Movie Review: Disney’s Newsies The Broadway Musical

For those who can’t get to New York for the Broadway experience many shows film productions (hopefully with the original cast) to give audiences an amazing experience, and this one can be found on Netflix streaming (as of the date of this blog so beware). Based on the Disney 1992 film, as well as the actual 1899 newsboys strike, this show under the Disney name premiered on Broadway in 2012 after a run at the legendary Papermill Playhouse the previous year and was a huge success. The show ran for two years, winning the Tony for Best Choreography and Best Original Score while nominated for six others including Best book, leading actor and musical, before going out on national tour. In 2017 a production was filmed in Los Angeles with much of the original cast coming back and was released in theaters. I had seen the Broadway version of Newsies just after a couple of the original cast members had left, but nonetheless loved it; the guy who played the lead Corey Cott is one of my Broadway crushes and highly recommend watching him live if given the chance. However when I heard about this there was no way me and my theater loving mother were going to miss out on this especially since we are huge fans of Jeremy Jordan who rocketed to super-stardom after this role. Spoilers ahead as usual. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Jack Kelly (Jordan) is a newspaper delivery boy with a shady past living in New York City along with several other young men in the same profession including his best friend Crutchie (Andrew Keenan-Bolger) who has a limp. Jack hates New York and often dreams of heading out west, specifically to Santa Fe. When buying their papers for the day Jack and Crutchie meet Davey (Ben Fankhauser) and his younger brother Les (Ethan Steiner) who unlike the other Newsies have a family, but need the work. Jack agrees to help them out, for a small portion and introduces them to his friend Medda Larkin (Aisha De Haas) a woman who owns a theater and often hires Jack to paint beautiful backdrops for her shows. Jack also meets Katherine Plumber (Kara Lindsay) a reporter for the New York Sun looking to break out of the society pages and soon becomes smitten with her. The next day New York World publisher Joseph Pulitzer (Steve Blanchard) announced that the price for the Newsies has gone up from fifty to sixty cents which in turn will force them to sell more papers in order to earn the same as before. Outraged Jack, along with Davey, Crutchie, Les and the other Newsies organize a strike with Katherine covering it. However Jack must decide if this is worth it after police show up along with the corrupt and evil warden of the local juvenile center and the protest ends badly. About as far as I should go without giving away the rest of the show.

Let me start off by saying how amazing this musical is. From the writing, acting and especially the choreography, Newsies is an absolutely fabulous show. For anyone that says guys can’t dance and/or do musicals show them this (there is at least one more example but that is another day). To give you just a small idea of how incredible the dancing is picture this: in the climatic number the guys are dancing on very thin newspaper pages and not slipping (for the record do not try it unless you want to break something or fall on your rear end).

Moving on, the acting was just as good as I remembered the show, even with a couple of different actors than in the show I saw. I actually saw Jeremy Jordan in a Broadway production of West Side Story as Tony about two years before he became Jack Kelly. Between this and a movie he did also in 2012 (which I plan on reviewing at a later date) I knew he looked familiar; then I heard him sing and it came back to me. Having just missed him in the original Broadway show I had to see him in the role that launched his career and let’s just say he was nominated for the Tony for a good reason. I am so happy that he has had so much success, not just on Broadway but on television shows such as Smash and Supergirl because he is so talented. Of course every great lead needs a just as good cast and this one doesn’t disappoint. Keenan-Bolger, Fankhauser, Steiner and the other Newsies are amazing singers, actors and dancers and I hope to continue watching them on Broadway. Lindsay is great as Katherine with fantastic vocals and facial expressions as I remembered from the show. I do not think I saw Blanchard as Pulitzer nor Haas as Larkin in the show, but they were still very good to watch.

I cannot forget about the great soundtrack with so many songs that will either have you belting (probably badly), tapping your foot (or trying to recreate the dance) or feeling goosebumps going up and down your arm and/or spine. The first song I want to talk about is the last song before intermission “Santa Fe” which Jordan does brilliantly (as did Cott when I watched the show) as he laments what happened at the protest and vowing to soon leave New York; it takes a lot to deliver the emotion of Kelly as well as maintain the notes. One of the most popular songs is called “Seize the Day” which is the big climatic number in the first act involving the dancing on newspapers; between that and the angelic singing I saw why this number is talked about more than the others. One of my favorite numbers is “Something to Believe In” where Jack and Katherine declare their love for one another despite some huge bumps. Other songs I recommend listening to are “Carrying the Banner”, “That’s Rich”, “The World Will Know”, “Watch What Happens” “King of New York” and “Once and For All”. Once again Newsies: The Broadway Musical is still on Netflix streaming as of this date, but I do not know how long it will be there. Until that date seize the day (so not sorry I did that) and watch this unbelievable musical.

