Singin' In The Rain (movie review)
Musical movies are intrinsically different than normal motion pictures, combining as much dancing and singing as regular acting. As such, I don't think I ever watched one without first mentally preparing myself for all the singing, erecting a wall of past experiences resulting in a poor stereotype. Essentially, lowering my expectations. This done, I would watch the musical, and try to enjoy the more recognizable movie side of it. The end result of course, was always negative. Musicals cannot be enjoyed or appreciated without realizing that the primary storytelling role is from the dancing and singing. The regular movie bits I paid attention to are only the little in-between interlude scenes.
That said, I really enjoyed Singin' In The Rain. It started out to be the first and the last, the great that donned the mountaintop of musicals in terms of performance and story. And it did it all by winning through comedy, romance, and all-around good cheer. Musicals have been around for quite a while, but I don't think I'll ever find a replacement for Singin' In The Rain as first place.
Singin' In The Rain wins on multiple aspects of delivery. First, it's family friendly. There really is nothing that anyone but the most stringent would find objectionable, by way of language, violence and sexual content. The negatives for this movie is quite simply its genre, that of a musical. Because of all the songs, it seems a lot longer than it's hour and a half running time. At about three quarters through, Singin' In The Rain shows a series of songs and dances which point out how money and fame have less to do with personal happiness than ones personal mindset. A great message, but also the films biggest weak-point because it's not critically relevant to the main storyline. It also comes just before the main climax, bringing the most vibrant colors and elaborate sets, which for me, resulted in feeling slightly sick and tired of flashing lights and dancing/singing people. A good time to get ice cream or popcorn.
Still, that only reflects about twenty minutes of what is otherwise an excellent, must-see movie. Singin' In The Rain delivers the greatest acts of dancing and singing talent and skill, that I believe I've ever seen, rivaling Riverdance. Part of what makes the movie so great is that it was filmed in 1952, so apart from rehearsal, the lengthy scenes were taken in one shot. No digital piecing together. Although there is one scene where if you're quick, you can catch the break where they had to do a retake.
Singin' In The Rain is filled with genuine comedy, endearingly sweet and perhaps a tad overdone romance (which might be to much for some audiences), and tip top full to the brim with what I can only describe as "good cheer". An undeniable sense of living lighthearted and with the desire to bring out smiles. Highly recommended to anyone!
P.S. Favorite movie quote below. :-)
Cosmo Brown: Talking pictures, that means I'm out of a job. At last I can start suffering and write that symphony.
R.F. Simpson: You're not out of job, we're putting you in as head of our new music department.
Cosmo Brown: Oh, thanks, R.F.! At last I can stop suffering and write that symphony.
Donald O' Connor! So good.
That said, I really enjoyed Singin' In The Rain. It started out to be the first and the last, the great that donned the mountaintop of musicals in terms of performance and story. And it did it all by winning through comedy, romance, and all-around good cheer. Musicals have been around for quite a while, but I don't think I'll ever find a replacement for Singin' In The Rain as first place.
Singin' In The Rain wins on multiple aspects of delivery. First, it's family friendly. There really is nothing that anyone but the most stringent would find objectionable, by way of language, violence and sexual content. The negatives for this movie is quite simply its genre, that of a musical. Because of all the songs, it seems a lot longer than it's hour and a half running time. At about three quarters through, Singin' In The Rain shows a series of songs and dances which point out how money and fame have less to do with personal happiness than ones personal mindset. A great message, but also the films biggest weak-point because it's not critically relevant to the main storyline. It also comes just before the main climax, bringing the most vibrant colors and elaborate sets, which for me, resulted in feeling slightly sick and tired of flashing lights and dancing/singing people. A good time to get ice cream or popcorn.
Still, that only reflects about twenty minutes of what is otherwise an excellent, must-see movie. Singin' In The Rain delivers the greatest acts of dancing and singing talent and skill, that I believe I've ever seen, rivaling Riverdance. Part of what makes the movie so great is that it was filmed in 1952, so apart from rehearsal, the lengthy scenes were taken in one shot. No digital piecing together. Although there is one scene where if you're quick, you can catch the break where they had to do a retake.
Singin' In The Rain is filled with genuine comedy, endearingly sweet and perhaps a tad overdone romance (which might be to much for some audiences), and tip top full to the brim with what I can only describe as "good cheer". An undeniable sense of living lighthearted and with the desire to bring out smiles. Highly recommended to anyone!
P.S. Favorite movie quote below. :-)
Cosmo Brown: Talking pictures, that means I'm out of a job. At last I can start suffering and write that symphony.
R.F. Simpson: You're not out of job, we're putting you in as head of our new music department.
Cosmo Brown: Oh, thanks, R.F.! At last I can stop suffering and write that symphony.
Donald O' Connor! So good.
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