The Reading Life Review- February 2024 - Part Two - Films Featured in February

Since June of last year posts upon movies I have streamed have become an important element on The Reading Life.


My Favourite Movies from February (in random order)




1.The Sound of Music- A 1965 Musical - Directed by Robert Wise- Starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer


2. Chicago - A 2002 Movie Musical Starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger, and Richard Gere - Directed by Rob Marshall


3. Cabaret - A 1972 Musical Movie directed by Bob Fossee- Starring Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey


4. Singin' in the Rain - A 1952 Musical Directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen- Starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Daniel O'Connor


5. The Holdovers" is a 2023 American comedy-drama film - directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson.


6. Cover Girl is a 1944 American musical romantic comedy film directed by Charles Vidor - starring Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly


7. Fiddler on the Roof- 1971- A Movie Musical Directed by Norman Jewison - Winner of Three Academy Awards


8. Kiss Me Kate- A 1953 Musical - Directed by George Sidney - Starring Kathryn Grayson, Ann Miller


9. Throughly Modern Millie - A 1967 Musical Movie directed by George Hill - Starring Julie Andrews, Mary Tyler Moore and Carol Channing


10. Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a 1988 American live-action/animated fantasy comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis, - The film stars Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Charles Fleischer, Stubby Kaye, and Joanna Cassidy




The Rest of the Movies I Watched in February




1.Hairspray - A 2007 Movie Musical Directed by John Spankman - Starring Michelle Phiefer, John Travolta and Nikki Blonsky


2. The Phantom of the Opera- 2004 - a Movie Musical Directed by Joel Schumacher, starring Gérard Butler in the title role, with Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson, - Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber


3. A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court - 1949 American comedy musical film directed by Tay Garnett and starring Bing Crosby, Rhonda Fleming, Sir Cedric Hardwicke and William Bendix


4. The King and I is a 1956 American musical film, Starring Yul Brynner, Rita Moreno and Deborah Kerr - Directed by Walter Lang and produced by Charles Brackett and Darryl F. Zanuck


5. Silk Stockings- 1957-American musical romantic comedy film directed by Rouben Mamoulian and starring Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse


6. All That Jazz is a 1979 American musical drama film directed by Bob Fosse and starring Roy Scheider


7. Guys and Dolls - A 1955 Musical Comedy Starring Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Jean Simmons and Vivian Blaine - directed by Joseph


8. Victor-Victoria- A 1982 Musical directed by Blake Edwards- Starring Julie Andrews and James Garner - Set in Paris


9.Moulin Rouge - A 2001 Movie Musical Directed by Baz Luhrmann - starring Nicole Kidman, among others- Set in Paris


10.Can Can - A 1960 American Musical Film directed by Walter Lang, Starring Shirley MacLaine, Frank Sinatra and Maurice Chevalier - set in Paris


11. Evita - A 1996 Musical - Directed by Alan Parker - Starring Madonna - Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber


12. A Night at the Opera- A 1935 Musical Comedy with Groucho, Chico and Harpo Marx - Directed by Sam Wood


13.Pacific Rim- 2011 - directed by Guillermo del Toro


14. Springtime in the Rockies -A 1942 Musical
Starring Betty Grable, Carmen Miranda and Ceaser Romero


15. The Pajama Game - A 1957 Musical - Starring Doris Day - directed by George Abbott and Stanley Dohen - Correography by Bob Fossee


16.. Summer Stock - A 1950 Musical Starring Judy Garland and Gene Kelly - Directed by Charles Waters-


17. Hi Di Ho - A 1947 Musical Starring Cab Caloway - Directed by Josh Kinney


18.Meet Me After The Show- A Musical Movie directed by Richard Sales - Starring Betty Grable - 1951


19. Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street - A Musical - Directed by Tim Burton- Starring Johnny Depp


20. Young Frankenstein- Directed by Mel Brooks - 1976 - Starring Gene Wilder, Terri Garr, Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman and Madeline Kahn


