Tag Archives: Musical

1965 Films, Best Film of the Year, Best Picture Oscar Winners, Christopher Plummer, Julie Andrews, Musical, Robert Wise, Scott's Top 100 Films

The Sound of Music-1965

Leave a comment

The Sound of Music-1965

Director Robert Wise

Starring Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer

Top 100 Films #29

Scott’s Review #49

60001917

Reviewed June 20, 2014

Grade: A

The Sound of Music (1965) is a film that almost everyone has seen over and over again- undoubtedly ingrained in most people’s childhood memories and, especially, around the holiday season, it is a treasure to watch.

It is tough to be objective as I’ve probably seen the film dozens of times and continue to appreciate and love it with each repeated viewing.

Maria (Julie Andrews) is a pretty, young free-spirited woman living in the gorgeous hills of Austria. We first meet her on a lush hilltop where she sings with the birds and enjoys life.

While very popular with other nuns, she does not quite fit in at the Nonnberg Abbey where she studies to become a nun. She is sent to discover herself as the governess to seven children living nearby. They are the children of well-known, and now-retired, Georg von Trapp (played by Christopher Plumber).

Since his wife died, no life or music exists inside the house. Maria brings life and music to all and transforms everyone into a happier existence. The threat of the powerful Nazis, wishing to recruit a disapproving von Trapp adds tension.

In the midst of it all, Maria and von Trapp fall madly in love.

As a musical, it is top-notch and is the hallmark of all musicals. The songs are tough to get out of one’s head (“The Sound of Music”, “Climb Ev’ry Mountain”, and “My Favorite Things” are personal favorites), but the list of gems goes on and on.

The political/Nazi story was lost on me as a child, but now I see the film does have a darker tone in the second half and becomes quite serious.  Surely, since it is a family film details are glossed over a bit, but so what? It is more the wonderful music that makes The Sound of Music so great and memorable.

The first half, of course, is wholesomely sugary sweet, and safe and, from what I’ve read, extremely loosely based on the real von Trapp family, but this hardly matters as it is escapism galore and that is needed sometimes.

I hate to dissect and overanalyze a film like this when it is a fantasy/musical extravaganza meant to be enjoyed. Lighthearted and fun for everyone.

Oscar Nominations: 5 wins-Best Picture (won), Best Director-Robert Wise (won), Best Actress-Julie Andrews, Best Supporting Actress-Peggy Wood, Best Scoring of Music-Adaptation or Treatment (won), Best Sound (won), Best Art Direction, Color, Best Cinematography, Color, Best Costume Design, Color, Best Film Editing (won)

2013 Films, Angela Bassett, Drama, Forest Whitaker, Jennifer Hudson, Kasi Lemmons, Mary J. Blige, Musical, Musical Drama, Nas

Black Nativity-2013

Leave a comment

Black Nativity-2013

Director Kasi Lemmons

Starring Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker

Scott’s Review #46

70279001

Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: C-

Black Nativity (2013) is a family holiday movie about a poor Baltimore teen sent to live with his affluent, estranged grandparents (Forest Whitaker and Angela Basset) in Harlem.

Jennifer Hudson plays the teen’s financially struggling mother.

The estrangement stems from a silly misunderstanding years ago when Hudson’s character was pregnant with her now teenage son.

I enjoyed the performances of Whitaker, Bassett, and Hudson, and the sprinkling of songs performed by the leads was nice, but the story was incredibly sappy and predictable and wrapped up in a nice bow at the end of the film.

Scene one screams predictable and safe.

I did not sense any real conflict or grit throughout the movie and it felt like watching a Hallmark-made-for-television movie- not a compliment.

Black Nativity (2013) is a nice family story, but a little more.

Skip unless you enjoy the watered-down family fare.

