Category: Musical

Respect in AMC Dolby

Respect in AMC Dolby

“Respect” is a quiet Biopic about Aretha Franklin the Queen of Soul.

The movie follows the rise of the Queen of Soul, from a young Aretha singing in her father’s church choir, to the adult Aretha who garners international fame and stardom. It’s a remarkable story of a woman on the journey to find her voice.

I can honestly say that Jennifer Hudson’s performance in this movie DEMANDS “Respect”. The music and performances were on point. Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin was awesome. Where the movie falls short is the direction and the screenplay.

I can say that regardless of the holes in the direction and screenplay, Jennifer Hudson’s performance did Aretha Franklin proud and is worth seeing if you are an Aretha Franklin fan. I was hopping in my seat to music. There is a “Live” performance of Aretha Franklin herself at the end of the movie footage. It’s definitely worth seeing.

“Respect” is only playing in Theaters! Go see it!!

4 Stars for Jennifer Hudson’s Performance!!

The Heights

The Heights

“The Heights” is a modern-day musical about the tight knit community in Washington Heights, NY. The trials and tribulations of everyday life are played out via song and dance.

There really isn’t nothing not to like about “The Heights”.  The movie is very pleasurable and is executed very well. The music is always on point. You will be dancing in your theater seat.

“The Heights” is definitely worth seeing on the big screen so that you get the full effect of the songs and dances. If you can’t get out to the theater, then check out “The Heights” on HBO MAX.

This is a 4 ½ Star Movie!!

CATS

The Broadway Musical Hit “Cats” comes to the big screen. If you ignore the fact that there was no story, no plot and no suspense, you could say that the big screen version of “Cats” is just OK.

I expected there to be something, but was highly disappointed that there was nothing. Don’t get me wrong, the costumes, makeup, singing and dancing is fantastic. That is the entertainment factor of the movie. Unfortunately the dialog was difficult to decipher. You do figure out that there is a villain of sorts, but it’s not clear what he’s after or why he does what he does. If that is not enough the movie ends with a question mark. I hate when that happens.

There is a strong cast and that is probably the only element that is saving “Cats”. The cast is the reason I wanted to see the movie. I did see the Broadway Musical many years ago and it was fantastic.

“Cats” should stay on Broadway and that is where you should see it.

This is a 2 Star Movie!!

Judy (2019)

“Judy” picks up Judy Garland’s life in 1968. Judy has 2 children (a son and a daughter) and is struggling to support them. For a while Judy and her 2 children perform small shows for a few dollars that furnishes cab rides and maybe one or two nights in a hotel. Soon Judy becomes desperate and she takes the children to their father. She leaves them and goes to London where she is given a second chance. The story unfolds from there…
“Judy” is very entertaining, somewhat eye-opening and also a bit tragic. This movie pulls back the layers a bit to show you the addiction that Judy Garland suffered from and potentially how the addiction started.

Renee Zellweger does an excellent job of portraying Judy Garland.
“Judy” (2019) is a nice surprise.

This is a 4 Star Movie!!

Beauty and The Beast in 3D

Disney’s “Beauty and The Beast” is a “Live Action Visual Feast”!!

Belle (Emma Watson) goes in search of her father Maurice (Kevin Kline) after his horse returns to the village without him. The horse leads Belle through the forest to the castle where her father disappeared. Belle finds her father being held captive inside the castle. The Beast approaches, but Belle isn’t afraid of the Beast and offers to trade places with her father. The Beast doesn’t want to make a trade, but allows Belle to say good-bye to her father. Once she is inside the cell with her father she pushes him out and slams the door. The story unfolds from there…

“Beauty and the Beast” is an old animated story being told in live action with tremendous visual effects, beautiful cinematography and wonderfully updated music.

The movie is very entertaining and will hold your attention. The 3D aspects are very good. The cast is excellent with the enchanting servant voices being played by the likes of Emma Thompson, Ian McKellen, Stanley Tucci, Audra McDonald and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.

This is a grown-up version of the classic tale, but can be enjoyed by everyone!!

This is a 3 ½ Star Movie!

Into The Woods

“Into The Woods” is quite delightful and entertaining, although toward the end its dark roots that have hovered just below the surface throughout rise up.

“Into The Woods” is a modern play on several Grimm Fairy Tales, “Jack and the Beanstalk”, “Rapunzel”, “Cinderella” and “Little Red Riding Hood”. These Tales are all intertwined and tied nicely together. The stories explore the consequences of the characters wishes, quests and actions.

The movie is a nice mix of Broadway Musical and Big Screen Motion Picture. Meryl Streep is Awesome!!

“Into The Woods” is an appropriate Holiday movie.

This is a 3 1/2 Star Movie!

Annie (2014)

“Annie (2014)” is yet another take on the classic Broadway hit with a more contemporary look and feel.

“Annie (2014)” is a charming and delightful movie for the younger set.

The adult actors seemed off balance in a lot of the scenes. The singing was strained on some of the songs. Most scenes that contained Cameron Diaz were disjointed. She seemed out of her element.
Jamie Foxx is an excellent R&B singer, but not show tunes. Jamie appeared as if he were embarrassed in some of his scenes.

“Annie (2014)” is best left on Broadway where it belongs.

This is a 1 1/2 Star Movie!