21. Hell Boy II: The Golden Army Directed by Guillermo del Toro. - 2008 - Starring Ron Perlman and Selma Blair


22. Pal Joey - A 1957 Musical Comedy- directed by George Sidney- Starring Rita Hayworth, Kim Novak, and Frank Sinatra


23. Ball of Fire -1941 American comedy- Directed by Howard Hawks - Starring Barbara Stanwyck and Gary Cooper


24.Mimic- a 1997 Film Directed by Guillermo del Toro


25. You Were Never Lovelier- A 1942 Musical Movie Starring Rita Hayworth and Fred Astaire- Directed by William Seiter

You Were Never Lovelier- A 1942 Musical Movie Starring Rita Hayworth and Fred Astaire- Directed by William Seiter

You Were Never Lovelier- A 1942 Musical Movie Starring Rita Hayworth and Fred Astaire- Directed by William Seiter


Available on Internet Archives


A delightful way to spend 90 minutes


War Time Restrictions meant it had to be shot in black and white


Great Music with a Latin theme, Rita Hayworth, lots of comic twists..

Pal Joey - A 1957 Musical Comedy- directed by George Sidney- Starring Rita Hayworth, Kim Novak, and Frank Sinatra

 

Pal Joey - A 1957 Musical Comedy- directed by George Sidney- Starring Rita Hayworth, Kim Novak, and Frank Sinatra 

Rita Hayworth, Kim Novak, Sinatra Sings and an adorable dog. Set in the theatre world of San Francisco-what not to like?

Pal Joey tells the story of Joey Evans (Sinatra), a charming but ambitious nightclub singer who dreams of opening his own club. He gets involved with two women: Vera Simpson (Hayworth), a wealthy widow who becomes his patron, and Linda English (Novak), a young dancer who falls in love with him.

The film was a critical and commercial success, and it won four Academy Award nominations, including Best Original Song for "The Lady Is a Tramp". Sinatra won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his role.

Some of the other notable songs in the film include "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered", "My Funny Valentine", and "You're My Baby".

The film was shot on location in San Francisco, and it features some stunning cinematography.

Cover Girl is a 1944 American musical romantic comedy film directed by Charles Vidor, and starring Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly. The film tells the story of a chorus girl given a chance at stardom when she is offered an opportunity to be a highly paid cover girl. It was one of the most popular musicals of the war years.

 Available on YouTube 

Cover Girl is a 1944 American musical romantic comedy film directed by Charles Vidor, and starring Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly. The film tells the story of a chorus girl given a chance at stardom when she is offered an opportunity to be a highly paid cover girl. 

If you like beautiful women, especially if Rita Hayworth entralls you, then Cover Girl is for you. Gene Kelly plays her on and off boyfriend. 

 Primarily a showcase for Hayworth, the film has lavish modern and 1890s costumes, eight dance routines for Hayworth, and songs by Jerome Kern and Ira Gershwin, including "Long Ago (and Far Away)".

Cover Girl was Columbia's first Technicolor musical, and songwriter Arthur Schwartz's first venture into producing.

Can Can- A 1960 American Musical Film Directed by Walter Lang Starring Frank Sinatra, Shirley MacLaine and Maurice Chevalier

 The film tells the story of Simone Pistache (MacLaine), a cabaret owner in Montmartre who defies the law by featuring the can-can in her shows. Judge Philippe Forrestier (Jourdan) is determined to shut her down, but he soon finds himself falling for her charms. Meanwhile, Simone's American boyfriend, François Durnais (Sinatra), tries to win her back.

"Can-Can" was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $10 million at the box office. It was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Music, Score and Best Song ("C'est Magnifique"). The film is known for its lavish costumes, catchy songs, and energetic dance numbers.

Here are some of the things that make "Can-Can" a memorable film:

The music: The film features a score of classic Cole Porter songs, including "I Love Paris," "C'est Magnifique," and "It's Alright with Me."

The dancing: The can-can numbers are energetic and exciting, and the choreography is top-notch.

The performances: The cast is uniformly excellent, with MacLaine delivering a particularly charming performance as Simone.