2013 Films, Animated, Best Animated Feature Oscar Winners, Children, Chris Buck, Disney, Fantasy, Idina Menzel, Jennifer Lee, Kristen Bell, Musical

Frozen-2013

Leave a comment

Frozen-2013

Director Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee

Starring Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel

Scott’s Review #43

70279000

Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: B

The adjective that springs to mind about the latest hit animated film Frozen (2013) that has overtaken the nation is “cute”.

The story is loosely based on the Hans Christian Anderson story (which is modified immensely) and tells the story of two royal sisters (Elsa and Anna), one of whom has special “ice” powers and accidentally injures the other causing a rift.

From this point, there are a series of misunderstandings, love interests, a handsome prince, an adventure through the snow, and a Snow White-type theme.

The story is uplifting, sweet, and targeted to kids and parents seeking a wholesome, safe experience, but is it too safe?

My one criticism is the lack of diversity and culture in the main characters as they are all similar in looks, which doesn’t set the best example for kids watching.

The musical numbers stuck in my head as I hummed them for days. The songs are very trendy, and pop-leaning which may make this film age quickly and have an overly current flavor.

I loved the frozen, icy, wintry animation sets that are perfect while watching in the winter months.

Olaf, the sidekick, the mini snowman is witty and steals the show.

Oscar Nominations: 2 wins-Best Animated Feature Film (won), Best Original Song-“Let It Go” (won)

1962 Films, Karl Malden, Musical, Natalie Wood, Rosalind Russell

Gypsy-1962

Leave a comment

Gypsy-1962

Director Mervyn LeRoy

Starring Rosalind Russell, Natalie Wood

Scott’s Review #37

567360

Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: A

The film version of the iconic Broadway production is a huge success, mainly due to the superb performance that Rosalind Russell gives as Mama Rose- a muscled, driven, stage mother in the Depression-era show business world.

She is mesmerizing in the role and very reminiscent of greats Joan Crawford and Bette Davis- both of whom also would have been wonderful in the role.

Russell carries the film with her bombastic, loud, and determined performance- her children will become stars and Rose will get the stardom and spoils that she so richly deserves.

She uses every nook and cranny to her advantage- from borrowing money from her father to scraping leftover Chinese food scraps and stealing silverware.

Rose’s daughters, Baby June, and Louise (Natalie Wood) are in tow to help her achieve her goals- June the talented one, and Louise along for the ride.

When circumstances develop, Louise blossoms and becomes the famous Gypsy Rose Lee.

From masterpieces “Everything’s Coming up Roses” and “Some People” to her heartbreak at being a driven stage mom, Russell’s performance makes the film.

Her best scene comes at the climax of the film- Rose, finally admitting to herself that she has spent her life with a need to be noticed, hits an empty theater stage, alone, and has an emotional breakdown.

Natalie Wood and Karl Malden certainly add depth to their characters, especially Wood, who goes from mousy wallflower to seductive stripper Gypsy Rose Lee.

From a casting perspective, I am not sure Wood was quite right for the role- the second time in two years this would occur (her casting in West Side Story being the other misstep), but she was an enormous star at the time and was awarded juicy roles.

Gypsy (1962) is one of the great Hollywood musicals from the 1950s/1960’s heyday.

Witty, smart dialog helps this film emerge at the top of the list of similar types of films.

Bravura!

Oscar Nominations: Best Scoring of Music-Adaptation or Treatment, Best Cinematography, Color, Best Costume Design, Color

1939 Films, Bert Lahr, Best Film of the Year, Billie Burke, Charley Grapewin, Children, Clara Blandick, Fantasy, Frank Morgan, Herman J. Mankiewicz, Jack Haley, Judy Garland, Margaret Hamilton, Musical, Ray Bolger, Scott's Top 100 Films, Victor Fleming

The Wizard of Oz-1939

Leave a comment

The Wizard of Oz-1939

Director Victor Fleming

Starring Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Frank Morgan

Top 100 Films #11

Scott’s Review #34

70039535

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: A

The Wizard of Oz is a magical film and one of my all-time favorites- made in 1939 it still holds up amazingly well and the nuances continue to be admired- especially given the time in which it was made. 1939 belongs to this film and Gone With the Wind- as both were and are true classics.

