1776 - 3 stars out of 10
For a musical, this musical certainly doesn’t have much music. I’ve never heard much about “1776” and I now understand why. It may be historical, but there has to be a better way to portray history in musical than by having extensive scenes continue on for twenty minutes without a song. The story (though not entirely historically accurate) is interesting and the acting brings it to life, but the musical just isn’t that good. I think that there was a lot of wasted potential, both in the love story of John Adam and his wife, as well as the incorporation of historically recorded dialogue and letters into the script. If the movie wasn’t 3 hours long, the content would have been fine. But the excessive dragging on of the film left me wanting something more than “all guys, all the time.” I spent an hour listening to John Adams speak and couldn’t stop thinking “I know that voice, it is so familiar… who could it possibly be?” And then it hit me like a bolt of lightning (Ben Franklin pun intended), IT’S MR. FEENY!!!! I guess that there was life before “Boy Meets World” for him. His acting was wonderful and, though his character was a bit annoying, that’s the part that he needed to play. I love the interaction between Adams, Franklin, and Jefferson, particularly in the song “But, Mr. Adams.” Without question, that was the highlight of the film… and it was all downhill from there. “1776” has its magical moments as one of the most important moments in United States history comes to pass, but I’d rather see a dramatic interpretation than this comedy masquerading as a musical by throwing in a song ever once in a while.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Space Jam - 6 stars out of 10
Space Jam - 6 stars out of 10
“Space Jam” is completely straightforward. Looney Tunes are in trouble, Looney Tunes draft Michael Jordan to help them win a basketball game, Looney Tunes (and Jordan) play basketball game, credits roll to the tunes of R. Kelly and Seal. There aren’t any big surprises, but that’s what makes “Space Jam” a classic. For as amazing as this film was when we were all preteens, it has actually held up really well over time. The cheesy comedy is fun for kids and nostalgic for adults, the characters are timeless no matter how old you are, and there is extra comedy for people who are familiar with the famous basketball players (but they are still funny if you have no idea who Charles Barkley and Muggsy Bogues are). It was really smart of the writers to place the live actors in a cartoon world for the majority of the film. I imagine that it is significantly easier to film actors in front of a green screen than to animate these cartoons into live-action shots a la “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” Really, the only thing that I feel could have improved the movie (aside from a big twist) would have been the voice talent of Mel Blanc. It could have been “more than a kids movie” if he had still been alive to voice all of the characters. While nobody can replicate his voices, these voice actors get close enough that you don’t really notice after about 20 minutes, but it’s just missing something and that is Mel. Well, perhaps we should address the acting, too. Bill Murray is hilarious but let's be realistic... Michael Jordan is a better baseball player than he is an actor. Regardless, it works for this film. “Space Jam” is one of those things that will experience a renaissance as the children from this generation grow up and share it with their children (a la Ninja Turtles). Even if you think that it is just for kids, give it a fresh watch and you will see that it truly is a classic.