The setting: The film captures the beauty and charm of 19th-century Paris.

Silk Stockings is a 1957 American musical romantic comedy film directed by Rouben Mamoulian and starring Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse. It is based on the 1955 stage musical of the same name,[which had been adapted from the film Ninotchka (1939).[he film was choreographed by Eugene Loring and Hermes Pan.

Silk Stockings is a 1957 American musical romantic comedy film directed by Rouben Mamoulian and starring Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse. It is based on the 1955 stage musical of the same was adapted from the film Ninotchka (1939).the film was choreographed by Eugene Loring and Hermes 

Silk Stockings follows Ninotchka Yoschenko (Cyd Charisse), a stern and dedicated Soviet commissar sent to Paris to retrieve three defecting composers. However, Ninotchka's rigid communist ideals are challenged by the city's vibrant atmosphere and the seductive charms of American producer Steve Canfield (Fred Astaire). As she experiences the freedom and luxury of Parisian life, Ninotchka begins to question her beliefs and finds herself falling for Steve

It is based on the 1955 stage musical of the same name, which had been adapted from the film Ninotchka (1939).

The film was choreographed by Eugene Loring and Hermes Pan.

The plot revolves around an American producer who tries to convince a respected Russian music composer to score his next movie.

The composer is immediately charmed by the excess of Parisian nightlife and refuses to return to Russia.

Moscow dispatches a frigid bureaucrat to retrieve the wayward composer.

It was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, for Best Film and Best Actress (Charisse).

The film was a critical and commercial success, and is considered one of the best musical films of the 1950s. It is also notable for its use of Technicolor, which helped to create a lush and vibrant visual style.

It was the last musical film that Astaire made for MGM.

Charisse was originally hesitant to take on the role of Ninotchka, but she eventually agreed and gave one of her best performances.

The film was shot on location in Paris, which added to its authenticity.

The film's score was nominated for an Academy Award, but it lost to the score for The King and I.

Throughly Modern Millie - A 1967 Musical Movie directed by George Hill - Starring Julie Andrews, Mary Tyler Moore and Carol Channing

Available on Internet Archives 

The screenplay, by Richard Morris, is based on the 1956 British musical Chrysanthemum.

Millie Dillmount (Julie Andrews) is a young woman from Kansas who arrives in New York City in 1922 with dreams of becoming a modern flapper and marrying a wealthy man. She gets a job as a stenographer at Sincere & Company, where she sets her sights on her boss, Trevor Graydon (John Gavin). However, Millie's plans are complicated by a number of factors, including her roommate Dorothy Brown (Mary Tyler Moore), who is also in love with Trevor; her landlady, Mrs. Meers (Beatrice Lillie), who is secretly running a white slavery ring; and Jimmy Smith (James Fox), a poor paperclip salesman who falls in love with Millie.

The film was a critical and commercial success, and won six Academy Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Costume Design.

 

Hairspray - A 2007 Movie Musical Directed by John Spankman - Starring Michelle Phiefer, John Travolta and Nikki Blonsky

 Available on HBO GO 

"Hairspray" is just plain fun. Or maybe not so plain. There's a lot of craft and slyness lurking beneath the circa-1960s goofiness. The movie seems guileless and rambunctious, but it looks just right (like a Pat Boone musical) and sounds just right (like a Golden Oldies disc) and feels just right (like the first time you sang "We Shall Overcome" and until then it hadn't occurred to you that we should). It bounces out of bed with Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky), a roly-poly bundle of joy, whose unwavering cheerfulness shines on the whole movie. "Good morning, Baltimore!" she sings, as she dances through a neighborhood where everyone seems to know and love her, even the garbagemen who let her ride on the roof of their back-loader. She's like a free-lance cheerleader." From Roger Ebert 

The film is set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, and follows the story of Tracy Turnblad (Blonsky), a large, quirky teenager who dreams of dancing on the Corny Collins Show, a popular teen dance show hosted by the charismatic Corny Collins (James Marsden)

 When Tracy finally gets her chance to audition, she wins a spot on the show and quickly becomes a local celebrity. However, Tracy's newfound fame soon leads her to clash with the show's producer, Velma Von Tussel (Pfeiffer), who is determined to keep the show segregated.

