Having just watched the 2024 version for the first time, I must admit that the 2004 original film surpasses the new musical by a significant margin. The depth of the original movie and its unwavering commitment to the storyline, without unnecessary deviations, truly set it apart.
While the older film may lack character development for most of the cast and at times feels a bit rushed compared to the musical, it excels in creating strong connections and allowing the characters to evolve in a natural and engaging manner.
The original film's cast not only delivers humor but also showcases seamless chemistry. The movie successfully concludes with a satisfying transition from chaos to a harmonious society, a thematic element that seems to be missing in the musical adaptation.
Despite some minor flaws, the original film's well-developed characters and cohesive casting result in a seamless and enjoyable viewing experience.