The question having been asked will be begged throughout the film. An incredible ensemble ably directed cannot overcome the hollow ring of emptiness. A point that is totally lost in both the stage musical and this film. The simple and profound beauty of this question lies in its inherent appeal to the eternal and transcendent. In philosophy and logic there is a fallacy known as “begging the question.” The one resounding question of this film is value and purpose in life and answers are in short supply. The film opens with a stirring recital of the song “Seasons of Love” (the opening song of Act II in the Broadway musical) and asks the question, “How do you measure the life of a woman or a man?” This question sets the film’s tone and establishes the theme that will carry the development arch of the characters. This is enough to argue Columbus’ place among the ranks of elite directors like Spielberg, Gibson, Howard, Reiner and others. That difficulty noted, also note the inherent difficulty of pulling off a musical of any genre, much less a musical drama.
With a long string of comedic hits to his credit it is difficult to say that, without doubt, this is one of the best films of Columbus’ already impressive career. If, from a technical and artistic perspective, there were any doubts about Chris Columbus’ ability to direct the film adaptation of a critically acclaimed Broadway musical.doubt no more.