Classic Movie Review: West Side Story

Haven’t done a classic film review in some time and this one definitely fits the bill. Based on the 1957 musical and inspired by the famous Shakespeare play Romeo and Juliet, this 1961 musical is one of the most successful not just musicals but movies of all time; it still holds the record for most Academy Awards wins for a musical. If for some reason you haven’t watched West Side Story a spoiler alert is being issued. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

In 1957 Manhattan two gangs run the streets, the American Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. The Jets leader Riff Lorton (Russ Tamblyn with Tucker Smith providing the singing voice for two songs) decides to challenge the Sharks leader Bernardo Nunez (George Chakiris who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this part) to a rumble at the upcoming dance. Riff insists his best friend Tony Wyzek (Richard Beymer with Jimmy Bryant as the singing voice) who left the Jets and has an honest job at a drug store join the Jets at the dance. Tony doesn’t want to, but after he says he feels something important will happen to him agrees to go. Meanwhile on the Sharks side Bernardo’s little sister Maria Nunez (Natalie Wood with Marni Nixon as the singing voice) talks with her best friend and the girlfriend of Bernardo Anita Palacio (Rita Moreno who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for this part) that she does not like the man Bernardo brought to America for her to marry Chino (Jose DeVega). At the dance the gangs refuse to dance with the other. Tony and Maria look at each other from across the dance floor and instantly fall in love. Bernardo warns Tony to stay away from his sister as he agrees to a rumble with Riff. Tony and Maria plan to run away together, but their respective gangs may tear the new couple apart. I probably shouldn’t say any more but considering the material this was inspired by I’m sure it is not hard to figure out.

This is without a doubt one amazing musical is many ways. From the acting, writing, cinematography, songs; OK basically all. Don’t believe me, check out this fact. West Side Story was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won 10. Two of them were for acting as already stated, the other eight were for best cinematography, sound, music, film editing, costume, art direction, director and of course the biggest of them all Best Picture (it was nominated for best adapted screenplay and I can’t argue with the one that won). While Richard Beymer and Natalie Wood were not nominated they were absolutely fantastic as the star crossed pair of Tony and Maria; they are often listed as one of the best couples of 1960 movies and musicals which shows how much chemistry they had as well as the incredible writing. George Chakiris and Rita Moreno are also adorable as Bernardo and Anita but they definitely earned their Oscars for their parts. The rest of the cast is just as good, but there is so much more than just the acting and writing. West Side Story has also been listed on five of the American Film Institute 100 Years lists: 100 movies, and the revived list, three songs on the 100 songs, 100 Passions and finally Greatest Movie Musicals.

The songs in West Side Story have gone down as not only some of the best Steven Sondheim numbers, but some of the best songs in musicals (film or Broadway). Here are some standouts: “Something’s Coming” by Tony before he goes to the dance, “Maria” by Tony shortly after he has met and fallen for Maria, “Tonight” by Maria and Tony confessing their love, and then later on a quintet with the Jets, Sharks, Anita, Maria and Tony as they get ready for the rumble, “America” by Anita, Bernardo and other members of the Sharks talking about the good and bad things about living in America for them, “I Feel Pretty” Maria’s number where she is happy to run off with Tony, “Somewhere” Tony and Maria’s somber duet planning to find their place where they can be together, “Cool” the Jets song after the rumble where talks of revenge begin to form and finally “A Boy Like That/I Have a Love” Maria and Anita’s number after Anita catches Maria with Tony. There are more songs, but these are the ones any musical fan knows.

I have heard that Steven Spielberg is doing a remake of the movie and it is supposedly open casting. I won’t lie and say when I heard about this I was a little worried as I love this story (both the movie and the musical which I saw in 2009). However I know Spielberg has way more hits than misses so my concern is not as big, I just hope we have a great cast and writing; I do not know if it will be as good as this one, but I cannot wait to see it. Regardless if you are a musical fan or if you love great movies West Side Story has to be on anyone’s must watch list; I promise you will fall in love just as fast as Tony and Maria with West Side Story.

