George Sidney’s “Viva Las Vegas” is a nit little bit of sixties funk that really takes the decade head on with jazzy music numbers, and dance solos. Surely, it’s Elvis’ vehicle, but the movie really belongs to Ann-Margret. Playing off of Elvis, Ann-Margret is a red bomb shell who completely dominates the film with her keen sexuality, and ability to out dazzle Elvis, on many occasions. Director Sidney seems to also enjoy Margret’s stunning appearance, as her first real introduction to the film zeroes in on her behind as she leaves character Lucky’s car shop, and then pulls back on her lower region as she approaches her own hot rod.
Tag Archives: Musical
Get on Up (2014)
Get on Up is the latest Hollywood biopic and this one follows the life and times of the godfather of soul, the hardest working man in show business, James Brown. He is played brilliantly with great energy, enthusiasm, and electricity by 42’s Chadwick Boseman, who also played Jackie Robinson. He IS James Brown and he is the lifeblood of the movie. Every moment he’s on screen, you are captivated by his performance and what he brings to the table. While he doesn’t sing the original songs himself, as he is lip synching, he does bring the dance moves and overall essence of James Brown to the big screen.
The Temptations (1998)
One of the highlights of growing up with parents that loved classic soul and R&B, was listening to some of the greatest bands of all time. My favorite of them all was The Temptations, a wonderful group of singers with one of the more compelling back stories of all time. Though I’m usually not a fan of biography films about bands or musicians in general, “The Temptations” garners an immense cast of strong actors, all of whom help fuel what is a tale about fame, greed, and clashing egos. It’s just a shame that the movie breezes through some crucial details.
A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014)
I bet Seth McFarlane would love to fancy himself this generation’s Bob Hope, or perhaps even Mel Brooks. With the hollow smile of a car salesman, and the appeal of a commercial pitch man, in reality, McFarlane comes off as just another really desperate fan boy whose love for music, dancing, and comedy doesn’t equate to entertainment. The end result is a movie that holds our hands through every joke, and then holds our hand through the expected reaction. I imagine if McFarlane directed a remake to “Blazing Saddles” eventually someone would point to Sheriff Bart, look at the audience breaking the fourth wall, and mutter “But he’s a black man! And this is the old west!”
Billy Crystal: 700 Sundays
I’d be lying if I said I was a Billy Crystal fan. I always found him tolerable at best, in the realm of cinema, as an Oscar host, and comedian. I’d also be lying if I told you I had any intention to watch “700 Sundays.” My viewing of it was accidental and suffice it to say, I was shocked that “700 Sundays” ended up being so entertaining. Normally I detest the one man shows and find them the epitome of self indulgence, but Crystal has surely earned his chance to stage a one man show about his life. And while he does have a chance to perform a show about his Hollywood experiences, he instead discusses much of his life, and how his comedy career were merely a footnote in an unusual life.
Stage Fright (2014)
We’ve had horror musicals before, and rock operas aplenty, but it’s not often we get slasher musicals. “Stage Fright” is a very niche horror film, and one that runs the risk of alienating its audience, but for experimental audiences and for folks that appreciate horror comedies with an eighties twist, “Stage Fright” is an excellent and occasionally brilliant bastard child of many sub-genres, that works well as a truly memorable cocktail of madness and gore. Director Jerome Sable really creates a unique and genuinely raucous horror musical that takes “Phantom of the Opera” and builds a very refreshing revenge story from its roots.
Musical Chairs (2014)
“Cheer Up. You’re Alive.”
While Susan Seidelman’s musical drama is contrived and formulaic, it gets a free pass mainly for being such a charming romance that at least tries to break its predictability. “Musical Chairs” is the celebration of dance, despite physical disabilities, all the while focusing on a couple that find love through their hardships and their passion for the dance floor. It’s very interesting that “Musical Chairs” really dodges the more conventional aspects of films of this ilk, and also seems to strive for more diversity in characters beyond skin color.