“Space Jam” is completely straightforward. Looney Tunes are in trouble, Looney Tunes draft Michael Jordan to help them win a basketball game, Looney Tunes (and Jordan) play basketball game, credits roll to the tunes of R. Kelly and Seal. There aren’t any big surprises, but that’s what makes “Space Jam” a classic. For as amazing as this film was when we were all preteens, it has actually held up really well over time. The cheesy comedy is fun for kids and nostalgic for adults, the characters are timeless no matter how old you are, and there is extra comedy for people who are familiar with the famous basketball players (but they are still funny if you have no idea who Charles Barkley and Muggsy Bogues are). It was really smart of the writers to place the live actors in a cartoon world for the majority of the film. I imagine that it is significantly easier to film actors in front of a green screen than to animate these cartoons into live-action shots a la “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” Really, the only thing that I feel could have improved the movie (aside from a big twist) would have been the voice talent of Mel Blanc. It could have been “more than a kids movie” if he had still been alive to voice all of the characters. While nobody can replicate his voices, these voice actors get close enough that you don’t really notice after about 20 minutes, but it’s just missing something and that is Mel. Well, perhaps we should address the acting, too. Bill Murray is hilarious but let's be realistic... Michael Jordan is a better baseball player than he is an actor. Regardless, it works for this film. “Space Jam” is one of those things that will experience a renaissance as the children from this generation grow up and share it with their children (a la Ninja Turtles). Even if you think that it is just for kids, give it a fresh watch and you will see that it truly is a classic.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Love Happy - 2 stars out of 10
Love Happy - 2 stars out of 10
"Love Happy" is a dim shade of what the Marx Brothers once were. The disjointed script that began as a solo feature for Harpo appears to have been cut and pasted with hedge trimmers and duct tape to include the other two brothers. As a result, the story doesn't make sense, causing the writers to make Groucho into a narrator to explain what is going on (and eliminating him from the majority of the film). There is not a single scene in which all three brothers appear on screen and about a total of three minutes in which two of the three appear together. It is depressing. The equation of witty banter and slapstick humor that brought success to this trio is shelved in lieu of turning half of the script into Harpo squeezing his horn. The only redeeming moments of this film come when the henchmen empty Harpo’s pockets for a solid four minutes (so classic) and Harpo and Chico's "conversation." Ironically, these two redemptive scenes are the only scenes that fit the Marx Brothers equation, reminding us of why we love these guys. The obligatory Chico piano solo is a relief from the otherwise mundane plot. Although it goes on for quite a while (probably to take up some time and make the film feature length), it is easily one of the most entertaining parts of the film since everything else is so awful. It’s a bad sign when this film is best known for Marilyn Monroe’s 15-second walk-on. This is a sad chapter for the Marx Brothers and it only cheapens their comic legacy. Do not watch this film or they may be ruined for you.
"Love Happy" is a dim shade of what the Marx Brothers once were. The disjointed script that began as a solo feature for Harpo appears to have been cut and pasted with hedge trimmers and duct tape to include the other two brothers. As a result, the story doesn't make sense, causing the writers to make Groucho into a narrator to explain what is going on (and eliminating him from the majority of the film). There is not a single scene in which all three brothers appear on screen and about a total of three minutes in which two of the three appear together. It is depressing. The equation of witty banter and slapstick humor that brought success to this trio is shelved in lieu of turning half of the script into Harpo squeezing his horn. The only redeeming moments of this film come when the henchmen empty Harpo’s pockets for a solid four minutes (so classic) and Harpo and Chico's "conversation." Ironically, these two redemptive scenes are the only scenes that fit the Marx Brothers equation, reminding us of why we love these guys. The obligatory Chico piano solo is a relief from the otherwise mundane plot. Although it goes on for quite a while (probably to take up some time and make the film feature length), it is easily one of the most entertaining parts of the film since everything else is so awful. It’s a bad sign when this film is best known for Marilyn Monroe’s 15-second walk-on. This is a sad chapter for the Marx Brothers and it only cheapens their comic legacy. Do not watch this film or they may be ruined for you.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Camelot (1967) - 4 stars out of 10
Camelot (1967) - 4 stars out of 10
"Camelot"... is not my favorite musical. Lacking memorable music and enjoyable characters, all that this film can really offer are some impressive visuals. I liked Richard Harris as King Arthur and Vanessa Redgrave was lovely as Guenevere, but the rest was forgettable. I know that the film is old but everything seemed like it would have been outdated at the film's preview. The jousting sequence was awesome and there was nice chemistry between the leads, but I was left thinking that I have little desire to ever see this on stage (or on the screen again). Merlin was particularly underused and unimpressive. Perhaps the most amazing thing about the film is how little I have to say about a movie whose 3-hour runtime dreadfully felt like 3 hours. "Camelot" is an interesting story but its portrayal is anything but interesting.