Movie Review: The Unsinkable Molly Brown

If the title does not sound familiar, maybe the name does as she was one of the survivors of the Titanic. However Molly Brown in this 1964 musical film (based on the 1960 musical of the same name) is not portrayed by Kathy Bates (like the famous 1997 movie but that is another day), but by the lovable Debbie Reynolds who received her only Oscar nomination for this part. While not everything in this movie may be accurate, it is a nice thought. Spoilers ahead as usual. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

After surviving the Colorado River as an infant, a baby is taken in by Seamus Tobin (Ed Begley), who grows up to be tomboy named Molly (Reynolds). Being a determined and stubborn woman Molly travels to Leadville, CO to learn how to read and write as well as find a wealthy man to marry. Along the way she meets the very handsome miner Johnny Brown (Harve Presnell, the only one from the original Broadway cast to reprise his role for the movie). It is obvious how smitten the two are within meeting each other, but Molly leaves in a rush thinking Johnny has bad intentions (which may or may not have been true). Molly soon gets hired as a singer at a local saloon, and Johnny teaches her how to read and write. While they get to know each other they fall deeply in love and marry. Johnny sells his claim to a silver mine for $300,000 but when trying to hide the money Molly accidentally burns it. However by accident Johnny finds the richest gold vein in Colorado and the happy couple (along with Seamus) moves to a beautiful Denver mansion. Unfortunately their unconventional ways turn the “classy” neighbors off of the Browns. This upsets Molly as she wants to bring up her social status, while Johnny would rather go back to Leadville. The two decide to go to Europe and are embrace by the top people of the country; however while Molly can let go of their old lives Johnny cannot and the two have a falling out. Molly travels back to Europe, but soon realizes exactly what she is missing in life and travels back on the Titanic, which well you know that story, Molly is one of the survivors and she and Johnny happily reunite.

Debbie Reynolds was an absolute joy to watch in this movie as she has a very unique voice, not just in singing but talking. She really brought the role to life, telling a lot with one look or speaking very fast. This was my first time watching Harve Presnell in a movie and there were three things I noticed right off the bat: he was very handsome, he had the voice of an angel and the pants he was wearing were we first meet him were a little tight (which my mother did not mind at all). The two have great chemistry together and I liked the happy ending, unlike real life where Molly and Johnny never got back together, but still cared deeply for one another for their children. The writing may not be the best, but the music more than makes up for it.

There are quite a few songs I love in the movie, but three stand out for me. “I Ain’t Down Yet” is Molly’s opening number where she tells anyone within listening range exactly what she wants in life. “Colorado, My Home” is Johnny’s big number where he expresses his love for Colorado. Finally, and my personal favorite from the movie, “I’ll Never Say No” where Johnny tells Molly how he feels about her, promising to never say no to her. If any number is worth listening too it’s that one. If you can find The Unsinkable Molly Brown on TV, most likely Turner Classic, I would highly recommend watching this pretty good musical.

Movie Review: Grease

To call this one of the most successful musicals of all time would be a HUGE understatement. Released in 1978, Grease was a big Broadway musical for many years before it hit the big screen. After countless revivals, high school productions, a live TV special and so much more Grease prove after 40 years it is still the word. Spoilers ahead as usual. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

In 1958 Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Sandy Olson (Olivia Newton-John) have had the ultimate sweet summer romance and both are sad when it ends, believing Sandy is going back to Australia. Fast forward to the first day of school at Rydell High Danny reunites with his friends, a greaser group called the T-Birds: Doody (Barry Pearl) the eccentric one, Sonny (Michael Tucci) the trouble maker and wannabe womanizer, “Putzie” (Kelly Ward) the one who doesn’t really know about girls and Kenickie (Jeff Conway) Danny’s best friend. Danny, after they beg him about it, tells them about the girl he “hooked up” with in the summer with some very juicy details. Meanwhile Sandy, whose parents decided to stay, transfers to Rydell and soon becomes friends with the girl group at the school, The Pink Ladies. The group consists of “Frenchy” (Didi Cohen) an aspiring beautician and the first one to be nice to Sandy, Marty (Dinah Manoff) who has many “boyfriends” and constantly draws attention, Jan (Jamie Donnelly) the very quirky member and finally Rizzo (Stockard Channing) who doesn’t like Sandy’s good girl persona. Sandy’s story about her summer romance is full of pureness and love. When Rizzo finds out it was Danny (who she has a history with) Sandy fell in love with, she makes sure they meet as soon as possible, and Danny is forced to act like a jerk to Sandy in front of his friends. Danny and Sandy must decide whether they are meant to be with Danny’s bad boy attitude and Sandy’s good girl ideals. Meanwhile other romances begin within the group: Rizzo and Kenickie have a very rocky relationship (both not willing to admit their relationship is more than just physical), Sonny tries to woo Marty, who is most definitely not interested, Putzie and Jan begin to bond as do Sonny and Frenchy. Outside of the love stories the T-Birds have to suit up Kenickie’s car “Greased Lightning” for a big race at Thunder road against their rivals the Scorpions.

