This is one of my favorite musicals of all time. I love the story and the songs. It is moving, funny, inspiring, dramatic and beautiful (if somewhat historically inaccurate). It's actually a great way to learn the story of the writing of the Declaration of Independence and all the characters involved, even though the events didn't play out in reality exactly the way the did in the movie. I will warn you, you have to be comfortable with some of the founding fathers singing & dancing. But with everyone cool with "Hamilton" these days, maybe that's not the hurdle it once was.

I can't imagine John Adams (even when reading Adams' actual writings) without seeing William Daniels and his fiery portrayal of this great agitator, yet also his loving kindness towards his wife (seen through their letters). Howard Da Silva lightens scenes with Ben Franklin's witticisms, but he also effortlessly changes to serious and dignified when required. Ken Howard as the towering, yet gentle, Thomas Jefferson--roped almost against his will into writing the declaration because of his talent with the pen. Seeing the beautiful Blythe Danner in her younger days you can tell how much her daughter Gwyneth Paltrow looks like her.

Were these men & women flawed? Certainly. But what they did for future generations is worth celebrating and this movie is a great way to do it (also worth seeing the stage play if you have the opportunity.)

I personally like to watch every year around the 4th of July.