OK, I admit it. I have no cultural class. I don't recognize any of the performers in this movie except for Dooley Wilson (who played/sang the role of "Sam" in Casablanca) and Lena Horne whom I had the rare treat of seeing in Philadelphia when I was a tot. So I can't give you an educated critical review of this film.
But I can tell you there's some GREAT talent showcased. There are some tap dancing scenes that would make Fred Astaire hang up his hardshoes in shame. And for those of you sticklers who always stare at the musicians' fingers to see if they actually know how to play, THEY DO.
Sure, the plot is weak and cursory. But since when are musicals supposed to have a plot? The story was just enough to chain these performances together while not distracting from the show. And that's what this movie is all about; consider it an early American version of "American Idol" except with talent.
Most of all, it's just a fun ride. Lotta smiles throughout. It's a highly nostalgic trip through a sadly-overlooked corner of early American music (blues, ragtime, jazz). And from a cinematic standpoint, the presentation is very nice. The scene of trombonists with their long shadows cast against the stage walls is very memorable to me, as is the rousing title performance of "Stormy Weather" which, in Picasso-like cubist fashion, passes through 3 different planes of existence: the stage, the backstage, and the backstage dream. Very artistic.
If you weren't totally confused when you began reading my review, I hope you are now. Go watch the film already, you dork.
But I can tell you there's some GREAT talent showcased. There are some tap dancing scenes that would make Fred Astaire hang up his hardshoes in shame. And for those of you sticklers who always stare at the musicians' fingers to see if they actually know how to play, THEY DO.
Sure, the plot is weak and cursory. But since when are musicals supposed to have a plot? The story was just enough to chain these performances together while not distracting from the show. And that's what this movie is all about; consider it an early American version of "American Idol" except with talent.
Most of all, it's just a fun ride. Lotta smiles throughout. It's a highly nostalgic trip through a sadly-overlooked corner of early American music (blues, ragtime, jazz). And from a cinematic standpoint, the presentation is very nice. The scene of trombonists with their long shadows cast against the stage walls is very memorable to me, as is the rousing title performance of "Stormy Weather" which, in Picasso-like cubist fashion, passes through 3 different planes of existence: the stage, the backstage, and the backstage dream. Very artistic.
If you weren't totally confused when you began reading my review, I hope you are now. Go watch the film already, you dork.