If you have yet to experience Grease then you do not know what you are missing. Sandy and Danny’s love story is one of the most romantic brought on screen as well as stage. Both are willing to change who they are to be with the other, while not completely giving in to the society around them. They know who they are and even if they change a little along the way it is their choice. I know many say Sandy completely changed who she was at the end, but if you listen to the lyrics in the song she also demands Danny change as well. The other love stories are also cute to watch, it almost makes me wonder if these relationship did work out in the end (the nostalgia part of me hopes so but the realistic part of me says probably not). The story, characters and writing are some of the finest on screen; although you can clearly tell these actors are nowhere close to being in or fresh out of high school. John Travolta is amazing as Danny, his singing is way better than I give him credit for. Olivia Newton-John is so perfect as Sandy and her voice is angelic. While Stockard Channing was most definitely not close enough to be a high school student, her performance as Rizzo is solid, as is her singing. Jeff Conway is incredible as Kenickie, and is a very fine dancer. The rest of the T-Birds and Pink Ladies are amazing as well, not to mention the teachers and fellow students at Rydell. Of course I can’t forget about Frankie Avalon as the Teen Angel Frenchy needed.

The soundtrack of Grease is among the best not just on screen but on stage. Several songs from the musical made its way to the movie, but there were some written just for the movie; regardless most of the songs have gone down as some fantastic and fabulous numbers. The opening number “Grease” is the animated opening sequence introducing many of the characters and the crew. “Summer Nights” is sung by Danny and Sandy about their summer love, but both are telling completely different stories. “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee” is Rizzo’s song making fun of Sandy’s good girl attitude which makes Rizzo annoyed at her. “Hopelessly Devoted To You” is Sandy’s song as she laments over finding out who Danny is among his friends and if she should still care (this song was nominated for an Oscar). “Greased Lightning” is the big dance number with the T-Birds (can we get a round of applause for the choreography in this number?) “Sandy” is Danny lamenting about how miserable he is without Sandy. “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” is Rizzo’s song about how what she does could be worse, while also lamenting on what she feels for Kenickie. “You’re The One That I Want” is sung by Danny and Sandy as both declare their love for each other and how they have made each other for the better. The final number “We Go Together” is the T-Birds and Pink Ladies vowing to remain friends or more once they graduate high school.

This is one amazing musical that I strongly believe will last for very long time; it is one of my personal favorite films of all time. There was a sequel for Grease, but it doesn’t star most of the original cast and from what I’ve heard it is a do not watch. A LIVE TV special was aired a few years ago, but that might be a story for another day. As stated previously if you have not seen Grease mark it down as a must watch immediately.

Movie Review: Mamma Mia

If there was such a thing as a guilty pleasure musical, this one has to be at the top of the list. Mamma Mia is a fantastic Broadway musical, telling a story with songs from the legendary group ABBA and in 2008 finally came to the big screen, just maybe not in the way fans of the show expected. As always spoiler alert is on. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

20 year old Sophie Sheridan (Amanda Seyfried) is getting married on the beautiful Greek island of Kalokairi where her mother Donna (Meryl Streep) owns a villa and doesn’t understand why Sophie is marrying so young. Behind her mother’s back, and inadvertently her fiancé’s Sky (Dominic Cooper), Sophie sends invitations to three men: architect Sam Carmichael (Pierce Brosnan), travel writer and sailor Bill Anderson (Stellan Skarsgård) and banker Harry Bright (Colin Firth). After reading her mother’s diary the year she was pregnant, Sophie confide with her friends Ali and Lisa (Ashley Lilley and Rachel McDowall) that she believes one of those three men might be her father and she wants whomever it is to walk her down the aisle. When they arrive Sophie asks them to not tell Donna why they are here or who invited them, saying it is a surprise for her mom, and the guys agree. Donna sees they are there and becomes distraught; confiding in her close friends and former band mates, author Rosie (Julie Walters) and three time divorcee Tanya (Christine Baranski) that she doesn’t know why the men are here nor who is actually Sophie’s father. Soon chaos ensues when all three guys believe they are Sophie’s father and promise to walk her down the aisle, much to her horror. Meanwhile Donna realizes she still has strong feelings for one of the men, Rosie falls for another one of the men while Tanya avoids Pepper (Phillip Michael) one of Sky’s friends who falls hard for her. About as far as I can go without giving away the rest of the movie, but keep an eye out for members of ABBA.

