Parents' Guide to Cyrano

The musical components turn this classic tale of well-intentioned romantic deception into a beautiful, unexpected cinematic experience. The story may be set centuries ago, but the storytelling elements feel modern, especially the diverse cast and the pop-inspired soundtrack. It's thrilling, if occasionally off-kilter. The production design, cinematography, costumes, hair, and makeup are simultaneously tantalizing, wonderful, and woeful (e.g., the garishly messy pancake makeup and stylized wigs). The dialogue is intoxicating, and the dance numbers are a marvel, with soldiers gracefully slipping into ballet moves, the effect as soothing as silk sheets blowing gently in the wind.

That said, the songs themselves may be jarring on first watch. Dinklage is a powerful and phenomenal actor, and Cyrano's secret heartache is all over his face. But Dinklage's gorgeous baritone voice doesn't quite pass muster as a singer -- he's not bad, but it's doubtful he'd win a karaoke contest, much less headline a musical. Bennett and Harrison's vocal abilities are far stronger, but there are some oddities, too. While the other songs were performed live for the camera during filming, Bennett lip-syncs to her own vocals for "I Need More," which is shot like a pop princess music video -- it's distracting and feels out of place. And respected performers including Glen Hansard and Scott Folan play soldiers who sing their swan song in the heartbreaking "Wherever I Fall" -- but one sings with a country twang, another a curt British lilt, which stands out since the core cast speaks with neutral American accents. All of this means that Cyrano isn't going to be for everyone, but for some -- especially for those who love love -- this twisty tale could become a favorite.