With the help of her friends, her family, and her love interest, Link Larkin (Efron), Tracy sets out to integrate the Corny Collins Show and challenge the city's racial segregation laws. The film is a heartwarming and uplifting story about acceptance, friendship, and standing up for what you believe in..

The film features a number of memorable songs, such as "You Can't Stop the Beat," "Welcome to the Sixties," and "I Know Where I've Been." The choreography is also energetic and fun to watch.

The cast of Hairspray (2007) is uniformly excellent. Nikki Blonsky is charming and endearing as Tracy Turnblad, and John Travolta is hilarious as Edna Turnblad, Tracy's mother. The rest of the cast, including Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah, Zac Efron, James Marsden, Amanda Bynes, and Brittany Snow, all give memorable performances

The Phantom of the Opera- 2004 - a Movie Musical Directed by Joel Schumacher, i starring Gérard Butler in the title role, with Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson,

The Phantom of the Opera- 2004 - a Movie Musical Directed by Joel Schumacher,  starring Gérard Butler in the title role, with Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson, - Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber


I very much liked the apparel, the vivid color and the setting of the movie. I found at times


It was produced and co-written by Lloyd Webber and directed by Joel Schumacher.
It stars Gerard Butler in the title role, with Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson, Miranda Richardson, Minnie Driver, Simon Callow, Ciarán Hinds, Victor McGuire, and Jennifer Ellison in supporting roles.


The film tells the story of Christine Daaé, a young soprano who is tutored by the mysterious Phantom of the Opera. The Phantom becomes obsessed with Christine and helps her career to flourish, but he also demands her love in return. Christine is caught between her feelings for the Phantom and her love for her childhood friend Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny.


The film was released in 2004 and was a box office success, grossing over $154 million worldwide. It received mixed reviews from critics, but was praised for its visuals and acting, particularly the performances of Butler, Rossum, and Wilson.


Here are some of the awards and nominations that the film received:


Academy Award for Best Original Song Score
Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Saturn Award for Best Musical Film

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court is a 1949 American comedy musical film directed by Tay Garnett and starring Bing Crosby, Rhonda Fleming, Sir Cedric Hardwicke and William Bendix

Available on Tubi

 A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court is a 1949 American comedy musical film directed by Tay Garnett and starring Bing Crosby, Rhonda Fleming, Sir Cedric Hardwicke and William Bendix

"A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" is a musical fantasy comedy based on Mark Twain's 1889 novel of the same name. It stars Bing Crosby as Hank Martin, a 19th-century mechanic who is knocked unconscious and wakes up in 6th-century Camelot. He uses his modern knowledge to impress the king and the people, but he also gets into trouble with the evil magician Merlin

Bing Crosby's performance: Crosby is charming and charismatic as Hank Martin, and his singing voice is in top form.The film features a number of catchy songs by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke, including "If You Stub Your Toe on the Moon" and "Busy Doing Nothing."

The film is full of funny moments, both physical and The film is a lot of fun to watch, as Hank Martin uses his modern knowledge to get himself out of jams and impress the people of Camelot

The King and I is a 1956 American musical film, Starring Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr - Directed by Walter Lang and produced by Charles Brackett and Darryl F. Zanuck

 

The King and I is a 1956 American musical film, Starring Yul Brynner, Rita Moreno and Deborah Kerr - Directed by Walter Lang and produced by Charles Brackett and Darryl F. Zanuck

It is based on the 1951 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical of the same name

The film tells the story of Anna Leonowens, a widowed British schoolteacher who travels Siam in 1862 to become the governess for the many children of King Mongkut. Anna clashes with the King's stubborn and traditional ways, but she also begins to develop a grudging respect for him. As they work together to bridge the cultural gap between them

The film was a critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Yul Brynner 

