Review of Singin' in the Rain (1952) by Matt H — 16 Jul 2013

Found it to be funnier than I expected. "Good Morning" was my favorite bit, but I guess it was first done by Judy Garland an earlier film (Babes in Arms). "Singin in the Rain" is still the most iconic number/part of the movie and deserves its place in film history.

I also liked "Make Them Laugh." All of that "Broadway Melody" stuff near end of the film were totally out of place, unfortunately. I realize the whole movie is a callback to those earlier late 20's/ early 30's musicals.

Maybe the joke is that one of the earlier talkies would totally include a "modern" broadway number in the midst of a French aristocracy period piece, but I found it jarring and, frankly, filler.

I must say I wasn't blown away by any of the leads; Gene Kelly was pretty good, and I give him props for being a big part of his own movies, and Debbie Reynolds was solid, but neither had that "wow" factor for me.

Still better than I expected (even with the universal praise; musicals aren't one of my favorite genres).