Review of Newsies (1992) by Donna S — 25 Sep 2009
An ambitious attempt to create a new live-action musical, NEWSIES was one of the most critically lambasted films of 1992, and consequently, many people stayed away from it. On video, however, it has developed a loyal following of fans.
To fully appreciate NEWSIES, it is important to accept it as little more than just a musical fantasy *loosely* based on a real-life newsboy strike in 1889. Once you get past that, there is a lot to enjoy in this undeservedly maligned, overlooked gem.
What it lacks in authenticity (newspaper tycoons Joseph Pullitzer and William Randolph Hearst are obviously caricatured compared to their real-life counterparts), it makes up for in both exuberance and heart.
On that note, Alan Menken's lively score for this film is grossly underrated; his songs are instantly catchy and are some of the most memorable in his career. It is somewhat odd that Robert Duvall and Ann-Margaret have top-billing in NEWSIES, as their characters are relatively minor (and less memorable) than the charismatic youths who propel the story (namely Christian Bale as the streetwise leader, Jack Kelly).
.. although the performances are generally well-done. No one will ever mistake NEWSIES as one of the all-time greatest musicals, but the film as a whole definitely deserved a better fate than what it was accorded for in 1992.
As entertaining family fare, it's hard to go wrong with this film.
This review of Newsies (1992) was written by Donna S on 25 Sep 2009.
Newsies has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
