TICK, TICK. . . BOOM!

TICK, TICK. . . BOOM! is an extremely well-made, entertaining musical about an aspiring playwright racing to complete the work he hopes will lead to Broadway. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s directorial debut keeps moving, with music interspersed throughout the story, and Andrew Garfield gives a great performance as a creative genius under pressure.

The film’s family-content rating is −2 because its secondary storyline centers on the AIDS epidemic ravaging New York City’s theater community. Jonathan’s best friends are being treated for AIDS, and the characters make a plea for same-sex marriage and gay rights. The movie also contains five obscenities, one use of Jesus’ name as profanity, sexual content, upper male nudity, tobacco smoking, and drug references.

So, adults who can thoughtfully engage those themes may find the film worthwhile. For children and young teens, choose something else.

Jonathan Larson has spent years writing a musical but has not found a producer. At last, someone offers to hold a workshop, where agents and producers can watch the show and consider bringing it to Broadway or Off Broadway.

Jonathan sees this as his chance to break through before turning 30. But the musical is missing its most important song: the main character’s song. He now has only a short time to finish it.

Four stars means this is an exceptionally strong entertainment experience. The film is extremely well made and entertaining throughout, keeping its momentum as music and story work together.

It gives viewers a sense of what it is like to be a creative artist pursuing a major breakthrough in the entertainment industry. This is Lin-Manuel Miranda’s directorial debut, and the source review says his personal connection to the story is clear. Andrew Garfield also does a great job as Jonathan, an aspiring creative genius.

The film presents a romantic worldview centered on following one’s heart. That can affirm passion and creative purpose, but it differs from a biblical view when personal desire becomes the final guide for life. Scripture calls people to trust God rather than rely solely on their own understanding.

The story also includes homosexual content. Characters make a plea for homosexual marriage and gay rights, while other characters are HIV-positive and dying of AIDS. The AIDS epidemic ravaging New York City’s theater community is a major secondary storyline, giving the film heavy themes that require adult discernment.

The film’s central longing is to fulfill a deeply desired purpose before time runs out. Biblical wisdom redirects that longing toward trust in God: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

TICK, TICK. . . BOOM! is a deeply entertaining, extremely well-made musical drama with a strong performance from Andrew Garfield. Its heavy themes and mature content make it unsuitable for children and young teens. For discerning adults, it is WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY. For younger viewers, consider our.