Now I am going to be honest; while the film is not bad, it is not exactly great. Many of the actors in this movie are not trained singers and it shows. Brosnan, Skarsgard and Firth are good actors, but their singing is not good, in Brosnan’s case terrible (sorry but it’s my opinion). Cooper, Walters and Baranski were not fantastic, but they were a lot better than I gave credit for. Seyfried and Streep on the other hand were actually pretty good, not just in acting but in their singing. The film follows the musical very well, not exactly how I remember the show but I knew it wasn’t gonna be word for word. A sequel will be released later this year called Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, I really hope this is gonna be good. I would recommend Mamma Mia for a musical fan, but I wouldn’t put it too high on a watch list.

Movie Review: The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride

Haven’t heard of this film, don’t worry most of the direct to video or DVD Disney sequels do not really get talked about a lot and half the time they are not too well received. However that is not the case for one of the sequels to one of the greatest Disney movies of all time. Released in 1998, Lion King 2 much like its predecessor somewhat takes a Shakespeare play and adds lions to it. Much like The Lion King is based off of Hamlet, this one is based on Romeo and Juliet and it does a pretty good job following the first movie. Because it is unavoidable, spoiler alert. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

King Simba (Matthew Broderick with Cam Clark providing the singing voice) and Queen Nala (Moira Kelly) have a young daughter, Kiara (Neve Campbell as an adult, Michelle Horn as a child with Liz Callaway and Charity Sanoy providing the singing voices) who is much like her father; constantly getting into trouble by slipping away from Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumba (Ernie Sabella) who try to keep an eye on her for her overprotective father. One day Kiara crosses into the Outlands and meets Kovu (Jason Marsden as an adult, Ryan O’Donohue as a child and Gene Miller providing the singing voice). After surviving an encounter with crocodiles the two become friends; however they have been forbidden to see each other again by Simba after it is reveals Kovu’s mother is Zira (Suzanne Pleshette). Zira was Scar’s most loyal follower when he was king and when Simba took over he cast out those who were loyal to his evil uncle despite Zira saying Kovu was handpicked to be the next king by Scar. Seeing an opportunity, Zira trains Kovu as he gets older to get close to Kiara and kill Simba to take over the pride lands, along with her other children Vitani (Jennifer Lien as an adult, Lacey Chabert as a child and Crysta Macalush providing the singing) and Nuka (Andy Dick). Kiara and Kovu grow up each with love or hate in their heart and thanks to some planning by Zira they meet again when Kovu saves Kiara. Simba begrudgingly thanks Kovu and brings him in to the pride, not without a few comments from Zazu (Edward Hibbert). However what was not planned was for Kovu and Kiara to fall in love, or as Rafiki (Robert Guillaume) calls it “Upendi” which is an erroneous form of upendo (Swahili for love). However when Zira moves forward with her plan both Kovu and Kiara must find a way to stop their families from fighting and tearing themselves apart.
I really love this movie and thought it was a really good follow up to The Lion King, just to be clear it does not even come close to surpassing how awesome the first film is. The story is fantastic, writing is great, musical numbers are really good and the characters are just perfect. You can see how the characters have grown since the first film and the new characters really add something to the franchise. Kovu and Kiara’s love story is adorable to watch and how they make many of the lions see what they are doing is wrong is one of my favorite moments of the film. I cannot forget the villain of the film, Zira. While she is not as huge as Scar I actually think she can give him a run for his money, PLEASE CONTINUE READING BEFORE YOU CHEW ME OUT! While Scar’s plan is to take over the pride lands just by killing Mufasa and Simba, Zira’s plan is to avenge Scar by killing Simba and if she takes over the Pride lands so be it.

Now while the songs in this movie are not as famous as the ones from The Lion King they are pretty good. While they were not written by Elton John and Tim Rice, the songs are a decent follow up to the original. There are six songs for the movie and each stick out in its own way or another. The opening song is “He Lives In You” which brings the animals together for the presentation of Kiara; this is also the only song from this movie to appear in the Broadway version of the The Lion King. “We Are One” sung by Simba and Kiara has Simba telling Kiara just how important she is to pride, but all Kiara feels is pressure to be perfect. “My Lullaby” is Zira’s song which has her planning to use Kovu to get closer to Simba through Kiara. “Upendi” is Rafiki’s number where he has Kiara and Kovu realize their deep feelings for each other. “Not One Of Us” is the animals expressing their disdain for Kovu when he begs to come back to the Pride Lands but Simba exiles him. Finally, and my favorite song in the movie, “Love Will Find A Way” as Kiara and Kovu search for each other and reunite confessing their love for one another. All in all The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride is a good movie and a great follow-up to The Lion King.

