We've all seen this one. Only, we haven't. After Mel Brooks directed the madcap comedy that regaled us for decades, the Broadway musical ran to packed houses for years, and so now the musical is a movie in its own right.

Directed by Susan Stroman (who choreographed the show), the film stars Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, fine actors who -- according to Mel himself -- have made the roles their own. Plus, Uma Thurman as the voluptuous Swedish secretary Ulna makes sure we're watching this one.

The reviews: Producers has not wowed critics. Stephanie Zachariek of Salon.com says: '...watching The Producers is simply exhausting,' while Peter Travers disappointedly moans that 'you can't kill all the laughs, not from a script by Mel Brooks, but Stroman sells Brooks' songs with the subtlety of cannon fire.'

A O Scott tries to forgive, but can't, saying, 'Uma Thurman as a would-be actress is the one bit of genuine radiance in this aggressively and pointlessly shiny, noisy spectacle.' Richard Roeper disagrees with all of the above, having a good time and declaring, 'it's a little jarring at first on film because it’s so big and so broad and so over the top -- but I like that.'

What is likely: It might not be the best film of the season, but the Musical/Comedy category is abysmally filled this year, and an award or two in Brooks' general direction can't be ruled out. Surely a contender for Best Original Song.