the concurrent rise and fall of the protagonist's life.

The movie takes a significant turn when Jack Cosmo gets an unlikely opportunity to put up a play, but with an unusual team. This opportunity is provided by Big Mike (played by Paul Sorvino), a formidable mob boss, as a means for his son to kickstart his own acting career. The plot thickens as Jack is forced to direct a musical which involves convicts instead of trained Broadway professionals. The logistics of this arrangement cause fresh hilarity and some tension while also providing Jack an incredible chance to redeem himself professionally and personally.

Erika Christensen, in the role of Sarah, creates a captivating presence and brings a unique energy into the plot. She successfully adds depth and sensitivity to her role and creates a charming dynamic with the other characters, making the plot more engaging and gripping.

The quirkiness of How Sweet It Is could be perceived in its humor and nuance. It’s a unique movie that looks into the world of Broadway in an unconventional way by creating a distinct blend of comedy and drama set against the backdrop of a world rarely associated with art or creativity. The film beautifully depicts how art can survive and thrive in the most contrasting scenarios and unexpected places.

Moreover, the movie flows smoothly with the occasional melodic interludes and songs that add a distinct Broadway feel and a vibrant energy to the narrative’s core. The desperation of characters trying to find a sense of purpose, love, and acceptance in a world that has mostly abandoned them provides an emotional depth to the film.

The movie’s casting is excellent, with Joe Piscopo delivering a powerful performance as Jack Cosmo, while Paul Sorvino continues to show his distinctive talent and versatility in a role that is anything but ordinary. Erika Christensen creates a touching and relatable character, displaying impressive acting skills.

How Sweet It Is is far from the cliché musical dramas. The movie goes beyond comedy, interweaving moments of truth, forgiveness, and redemption, which have a significant impact on the viewer. This combination of emotion and humor makes the movie a unique blend of heartrending yet entertaining experience.

On the technical front, the movie features an invigorating score, which though reminiscent of classic Broadway musicals, remains fresh and engaging. The cinematography is vivid, capturing the distinctive environments of Broadway and the prison convincingly. The screenplay and dialogues are thoughtfully crafted, ensuring a smooth narrative flow and punctuated with humor that is at times witty, at times slapstick, but always entertaining.

In summary, How Sweet It Is is a charming concoction of humour, music, and drama set in an unusual environment and dealing with themes of redemption and self-discovery. It successfully manages to find the perfect balance between being a light-hearted comedy and maintaining a profound depth in its content that will make the viewers reflect.

The spirit of staying true to one’s passion, irrespective of circumstances, forms the crux of the movie. Vital life lessons are subtly woven into the narrative, making this film an enjoyable and constructive cinematic experience. Anyone who appreciates the harmony between comedy and profound life messages, all set against a theatre backdrop, will find How Sweet It Is to be a delightful watch.