Westside Story - 2021 - directed by Steven Spielberg -Starring Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler in her film debut with Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist, and Rita Moreno in supporting roles

 Available on Amazon Prime

The 2021 adaptation of West Side Story is a musical romantic drama film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg from a screenplay by Tony Kushner. It is the second feature-length adaptation of the 1957 stage musical of the same name, and it stars Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler in her film debut with Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist, and Rita Moreno in supporting roles. Moreno, who starred in the 1961 film adaptation, also served as an executive producer alongside Kushner. The film features music composed by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

Differences from the 1961 film: Notably, the 2021 version aims for a more authentic portrayal of the characters' ethnicities and backgrounds, and it expands the roles of some female characters.

The film received seven nominations at the 94th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, with DeBose winning Best Supporting Actres. However, the film was a box office bomb, grossing only $76 million against a $100 million production budget, and an estimated $300 million break even target.

Mary Poppins - A 1964 Movie Musical Starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke - Directed by Robert Stevenson- Academy Award Best Actress

Mary Poppins - A 1964 Movie Musical Starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke - Directed by Robert Stevenson- Academy Award Best Actress


The screenplay is by Bill Walsh and Don DaGradi, based on P. L. Travers's book series Mary Poppins.
The film stars Julie Andrews in her feature film debut as Mary Poppins, a magical nanny who visits a dysfunctional family in London and employs her unique brand of lifestyle to improve the family's dynamic.



Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson, and Glynis Johns are featured in supporting roles.
The film was released on August 27, 1964, to critical acclaim and commercial success, grossing $31 million in its original domestic run. It became the highest-grossing film of 1964, and at the time of its release, was Disney's highest-grossing film ever. During its theatrical lifetime, it grossed over $103 million worldwide.


It received a total of 13 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture—a record for any film released by Walt Disney Studios—and won five: Best Actress for Andrews, Best Film Editing, Best Original Music Score, Best Visual Effects, and Best Original Song for "Chim Chim Cher-ee".

Fiddler on the Roof- 1971- A Movie Musical Directed by Norman Jewison - Winner of Three Academy Awards

Fiddler on the Roof- 1971- A Movie Musical Directed by Norman Jewison - Winner of Three Academy Awards
 

Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, the film takes us to the fictional Russian village of Anatevka in the early 20th century. We meet Tevye (played by the incredible Topol), a poor but hardworking milkman grappling with tradition and change as he tries to marry off his five daughters. As societal pressures and anti-Semitism rise, Tevye must navigate his unwavering faith and evolving family dynamics.

The film was a critical and commercial success, winning three Academy Awards (Best Score, Best Adapted Song, and Best Cinematography) and being nominated for five others, including Best Picture. It is widely considered one of the greatest musicals ever made and has been praised for its heartwarming story, memorable songs, and strong performances

Tevye's struggles come to a head when his eldest daughter, Tzeitel, falls in love with a poor tailor named Motel. Tevye does not approve of Motel, but he eventually gives his blessing to the marriage. However, the wedding is interrupted by a group of Russian soldiers, who are persecuting the Jews. Tevye and his family are forced to flee Anatevka, and they eventually emigrate to America

Here's a breakdown of some of the most popular songs and what they represent:

"Tradition": The opening number, sung by Tevye and the villagers, establishes the importance of tradition and faith in their small Jewish community.

"Matchmaker, Matchmaker": The three eldest daughters, Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava, express their anxieties and desires about finding husbands through a matchmaker.

"If I Were a Rich Man": Tevye humorously daydreams about the problems he would solve if he were wealthy, highlighting his internal struggles between tradition and personal desires.

"Sabbath Prayer": A beautiful and moving song sung by Tevye, Golde, and the villagers, expressing their gratitude and devotion to their faith.

"To Life": A celebratory song sung by Tevye, Lazar Wolf, and the men, expressing joy and resilience in the face of challenges.

"Tevye's Dream": A comedic dream sequence where Tevye confronts his deceased ancestors and the Rabbi about his daughters' marriages.