This film is so embedded in people’s minds that it can be tough to look at from an objective point of view. I fondly recall watching this gem annually as it aired on television each holiday season- traditionally around Thanksgiving if memory serves.

It’s a marvel from start to finish and masterfully artistic. How creative to show the first portion in black and white with dusty muted colors, not to mention the astounding twister sequence- done using a stocking.

Then, we are introduced to a magical world filled with luscious colors and art direction still mind-blowing in depth. Munchkin-land, Glinda the Good Witch, and Emerald City are beautiful, lavish, and treats.

Who does not become teary-eyed during Judy Garland’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”? The poignancy is becoming given the tragic (yet successful) life the star would lead.

Margaret Hamilton as The Wicked Witch/Elmira Gulch is delicious in her nastiness. As she mocks Dorothy, who whimpers in tears while missing Auntie Em, she almost sneers at the camera. One can tell she had a ball with this role.

And The Wizard of Oz is not simply a pop culture hit- it has merit and creativity. The special effects hold up tremendously well and were simplistic back then, no CGI in those days, but many ways better than the CGI of today.

Audiences of all ages must see this film at least once, preferably on Blu-Ray. Judy Garland, later a tragic, troubled, lost figure, captured an innocence that was so sadly lost through the years.

All of the characters (The Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, and Tin Man) are perfectly cast and are uniquely created without being too over-the-top.

Very few films are timeless and this is one of them.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Outstanding Production, Best Song-“Over the Rainbow” (won), Best Art Direction, Best Special Effects

1956 Films, Alan Mowbray, Deborah Kerr, Musical, Walter Lang, Yul Brynner

The King and I-1956

Leave a comment

The King and I-1956

Director Walter Lang

Starring Yul Brynner, Deborah Kerr

Scott’s Review #26

671936

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B

The King and I is another countless Rodgers and Hammerstein musical that dominated the 1950s and 1960s film era.

Having seen the stage version, the film contained two gigantic stars of the period (Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr), Brynner having made this role his legacy.

The story is similar to The Sound of Music as the teacher takes on children of the King, but not quite as gripping, and the chemistry among the leads is there, but not quite completely there.

The Bangkok palace set and the costumes are stylish and fantastic in design.

As a whole, the songs are not as memorable as some other similar musicals, but that is compared to magnificence.

Interesting how much of the cast is not Asian, a characteristic of the stage version too, that is often overlooked and accepted. This is not a criticism, merely a notice.

It’s a nice musical, but not as enjoyable as others, but is still worth watching.

Oscar Nominations: 5 wins-Best Motion Picture, Best Director-Walter Lang, Best Actor-Yul Brynner (won), Best Actress-Deborah Kerr, Best Scoring of a Musical Picture (won), Best Sound Recording (won), Best Art Direction-Color (won), Best Cinematography, Color, Best Costume Design, Color (won)

1973 Films, Musical

Godspell-1973

Leave a comment

Godspell-1973

Director David Greene

Starring Victor Garber, Katie Hanley

Scott’s Review #23

549055

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: C+

Although Godspell (1973) is a popular and legendary Broadway musical production, the film left me with very mixed reactions.

The positives for me are the songs- they are memorable, and they stay in your head for days to come.

My absolute favorite is “Day by Day”.

I also enjoy the cast travels throughout NYC as I love when films are set here.

For the first thirty minutes of the film, I did not like it at all.

There is no plot, but simply a group of college-aged people leaving their crummy jobs and celebrating Jesus as they aimlessly flitter about the city, with nobody else in sight, singing songs of savior and celebration.

Then I started to realize this is not a “message” movie or an attempt to convert people towards religion. Many devout Christians despise the film.

The film left me with questions.

Is it tongue-in-cheek or meant to be taken seriously?

By the end of the film, I simply took it for a fun musical with great songs. It offers nothing more, nothing less.