Rich Hutchman As The Phantom

Phantom fans need not fear that this film comes from the Disney channel. Although the plot continues the grand tradition of drifting away from Leroux’s novel, it is superb as fan as children’s versions go. The film begins with a clip of Chaney’s unmasking and a voice-over telling of how Phantom of the Opera was an old theater’s first film. When the building was blown up, a man was trapped inside according to legend. Now the new multiplex theatre the Grande sits directly on the same site, and the Phantom is rumored to be lurking about, causing trouble.

So of course on the night of a very important Hollywood premiere the Phantom strikes with a vengeance. Every person at the theatre is suspect. Is it Movie Mason who has a basement hangout complete with Phantom posters, angry over his dismissal? Is it one of the ‘sick workers who will miss the premiere? It could even be the local jock, out to make the teen assistant manager look bad. Another possibility is the underpaid projectionist who complains of getting no credit. Which is odd considering one employee works for nothing. But that Phantom is, as you find out in the end is…. general manager Shawn!

Which is a bit of a letdown one thinks, for how cruel he is towards his workers. If he isn’t belittling one of the girls, or shouting like a drill sergeant, he is rudely evicting Movie Mason a true gentleman of the movies. He is also whiny, abrasive, and not altogether good looking. In other words, a perfect villain even before he dons his mask and cape.

His love of course is recognition, and in the end, he gets it. As only happens in Disney films, instead of doing serious jail time, for the harm he could’ve done to people, he is awarded with a new job as soon as his old boss fires him. His reason for havoc is he feels he has never got enough credit for all his hard work and that he has never been recognized as a human being. His boss is so cold, poor Shawn gets demoted on the night of the premiere so the boss’s son can take over as GM. You also can’t blame him when his own boss can’t even get his name right. But he is a splendid Phantom nonetheless, taking up where the legends leave off.

Shawn creates havoc in the projection booth, messes up the popcorn machine, and even releases a giant dinosaur on the premiere audience for his coup de grace. This Phantom also wears a splendid outfit of a hooded cape, crafter’s mask and black clothing. His strangely glowing eyes glare out from freestanding posters; his eerie laughter is heard in the halls. He is even seen on the stairwell, fleeing towards Mason’s lair.

There are other Phantom nods such as Movie Mason’s tux, the lit comedy and tragedy billboard, the various costumes the Phantom wears, and the magic that is movies. Quick viewers will also see the Phantom on the rooftop, before he attacks the heroes. Watch too for a scene out of the Rains version, its near the end. The film booth scene recalls mature wannabe Phantoms such as the film Meat Eater, the music and lush supply of props in Mason’s lair recalls the Dance film score and Phantom’s abode, and the disappearing of senior manager Shawn recalls the lost victims of the Phantom’s labyrinth. He of course is found gagged and tied up in the basement not far from Mason’s lair. The Phantom’s terrors, well annoyances, also match the film titles; such as a wind machine in Cyclone Summer.

Another surprise is that here is a film where the adults are in control. The kids are smart, but they don’t run the show. It take the help of their elders such as Movie Mason to set things right. It also is sort of poignant since there is a single mom that finds love, and a young man learns work and money aren’t everything. It is also a treat to see an actor of the stature of Mickey Rooney (Movie Mason) have such a hefty role.

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