"Sunrise, Sunset": A poignant duet by Tevye and Golde reflecting on the passage of time and the changing world around them.

From Act II:

"Now I Have Everything": A hopeful song by Perchik and Hodel expressing their love and optimism for their future together.

"Tevye's Rebuttal": Tevye argues against his daughters' choices in husbands, showcasing his traditional values clashing with their modern desires.

"Do You Love Me?": A tender and emotional duet by Tevye and Golde reaffirming their love and commitment to each other.

"Chavaleh (Little Bird)": Tevye sings to his youngest daughter, Chava, expressing his love and worry about her choice to run away with Fyedka.

"Anatevka": The final song, sung by the villagers as they are forced to leave their home due to the Tsar's decree, expressing their love for their community and hope for the future.

Guys and Dolls - A 1955 Musical Comedy Starring Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Jean Simmons and Vivian Blaine - directed by Joseph Mankiewicz

 Guys and Dolls - A 1955 Musical Comedy Starring Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Jean Simmons and Vivian Blaine - directed by Joseph Mankiewicz

Available on YouTube 

Based on: The 1950 Broadway musical, which was in turn based on short stories by Damon Runyon

Cast:

Marlon Brando as Sky Masterson

Frank Sinatra as Nathan Detroit

Jean Simmons as Sarah Brown

Vivian Blaine as Miss Adelaide

Plot: Gambler Nathan Detroit tries to secure a location for his illegal craps game by making a bet with Sky Masterson. Sky must take the uptight missionary Sarah Brown on a date to Cuba in exchange for $1,000. Meanwhile, Nathan's long-suffering fiancée, Miss Adelaide, dreams of settling down and getting married.

Reception: The film was a critical and commercial success, winning two Academy Awards for Best Music Score and Best Song ("Luck Be a Lady"). 

 

Westside Story - A Movie Musical - !961 - Directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins - Starring Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno

Available on Tubi and YouTube 

Westside Story - A Movie Musical - !961 - Directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins - Starring Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno

 This electrifying musical, winner of ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture, reimagines “Romeo and Juliet,” is set during gang warfare in 1950s New York City.

Inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story tells the story of two star-crossed lovers, Tony (Richard Beymer) and Maria (Natalie Wood), who belong to rival gangs: the Jets and the Sharks. Despite the animosity between their groups, Tony and Maria fall deeply in love, but their forbidden romance leads to tragedy.

The film's music, composed by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, is considered one of the greatest musical scores ever written. Iconic songs like "Tonight," "Maria," and "America" have become timeless classics.

The film's choreography, by Jerome Robbins, is electrifying and innovative. It uses dance to tell the story of the characters' emotions and the tensions between the gangs.

Screenplay by: Ernest Lehman

Based on: the stage musical by Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Jerome Robbins

Cinematography: Daniel L. Fapp

Editing: Thomas Stanford

Running time: 152 minutes

Chicago - A 2002 Movie Musical Starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger, and Richard Gere - Directed by Rob Marshall

Big Bang Fans, Look for Leonard's mother!

The film, directed by Rob Marshall, dives into the roaring 1920s of Chicago, a time of jazz, flappers, and a fascination with celebrity. In this bustling backdrop, we meet Roxie Hart (Renée Zellweger), a housewife with dreams of stardom, and Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones), a vaudeville star fallen from grace. Both find themselves incarcerated for murder, vying for the spotlight and acquittal through the help of charming lawyer Billy Flynn (Richard Gere). As they navigate the corrupt criminal justice system and manipulate the media for their own gains, the film exposes the dark side of fame and the power 

"Chicago" was a critical and commercial triumph, lauded for its dazzling visuals, catchy musical numbers, and sharp social commentary. It garnered numerous accolades, including:

Six Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Catherine Zeta-Jones), Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, and Best Sound.

Three Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (Renée Zellweger), and Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture (Catherine Zeta-Jones).

Two BAFTA Awards: Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Memorable Elements:

Music and Choreography: The film features iconic musical numbers like "Cell Block Tango," "Razzle Dazzle," and "We Both Reached for the Gun," choreographed in true Bob Fosse style with sharp, energetic movements. The music, composed by John Kander and Fred Ebb, seamlessly blends into the narrative and drives the story forward.

