Review of Funny Girl (1968) by Kok Hoong F — 02 Sep 2012

Viewed on 8/8/04 (Sun).

I was watching the trailer of MEET THE FOCKERS and I am very pleasantly delighted to see Barbra Streisand playing a comic role as Ben Stiller's Mum.

I told myself I would borrow THE WAY WE WERE whose theme song was used in the trailer too, to comical effect of course.

Alas, they were out so I made do with this one. Should not be a bad choice since she got an Oscar for this movie.

As I was watching Barbra making funny faces and sounds in the show, I just wondered how did she get away with all the act-cute antics and won the heart of many? Back then in her debut movie, she was already so confident in her performance, either as an actress or a songbird. She doesn't really have the leading lady looks. Her big nose and skinny legs. Also part of her self-depreciative jokes in the movie. However, her talents are sensational to watch.

I think Barbra also inspired Sarah Jessica Parker's performance in SATC. There are many similarities in their mannerisms.

I am not really a big fan of musicals and the story and songs in FUNNY GIRL do not hit me in a big way too. Still, it is a must-see for music fans of Barbra Streisand and I hope MEET THE FOCKERS can be a successful comeback movie for her... and sings the theme song? Nah...

Rating: B.