Movie Review: Royal Wedding

No this is not a movie about a royal couple getting married; although there is a wedding taking place behind the main story. This was the first musical I saw with one of the finest actor/dancers of all time; of course I’m talking about Fred Astaire. If you have yet to experience the magic of Astaire’s dancing this would be a great film to start with as two of his most famous numbers take place in this 1951 movie, along with a fantastic story. Spoiler alert as always. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Tom (Fred Astaire) and Ellen Bowen (Jane Powell) are a brother and sister musical duo (somewhat based on Astaire and his sister Adele as a duo) taking their hit Broadway show to London, capitalizing on the many coming to the royal wedding. Working with twin brother agents Irving and Edgar Klinger (Keenan Wynn) Tom and Ellen board a boat heading for London. Ellen meets a man on the boat Lord John Brindale (Peter Lawford) and despite their flirty ways with others they can’t stay away from each other. Meanwhile Tom develops feelings for one of the dancers in their London show Anne Ashmond (Sarah Churchill) despite her having a fiancé. Tom does what he can to help Anne out, and she falls for him as well. About as far as I can go without spoiling the rest of the movie.

If you have ever seen Fred Astaire dance you know how good and captivating he is; watching this movie I could not take my eyes off him. Jane Powell I thought did very well in this film despite her being a third choice. Let me explain the original actress June Allyson was pregnant when she was cast and had to drop out. Judy Garland was cast, much to the objections of the original director Stanley Donen who did not want to work with her again after their last film. Charles Walters was then brought in to direct, but when Garland kept calling in sick when filming began Walters replaced her with Powell; this in turn forced MGM to terminate Garland’s contract. Part of me wonders what would have happened, but we will never know.

As for the numbers many stand out, whether they were a part of Tom and Ellen’s show or on their own. In the show three number stick out. The opening number called “Ev’ry Night At Seven” with Tom as a board king chasing around Ellen as his maid. Second was the longest song title in an MGM musical, and probably one of the longest I’ve seen “How Could You Believe Me When I Said I Love You When You Know I’ve Been A Liar All My Life” (yeah there is no way to shorten that) and Tom and Ellen do a bit of a comic vaudeville routine. The last number to stick out within the show is “I Left My Hat In Haiti” with Tom and Ellen doing a Caribbean routine. While all the number in the show are fantastic there are numbers outside of the show that are just as good if not better; specifically three. One is a dance duet number “Open Your Eyes” with Tom and Ellen on their boat with a storm approaching and let’s just say the duo have a bit of a rocky routine (although it is funny). However the two most famous numbers in Royal Wedding involve Fred Astaire doing what seemed impossible. The first is called “Sunday Jumps” which Tom performs on the boat with a hat rack (yes you read that correctly) showing that Fred could dance with literally anything and make it look good. The last and probably most famous number, not just in the movie but in Fred Astaire’s career, is “You’re All The World To Me” when Tom realizes he’s in love with Anne and dances all over the wall and ceiling. I cannot describe it or the film with no other words other than this: watch it.

Movie Review: Disney’s The Lion King

If you have not seen this Disney movie and absolutely love it then we’ve got a problem. Released in 1994 The Lion King is without question one of, if not the, best Disney movies of all time (and I’d love for anyone to argue otherwise). I have seen this movie consistently listed as people’s top 10 Disney movies of all time; most of the time in the top 5 at least. This was one of the first Disney movies I watched as a kid, and much to my parent’s annoyance one of the ones I watched frequently. If for some reason you have not watched the movie, SPOILER alert because it is impossible to avoid. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

