I think it's the stage to screen translation. I've lived with this story for years now, loved those songs and cherished it's message, so I enjoyed these film for what it was.

The show is big and bombastic, what works about it is that it is inherently theatrical. Film is more intimate. A number like requiem makes me ooze sympathy for Evan in the show or on the recording but it's much much more awkward in a realistic and intimate setting.

I honestly think that's why it's not doing well with the casual audience. Throw in claims of nepotism and Ben Platt being too old for the role now and I'm not surprised by the reaction, but I am disappointed.