The Jazz Singer - 7 stars out of 10

The Jazz Singer - 7 stars out of 10

"The Jazz Singer" is the experiment that changed cinema forever.  This is the first feature-length talkie and its popularity challenged every film studio to begin filming with sound, establishing talkies as the new standard.  It is actually a hybrid of a silent film and a talkie, as the musical sequences are the only sections with an accompanying vocal track.  I've seen silent films before, but the inclusion of sound really made me notice the silent moments - I chuckled as Debbie Reynolds' monologue from Singing in the Rain about "pantomime on the screen" came to mind, showing me how true that statement was and how revolutionary the inclusion of sound in film became.  This film is an accurate representation of life in the 1920's and, although I have trouble getting into silent films, I enjoyed its heartfelt conflict between honoring your parents and pursuing your dreams.  The film moved at a good pace and I was never bored with it.  Al Jolson IS this entire movie with the perfect personality (and unique voice) to bring talking into the world of film.  The beauty of his voice is reason enough to watch this film, as well as the cute love story between him and May McAvoy.  It is a true testament to their acting because, without a single word of dialogue between them, you will fall in love with their love story.  You can really see the transition between the older generation of silent film stars and the new generation of talkies during the scene of dialogue between Jolson and his mother.  He delivers all of the dialogue with vigor as she shyly sits without uttering much of anything.  She really seems to be uncomfortable with the scene, but in all of her silent sequences she shines.  My only complaint about this film is its use of blackface.  I always feel uncomfortable with anything involving blackface, but became okay with it in this circumstance for two reasons.  1. It is culturally significant to this character piece from the 1920's.  2. There is no racial mocking in the two blackface performances (unlike "Babes in Arms").  I can't give this film my highest rating because there are a ton of films that I'd watch a second time before I'd repeat this one, but I truly enjoyed this piece of cinematic history and believe that it should be seen by everyone to appreciate the progression from silent films to talkies.