King Mufasa (James Earl Jones), a lion, rules over the Pride Lands of Africa, living on Pride Rock with his Queen Sarabi (Madge Sinclair) and the other lionesses. His son Simba (Matthew Broderick as an adult with Jonathon Taylor Thomas as a child, Joseph Williams and Jason Weaver provide the singing voices) is presented to the animal kingdom as their future king by Rafiki (Robert Guillaume) a mandrill who is somewhat of an adviser and shaman. Mufasa tries to teach Simba how the animal kingdom is connected in the circle of life and how he will always be there for him, but Simba, along with his best friend Nala (Moira Kelly as an adult with Niketa Calame as a child and Sally Dworsky and Laura Williams provide the singing voices) constantly get in trouble and by extension Zazu (Rowan Atkinson) a hornbill who is the majordomo to the king. Unbeknownst to all Mufasa’s brother Scar (Jeremy Irons) plots to take over the throne by killing off Mufasa and Simba, along with the help of three hyenas Shenzi, Banzi and Ed (Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin and Jim Cummings). The four of them start a wildebeest stampede with Simba in a gorge. Mufasa rescues Simba, but when trying to get out Scar lets him go and Mufasa is killed. Scar convinces Simba that it was his fault and tells him to run away. The hyenas go after Simba, but he outruns them; the hyenas do not tell Scar Simba is alive as he takes over the Pride Lands much to the horror of the lionesses. Meanwhile Simba is found by a meerkat and warthog named Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumba (Ernie Sabella) who take him into their carefree life of “Hakuna Matata” (Swahili for no worries). Simba grows up into an adult, but when Nala comes back into his life (and falls in love with her) Simba must remember who he was and confront his past, including his uncle who has drained the Pride Lands of everything. After discovering the truth a huge fight breaks out between Simba, Scar and the other characters with Scar receiving one of the most gruesome death scenes in animated movies. Simba takes his rightful place and the pride lands are restored to its natural balance.

To call this one of the best not just Disney but animated movies of all time would be a gross understatement. The opening scene alone with the animals coming together and the song “Circle Of Life” is one of the greatest opening scenes of all time. The wildebeest scene, while it is very sad later on, is one of the most beautifully animated scenes I’ve ever seen as is at the end when Simba accepts his place as king. The story, characters and writing are so well done; I cannot stress that enough. I have also seen many videos online of kids watching this movie for the first time and how enthralled they are (don’t even get me started on their reactions to Mufasa dying). Every character is so perfect in one way or another; Scar as the villain, Timon and Pumba as comic relief, Rafiki as the weird guy who is funny (I crack up every time he gets in the fight scene) you get the point.
Of course I cannot forget the absolutely amazing soundtrack written by the incredible team of Tim Rice (one half of the team who wrote so many incredible Disney songs) and the legendary Elton John (so even if for some reason you haven’t heard of the songs you have to know how incredible they are with this team). There are five songs they wrote that I know every single Disney fan considers to be five of the best songs to ever come out of Disney. “Circle of Life” is the first song heard in the opening scene and sets a high standard. “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” is a fun number with Simba, Nala and Zazu as Simba expresses his desire to do what he wants as a king (as a kid he doesn’t know any better). “Be Prepared” is Scar’s song as he tells his evil plan, on a side note it is one of the best villain songs ever. “Hakuna Matata” brings the mood back up after the sad scenes. Last but not least “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?” is not only an award winning song (out of all the songs this one has the Oscar and Grammy) and one of the most romantic numbers in all of love songs, not just in movies.

If you think The Lion King stops here, oh boy are you wrong. There is a Broadway musical (one of the longest reigning shows on Broadway) a spin off TV series starring Timon & Pumba, a sequel and prequel direct to DVD films (both I plan to review later) and most recently a show on Disney Junior staring Simba and Nala’s son (which if you have younger kids I’ve heard is good). In 2019 a CGI adaption of The Lion King will be released in theaters. Not gonna lie and say I was a little concerned about how Disney was gonna do it, but after seeing the cast I am hopeful, the other live action adaptions have been great but those are for another day. I encourage you, no I IMPLORE you, to watch this movie if for whatever reason you have not. The Lion King is one of the best animated movies ever done and should be watched over and over again.

Movie Review: Disney’s The Aristocats

A Disney movie perfect for the cat lover in all of us (unless you like dogs). Released in 1970 The Aristocats was the last film approved by Walt Disney himself before he passed away. It proved to be a big hit with critics and audiences, and I am half convinced this is the reason why my brother is a cat person. If you haven’t seen The Aristocats spoiler alert is ahead. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Taking place in 1910 Paris retied opera singer Madame Adelaide Bonfamille (Hermione Baddeley) is the owner of four cats: Duchess (Eva Gabor) a gorgeous white furred cat and her adorable kittens Toulouse (Gary Dubin) Berlioz (Dean Clark) and Marie (Liz English). (On a side note while Marie is white like her mother, Toulouse has orange fur and Berlioz has black fur; how that works I have no idea). Madame and the cats live in a beautiful mansion with her English butler Edgar (Roddy Maude-Roxby). When preparing her will along with her wacky lawyer Georges (Charles Lane) Madame declares that her cats will inherit her massive fortune and when they die it will be passed to Edgar. Edgar overhears the conversation and plots to get rid of the cats. Sedating them he drives out to the country to abandon them; but is sort of thwarted from going any further. Madame and their friends Roquefort (Sterling Holloway) a mouse and Frou-Frou (Nancy Kulp) a horse discover the cats are missing and become worried (only the animals realize Edgar is responsible). The cats wake up and are determined to find a way back home, but they are not alone. In comes Abraham de Lacy Gilseppe Casey Thomas O’Malley; but is called Thomas O’Malley for short (Phil Harris) an orange alley cat. He agrees to guide them back to Paris and it becomes a big adventure; not to mention a romantic one for Duchess and O’Malley. We also meet some weird geese and O’Malley’s good friends Scat Cat (Scatman Crothers) and the Alley cats who play instruments and say how “Ev’rybody wants to be a Cat”. Can’t go any further without giving away the rest of the movie.