"Camelot"... is not my favorite musical. Lacking memorable music and enjoyable characters, all that this film can really offer are some impressive visuals. I liked Richard Harris as King Arthur and Vanessa Redgrave was lovely as Guenevere, but the rest was forgettable. I know that the film is old but everything seemed like it would have been outdated at the film's preview. The jousting sequence was awesome and there was nice chemistry between the leads, but I was left thinking that I have little desire to ever see this on stage (or on the screen again). Merlin was particularly underused and unimpressive. Perhaps the most amazing thing about the film is how little I have to say about a movie whose 3-hour runtime dreadfully felt like 3 hours. "Camelot" is an interesting story but its portrayal is anything but interesting.
National Geographic: Stonehenge Decoded - 3 stars out of 10
National Geographic: Stonehenge Decoded - 3 stars out of 10
"National Geographic: Stonehenge Decoded" was a bit of a letdown. While the shots of the mysterious structure are stunning, the exploration of the history was not quite what I was hoping for. This search for the truth reveals that it may have been part of a bigger story that doesn't include Druid ceremony and human sacrifice. While it's good to be informed, the legends are much more fun. Donald Sutherland has the perfect voice to bring the origins of Stonehenge back to life. The reenactments are a bit cheesy but the recreation of the stone structure as it looked thousands of year ago was pretty cool. I recommend this film for its picturesque views of Stonehenge, but I'll be looking for a more interesting documentary to recommend over this one.
"National Geographic: Stonehenge Decoded" was a bit of a letdown. While the shots of the mysterious structure are stunning, the exploration of the history was not quite what I was hoping for. This search for the truth reveals that it may have been part of a bigger story that doesn't include Druid ceremony and human sacrifice. While it's good to be informed, the legends are much more fun. Donald Sutherland has the perfect voice to bring the origins of Stonehenge back to life. The reenactments are a bit cheesy but the recreation of the stone structure as it looked thousands of year ago was pretty cool. I recommend this film for its picturesque views of Stonehenge, but I'll be looking for a more interesting documentary to recommend over this one.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Memphis the Musical - 8 stars out of 10
Memphis the Musical - 8 stars out of 10
"Memphis" was pretty awesome! There's no surprise that this musical won several Tony Awards and its unconventional story breaks away from the "every musical must have a happy ending with pixies and unicorns" stereotype. In fact, it breaks a lot of Broadway stereotypes. The southern drawl and slightly annoying disposition of Huey Calhoun is unlike any other leading man. In most other shows, Huey would be a secondary character played by a character actor and would steal the show, but "Memphis" puts him at the center of the story. And it works! He does get a few awesome musical moments like Memphis Lives in Me, but nothing really compares to the singing of Montego Glover. "Memphis presents the birth of rock 'n' roll at its finest. The story, loosely based the life of one of the first white DJs to air black music, goes where you least expect it. The racial side is presented in a more severe way than "Hairspray" and you will never predict the ending's strong statement that love does NOT conquer all. Any show is better on-stage but this film version of "Memphis" is a great alternative if the show isn't coming to a stage near you.
"Memphis" was pretty awesome! There's no surprise that this musical won several Tony Awards and its unconventional story breaks away from the "every musical must have a happy ending with pixies and unicorns" stereotype. In fact, it breaks a lot of Broadway stereotypes. The southern drawl and slightly annoying disposition of Huey Calhoun is unlike any other leading man. In most other shows, Huey would be a secondary character played by a character actor and would steal the show, but "Memphis" puts him at the center of the story. And it works! He does get a few awesome musical moments like Memphis Lives in Me, but nothing really compares to the singing of Montego Glover. "Memphis presents the birth of rock 'n' roll at its finest. The story, loosely based the life of one of the first white DJs to air black music, goes where you least expect it. The racial side is presented in a more severe way than "Hairspray" and you will never predict the ending's strong statement that love does NOT conquer all. Any show is better on-stage but this film version of "Memphis" is a great alternative if the show isn't coming to a stage near you.
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