1952 Review Blog
Singin' in the Rain
Grade: C 01/11/2010
I have a very specific problem with SINGIN IN THE RAIN. I thought the story was very fun (about a studio trying to make their own "talkie" in the wake of THE JAZZ SINGER) and Gene Kelly looks like he is walking on air when he starts to dance...but here is my problem. There are 3 reasons for anyone to be singing in a movie musical. They should be melodically telling a part of the story, singing about their feelings & emotions, or performing in a show within the show (a la 42nd STREET). SINGIN IN THE RAIN all too often has people dancing and singing for no reason whatsoever, and it is annoying. "Make 'em Laugh"? Absolutley no reason for that song. "Good Morning"? Who are the three leads dancing for? Us? They are characters in a movie...not performers on a stage. The title song sequence got it right, but the rest of the movie felt very awkward and choppy. No one will EVER convince me that this movie is a better musical then the likes of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, or even CHICAGO....and it has been hailed as the best movie musical ever....WRONG!!!!
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
Grade: C 01/11/2010
I have a very specific problem with SINGIN IN THE RAIN. I thought the story was very fun (about a studio trying to make their own "talkie" in the wake of THE JAZZ SINGER) and Gene Kelly looks like he is walking on air when he starts to dance...but here is my problem. There are 3 reasons for anyone to be singing in a movie musical. They should be melodically telling a part of the story, singing about their feelings & emotions, or performing in a show within the show (a la 42nd STREET). SINGIN IN THE RAIN all too often has people dancing and singing for no reason whatsoever, and it is annoying. "Make 'em Laugh"? Absolutley no reason for that song. "Good Morning"? Who are the three leads dancing for? Us? They are characters in a movie...not performers on a stage. The title song sequence got it right, but the rest of the movie felt very awkward and choppy. No one will EVER convince me that this movie is a better musical then the likes of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, or even CHICAGO....and it has been hailed as the best movie musical ever....WRONG!!!!
1001 Movie to See Before You Die