I’ve always thought this was an absolutely adorable movie. I loved all the cats in The Aristocats, but Marie was and always will be my favorite. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I quoted Marie as a kid, and maybe just a little today. The voice cast is amazing, writing is pretty good, animation (while recycled in a few places) is great and the musical numbers are catchy. I’ve caught myself humming Thomas O’Malley’s song as well as Ev’rybody wants to be a Cat. I’ve always wondered what happened after this movie, but the proposed sequel for this was never made; oh well I can imagine. If you like cats, and even if you don’t, The Aristocats is a very cute slightly underrated Disney movie worth watching.

Movie Review: The Sound Of Music

As this is my 100th blog, thank you for sticking around if you’ve been here since blog 1 and if not still thank you for reading, I wanted to do one of my favorite movies of all time, not to mention one of the greatest musicals of all time. The Sound of Music, released in 1965 and based on not just the legendary Rodgers & Hammerstein musical but a true story, has been in my life for as long as I can remember, not to the point of I can name exactly where the 1 hour 45 minute 53 second mark is; I’m not that obsessed. That being said my mom introduced this movie to me when I was very young because Julie Andrews is one of her favorite actresses, and mine as well for many reasons. While I do not watch it every time it is on TV (it’s almost 5 hours with commercial breaks), this film will always be near and dear to my heart. If you have not seen it spoiler alert. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Taking place in Austria, Maria (Julie Andrews) is a free-spirited nun which sadly makes her a “problem” for the other nuns. The Mother Abbess (Peggy Wood) who thinks Maria will be happier outside of the abbey has Maria become the governess of the seven children of a retired Navy captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) who runs the house like a ship. It takes a while but soon Liesl (Charmian Carr), Friedrich (Nicholas Hammond) Louisa (Heather Menzies) Kurt (Duane Chase) Brigitta (Angela Cartwright) Marta (Debbie Turner) and Gretl (Kym Karath) warm up to Maria and accepts her as part of the family. The Captain returns from his trip and almost throws Maria out of the house because it disrupted how he runs the family, until he sees how happy his children are because of her. It is not long before the Captain and Maria fall madly in love, much to the chagrin of the two people the captain brought back, a man known as Uncle Max (Richard Hayden) and the Baroness Elsa von Schraeder (Eleanor Parker) who hoped to marry him. Meanwhile Liesl has her own love story with Rolfe (Daniel Truhitte) which sadly doesn’t end well and the Second World War has begun, which is a huge part in the second half of the movie. Cannot go into more without giving the rest away.

The Sound of Music is constantly listed as one of the best musicals of all time, however if it was just for the songs it may not be as high. The story is so beautifully written, the acting is top notch, cinematography is gorgeous and oh so much more. It won the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Music among others, and was nominated for Best Actress in both Leading and Supporting Role for Andrews and Wood respectively. I seriously cannot say enough good things about this movie. Julie Andrews is absolutely fabulous in this movie; she is one of the very few actresses than can say so much with her eyes more than a 10 minute monologue. I know Christopher Plummer strongly dislikes this movie, I was somewhat surprised but I wasn’t even born and wasn’t there so he has his reasons. That being said he was still so good in the movie. The actors playing the Von Trapp children were great as was the rest of the cast.

If you are not singing along with the legendary songs in this musical than I strongly suggest checking your pulse. I’m not saying you have to sing as well as Andrews or Wood (God knows that’s almost impossible) but you can do the best you can with so many incredible songs such as “Maria”, “Sixteen Going on Seventeen”, “Edelweiss” “Do-Rei-Me”, “The Sound Of Music” and my personal favorite, pun completely intended, “My Favorite Things”

There have been many adaptions of this musical; perhaps the most famous was the NBC live musical adaption staring Carrie Underwood, which may show up at a later time. If you have not seen this amazing musical put it at the number one spot on the must watch list.