THE PROM

I am not a James Corden fan. (Probably because I am never awake after 11 pm.)  But I think the attacks on his performance in The Prom were totally unjustified. His performance was not "homophobic" nor "grossly inappropriate" or some of the crueler comments made by unsophisticated critics. Mr.Corden gave an excellent performance and was ideal in the role. It also would be easier to imagine him playing FDR in the opening than Nathan Lane or the black actor that so many critics wanted in the role. I'm surprised that Christi Carras and other critics weren't harder on the film itself. Though well-meaning the film was somewhat insipid, over the top, and only saved by the star performances of Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Andrew Rannells and, yes, James Corden. There were far too many similar songs, gymnastic dances, glittery outfits and predictable situations. The theme would have been better served if Emma's dilemma had led to more students at the Indiana high school coming out of the closet rather than recruits from nationwide social media. To my mind this was basically today's version of Bye Bye Birdie with far less memorable music.