tick, tick…BOOM! completely won me over; it’s a truly remarkable film. The movie recounts an affecting story that blends inspiration with sadness, and the direction by Lin-Manuel Miranda manages to convey both of those feelings exceptionally well. The historical context of the AIDS crisis provides a sobering contrast to the upbeat music, highlighting the challenges of the time and hinting at Jonathan Larson's fate. …

I remember learning about Jonathan Larson, who wrote "Rent" and other works, way back in 1996, and I was really curious to see how Lin-Manuel Miranda would approach his story. While he’s become recognized within the theater world, Larson was dealing with a difficult time as a songwriter in 1989 and 1990. The film shows him struggling with relationships, money problems, an unenthusiastic agent, and creative roadblocks…

I have to say that "tick, tick…BOOM!" is easily among the best films I’ve seen all year. The music really sticks with you; it's catchy and fantastic, and the actors are incredibly gifted. Lin-Manuel Miranda has created what feels like a truly remarkable musical film for our time. The songs are consistently strong—"30/90" is particularly excellent—and they all contribute to the story in a meaningful way, helping to…