Reviews of Singin' in the Rain

Singin' in the Rain

Posted : 4 days, 1 hour ago on 30 June 2008 04:19 (A review of Singin' in the Rain)

Gene Kelly was some kind of genius. He could sing, dance, act, produce, direct, and choreograph. He did it all, and he did it all really well. This is the great triumph, and the synthesis, of all of his skills. It is also one of the best films made about Hollywood coming directly from Hollywood. It is loving tongue-in-cheek about MGM's past, the early talkie period, and what happened to some silent film stars. There really was more than a few situations in which actors quit the business because their voices were incredibly...off, and situations where the microphone picked up their heartbeat while trying to also get the dialogue. Much has been written about the title number, and it is, of course, naturally a classic, yet not my favorite number in the film. That distinction goes to Donald O'Connor's acrobatic "Make 'Em Laugh" routine. Especially since he runs up a wall, does a back-flip, and repeats the feat. Astonishing!

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Classic musical!

Posted : 2 months, 1 week ago on 22 April 2008 07:49 (A review of Singin' in the Rain)

"What a glorious feeling..."

Singin' in the Rain is a bona fide guilty pleasure; this wonderful musical is a classic and has always been remembered as one of the greatest movie musicals in film history. For those of you unfamiliar with the title song I suggest you rent the film without hesitation. The image of Gene Kelly merrily dancing in the pouring rain while singing is one of the most memorable images in screen history.

Trust me, I never wanted to even touch this movie because of the woefully childish poster as well as the corny title (a song that I still hum on rainy days, and now will continue to do so until the day I die) but this is a prime example of a movie only hurt by its marketing campaign. Where I expected an infinite amount of overworked, childish musical numbers I instead found myself exhibiting a movie with a magnificent plot and some bright music as the ribbon on top.

I loved the singing and dancing; it's always so well thought out and choreographed. It looks enchanting on the screen and a true crowd pleaser.

Singin' in the Rain is a film about a movie company in the age of silent films. Its principal stars are Don Lockwood (Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Hagen) who put on a show for the cameras as a couple for the publicity. But when the age of talkies is upon them, the audience demands sound features. Needless to say, this becomes a difficult transition as Lina's voice is more annoying than the sound of whipping a group of cats.

The story is incredibly original, the musical numbers are colourful and the characters are a mixed bag of delightful performances. What I was surprised with the most was the actual lack of songs during the film. Not that it was a downfall, but the horrendous marketing campaign and the images hammered into my head as a youngster made the film out to be filled with music. I found the small amount of music (when compared to the rest of the picture) to be a positive, as some of the musical numbers are marred by gross over-length. I refer mainly to the 'Broadway Melody' scene that really runs off the trail and sits awkwardly with the rest of the movie. It's spectacular, but far too overproduced and a little dissimilar to the mood of the rest of the movie.

The plot was something I never expected. It takes a fascinating look at life for the Hollywood movie studios when forced to covert to talkies to save their reputation. I never expected such a true-to-life plot to appear in such a musical.

Gene Kelly is lively, flamboyant and charming. He breathes life into every song he sings. Singin' in the Rain is a film that one should not judge by its cover. On the outside it may look like some childish pile of rubbish, but instead it's an appealing musical that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. You can call me gay or weird, but I had a tremendously enjoyable time viewing the movie. Highly recommended.

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Singing and dancing

Posted : 2 months, 4 weeks ago on 7 April 2008 11:22 (A review of Singin' in the Rain)

Anyone who loves the rain, singing, dancing, happiness, and music will absolutely love this film. Gene Kelly and co. are amazing and everything; from the music to the most simplistic plot is enjoyable. One part was quite drawn-out; when he imagines himself as a star. But, otherwise, let's sing, and dance in the rain! One of my favorite musicals, and I've seen a few.
Good morning is my favorite song from the movie.

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Singin' in the Rain

Posted : 5 months, 1 week ago on 24 January 2008 11:02 (A review of Singin' in the Rain)

Cute musical based on Hollywood during the transition from silent films to "talkies".

Jean Hagen was nominated for an Oscar for her role as Lina Lamont - the successful silent film actress who has a horrid voice and has to be dubbed for the talkies. She did a great job of portraying the spoiled/catty actress.

Debbie Reynolds is adorable as the actress who is forced by contract to be the voice of Lina Lamont.

But best of all was Gene Kelly, who may not be the best actor in the world but can sure dance up a storm. I can watch the singin' in the rain scene over and over.

I waited a long time to watch this one thinking it wouldn't be that great but I was mistaken. If you enjoy older movies or musicals, check this one out.

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Singing in the Rain

Posted : 1 year, 2 months ago on 17 April 2007 06:41 (A review of Singin' in the Rain)

Singing in the Rain is one of the best musicals ever. The dancing is amazing, the lyrics are great, and the acting is phenomenal. You will not be disappointed.

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