The Producers (2005)

Based on the multi-Tony Award-winning musical, which itself was based on the 1967 film written and directed by Mel Brooks, this film tells the story of two men and their crazy scheme to make millions of dollars.

Broadway producer Max Bialystock (Nathan Lane) is at his wits' end. He hasn't had a successful show in years; every single show he produces seems to fail. His latest show, Funny Boy - a musical-comedy retelling of William Shakespeare's Hamlet - closed on its opening night.

Public accountant Leopold Bloom (Matthew Broderick) is assigned to look over Bialystock's accounts. He notices that there is a discrepancy in the books for Max's latest show, to the tune of two thousand dollars: funds raised that were not spent on the show itself, given that it closed so quickly. He mentions to Max that under the right circumstances, a producer could make more money with a flop than he could with a hit, as the show would close long before it cost the full amount of investment.

Max Bialystock (Nathan Lane) and Leo Bloom (Matthew Broderick).

At this, Max's ears prick up, and he and Leo hatch a plan to make a lot of money in a short amount of time. They decide to find the worst script they can - a show that is sure to close as quickly as possible - hire the worst director and the worst actors, raise much more money than the show will require, open - and quickly close - the show, taking their money and heading to Rio.

The script they come across is titled 'Springtime for Hitler' - basically a love letter to Adolf and Eva Peron - written by former Nazi soldier now living in New York, Franz Liebkind (Will Ferrell), who is over the moon that they have shown interest in his script, believing he can finally clear the Führer's name.

They hire the worst director they know, Roger DeBris (Gary Beach), who wants to make the show 'as gay as possible', as he believes this is what a Broadway show needs to succeed. DeBris, his personal assistant Carmen Ghia (Roger Bart), and the rest of his production team set about bringing the show to life.

Franz Liebkind (Will Ferrell).

The first actor hired is Swedish beauty Ulla (Uma Thurman), who is hired as Leo and Max's secretary/receptionist, and later cast as Eva Peron. Max and Leo both think they have a chance with Ulla romantically, which is technically the only reason they hired her in the first place.

Everything seems to be going to plan, until the show proves to be the biggest hit on Broadway in years.

The screenplay, written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, is basically identical to the book of the Broadway musical; indeed, it was these two who wrote the book, and the film is basically a screen realisation of the show. There are one or two songs - and scenes - missing from the film, but these are cut primarily for length and cinematic flow (these songs/scenes do feature in the supplementary material on the DVD of the film). As you might expect if you are familiar with Mel Brooks - and certainly if you have seen the musical, or the original film - the screenplay is absolutely hilarious.

The songs were all written - both music and lyrics - by Mel Brooks, and are likewise hilarious, and very well-written. The film's soundtrack also features underscoring, written by Glen Kelly, which utilises themes and motifs from the show's score, expanding and re-using them in a more traditional cinematic context.

Ulla (Uma Thurman).

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this film - aside from the comedy itself - is the choreography of the numerous big dance numbers. Choreographer Susan Stroman - who also was the film's director - has done an incredible job bringing these songs and dances to life. They are all well-matched to the tone of the rest of the musical, and have a very 'Mel Brooks' feel to them.

The cast performances are also good, with the definite standouts being Lane and Broderick. These two Broadway alumni - who also premiered their same roles on Broadway when the show opened - are truly in their element here. Having worked together numerous times before, they have a great chemistry together, and play off each other exceptionally well. Will Ferrell also does very well as Liebkind (he did not play the role on Broadway, but certainly has made it his own here), his excellent comic timing and delivery are perfect for the character.

Director Susan Stroman has made a wonderfully enjoyable film here, a fantastic adaptation of a very successful Broadway musical. No matter how many times I watch this film - and it has been a few at this point - I enjoy every single moment of it. If you haven't seen it yet, you absolutely must watch it soon (also check out the original 1967 film, which stars Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder as Bialystock and Bloom).

8 out of 10.