MEOW!
Singin' In The Rain truly deserves a spot in the "if-you-don't-crack-a-smile-once-then-you're-not-human" list. While not the greatest movie musical of all-time, this is still a wonderful entertainment with some moments that are absolutely spellbinding.
One just happens to be the title number itself. When Don Lockwood (the unbelievably incredible Gene Kelly) sings and dances under a multitude of drops (Thank You, Cloud Atlas), it's just about as close as you can get to the purest of movie magic nowadays. I saw this film at a 50th anniversary screening last summer, and when that scene happened in the theater, it made me feel that all was right in the world. When I also saw "Make 'Em Laugh" in the theater, it made me feel the exact same way. Laughter is one of the finest medicines that you can possibly take; turns out all we needed was a freakin' genius like Cosmo Brown (the extraordinary Donald O' Connor) to prove that once and for all. It's indescribable as to how much joy I had during that scene. It's as good as not only "Singin' In The Rain," but as every other number that I've seen in a movie musical. Then you have classic numbers such as "Fit As A Fiddle," "Good Moooooorning," and "Moses Supposes" that are irresistibly infectious, and part of that infection comes from the absolutely brilliant choreography as well. In fact, the choreography is so good that it becomes exhausting by the time "Broadway Melody" arrives, which is the film's only major flaw. As much as I admire the wonderful technicolor-scheme, and Gene Kelly's moves, of course, that moment in the film ruins most of the momentum it had before. Ironically, it might have been revolutionary back when it was released, but for today's audience, it becomes a chore to sit through. Thankfully, the film redeems itself with an incredibly funny (if slightly abrupt) climax that shows how lip-synching can help in difficult times, such as, you guessed it, making a movie musical!
Singin' In The Rain is an overall delight, with winning characters, infectious energy, and a couple of spellbinding moments that'll give you those three M's: Movie. Musical. Magic. Out of five colorful umbrellas, I give Singin' In The Rain...
Until next time,
Well...the hills are alive with THE SOUND OF MUSIC!
and MEOW, of course!
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