Performances: The film boasts powerhouse performances from its lead cast. Renée Zellweger brings a captivating blend of naivety and ambition to Roxie, while Catherine Zeta-Jones oozes charisma and cynicism as Velma. Richard Gere is equally compelling as the smooth-talking, manipulative Billy Flynn.

Social Commentary: "Chicago" cleverly uses its Jazz Age setting and musical format to explore timeless themes of media manipulation, the pursuit of fame, and the corruption of the justice system.

Victor-Victoria- A 1982 Musical directed by Blake Edwards- Starring Julie Andrews and James Garner - Set in Paris

 

Victor-Victoria - A 1982 Musical directed by Blake Edwards- Starring Julie Andrews and James Garner - Set in Paris

A marvelous very engaging showcase for the talents of Julie Andrews 

Struggling to find work, Victoria (Julie Andrews) meets  a down-and-out songwriter. Together, they hatch a scheme to create a new act: Victoria will masquerade as a man named "Count Victor Grazinski," who in turn performs as a female impersonator named "Victoria." The act becomes a sensation, but complications arise when both a Chicago gangster and Toddy himself fall in love with Victoria.

Victor/Victoria was a critical and commercial success. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning Best Original Score. Julie Andrews received praise for her performance, earning her a Golden Globe nomination. 

Moulin Rouge - A 2001 Movie Musical Directed by Baz Luhrmann - starring Nicole Kidman, among others- Set in Paris

 

Moulin Rouge - A 2001 Movie Musical Directed by Baz Luhrmann - starring Nicole Kidman- Set in Paris 

Moulin Rouges features songs from various artists and time periods, and is loosely based on Giuseppe Verdi's opera La traviata. The film tells the story of Christian, a young English writer who comes to Paris and falls in love with Satine, a beautiful courtesan who stars at the Moulin Rouge nightclub. 

The film was a critical and commercial success, winning two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and three BAFTA Awards. 

The music: The film's soundtrack is a mix of popular songs from the 19th century to the late 20th century, and it is one of the most iconic soundtracks of all time. The music is used to great effect in the film, and it helps to create a sense of energy and excitement.

The film features a stellar cast, including Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, Jim Broadbent, and Richard Roxburgh. Kidman is particularly good as Satine, and she gives a heartbreaking performance.

 The film is visually stunning, with its use of vibrant colors, elaborate costumes, and stunning sets. The film is a feast for the eyes, and it helps to create a sense of the world of the Moulin Rouge.

 The story of Moulin Rouge! is a classic love story, but it is told in a unique and original way. The film is both romantic and tragic.

Singin' in the Rain - A 1952 Musical Directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen- Starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Daniel O'Connor

Singin' in the Rain - A 1952 Musical Directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen- Starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Daniel O'Connor


Singin' in the Rain is a 1952 American musical romantic comedy film directed and choreographed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, starring Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds, and featuring Jean Hagen, Millard Mitchell, and Cyd Charisse. It offers a lighthearted depiction of Hollywood in the late 1920s, with the three stars portraying performers caught up in the transition from silent films to "talkies".


The film was a critical and commercial success, and is now considered one of the greatest musicals of all time. It is known for its iconic dance numbers, including "Singin' in the Rain," "Make 'Em Laugh," and "Good Mornin'


The film is set in 1929, as Hollywood is transitioning from silent films to sound films. Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) is a silent film star who is paired with Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) on screen. However, Lina has a grating voice that is unsuitable for talkies


Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds) is a young aspiring actress who meets Don and impresses him with her talent. Don convinces Kathy to dub Lina's voice in their new talking picture, "The Broadway Melody." The film is a success, but Lina takes all the credit.


Don and Kathy fall in love, but their relationship is complicated by Lina's jealousy. Lina tries to sabotage Kathy's career, but Don ultimately exposes her and declares his love for Kathy.