The MoFo Musical Countdown - Group Watch

[SpelingError]

88859

For the third time during a MoFo countdown, we're going to be having a Group Watch thread! Here's how this thread will work:

-The host will nominate a musical, the participants will have 3 days to watch it, and to state that they watched the film in the thread (make sure your nomination doesn't last over four hours).

-You're not required to review the film. You can if you want to, but simply writing something like "I just watched XX and really enjoyed it" should suffice.

-Afterwards, the host will use a random number generator to pick the next person to nominate a film (provided the person watched your nomination and hasn't nominated a film yet) and the process would repeat.

-This thread will last till the deadline for the preliminary thread (or close to it).

-You can opt-in/opt-out of this thread whenever you want. You're not required to watch every film in this thread just because you watched one film in it.

In short, this is similar to a Hall of Fame, except it requires far less effort.

I'm sure many of us will be voting for some obscure films which not many MoFos have seen, so participating in this thread might be a good way to increase the likelihood of your film making the countdown.

[SpelingError]

Nominations:

Le Million (1931, René Clair)
Nominated By: SpelingError

Curly Top (1935, Irving Cummings)
Nominated By: Allaby

The Pajama Game (1957, George Abbott and Stanley Donen)
Nominated By: Citizen Rules

Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam)
Nominated By: seanc

Little Shop of Horrors (1986, Frank Oz)
Nominated By: Thursday Next

Charlotte's Web (1973, Charles A. Nichols and Iwao Takamoto)
Nominated By: Miss Vicky

A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum (1966, Richard Lester)
Nominated By: stillmellow

Fiddler on the Roof (1971, Norman Jewison)
Nominated By; Citizen Rules

Across the Universe (2007, Julie Taymor)
Nominated By: cricket

Sweet Charity (1969, Bob Fosse)
Nominated By: Gideon58

Damn Yankees (1958, Stanley Donen and George Abbott)
Nominated By: gbgoodies

Hair (1979, Miloš Forman)
Nominated By: Gideon58

In the Heights (2021, Jon M. Chu)
Nominated By: Wyldesyde19

Brigadoon (1954, Vincente Minnelli)
Nominated By: rauldc14

Pennies from Heaven (1981, Herbert Ross)
Nominated By: Thursday Next

Newsies (1992, Kenny Ortega)
Nominated By: Allaby

Hans Christian Andersen (1952, Charles Vidor)
Nominated By: gbgoodies

Grease 2 (1982, Patricia Birch)
Nominated By: Citizen Rules

Stingray Sam (2009, Cory McAbee)
Nominated By: Miss Vicky

Rocketman (2019, Dexter Fletcher)
Nominated By: seanc

Corpse Bride (2005, Tim Burton)
Nominated By: Miss Vicky

The Boy Friend (Ken Russell, 1971)
Nominated By: exiler96

Tea for Two (1950, David Butler)
Nominated By: gbgoodies

A Week Away (2021, Roman White)
Nominated By: Allaby

Pure Country (1992, Christopher Cain)
Nominated By: gbgoodies

A Mighty Wind (Christopher Guest, 2003)
Nominated By: Miss Vicky

[SpelingError]

Nomination #1

99016

Le Million (1931, René Clair)

Deadline to Watch It: June 2

[SpelingError]

And, as usual, let me know if you need a link for the film :)

[Wyldesyde19]

I think it’s on criterion so I should enable to get to it this weekend.

[SpelingError]

This is one which Citizen Rules hasn't seen, so I'm curious what he'll think of it.

[Mr Minio]

I'm not playing or anything but Le million is a very good film and you ought to watch it.

[Allaby]

Looks interesting. I will likely watch it tomorrow.

[Citizen Rules]

This is one which Citizen Rules hasn't seen, so I'm curious what he'll think of it.Sounds good, I like French films. I'll try to watch it on the 2nd. Friday and Saturday night are Beach movies at the Rules house.

[Citizen Rules]

I'm sure many of us will be voting for some obscure films which not many MoFos have seen, so participating in this thread might be a good way to increase the likelihood of your film making the countdown. I think that when it comes to musicals even the well known, but older musicals are obscure to the majority of the MoFos. I'll have to check everyone's MoFo list section to see what they've watched.

[Thursday Next]

Yay, the group watch thread is here!

Interesting first pick, looking forward to it.

[Allaby]

I just finished watching Le Million on the Criterion Channel. I hadn't heard of this before, but I liked it. It's a charming and enjoyable musical. Good nomination. 4

[Citizen Rules]

Le Million (The Million) (1931)...is on my schedule for tomorrow. Looking forward to watching it.

[SpelingError]

It's currently in my top 10, but depending on the quality of what gets recommended here, it may or may not fall out.

[SpelingError]

As an aside, I'll probably end each round around the evening of each deadline (I live in EST, btw).

[Citizen Rules]

As an aside, I'll probably end each round around the evening of each deadline (I live in EST, btw).So roughly what time EST and day, will the first round end?

[SpelingError]

So roughly what time EST and day, will the first round end?

Maybe around 9 to 10 PM EST, but if I'm a bit late to posting a film for a particular round, I'll be happy to extend it to 11 or 12 to be fair to the nomination. My advice would be to try and post your thoughts in this thread by late afternoon/early evening EST for each deadline to be on the safe side.

[Citizen Rules]

Maybe around 9 to 10 PM EST, but if I'm a bit late to posting a film for a particular round, I'll be happy to extend it to 11 or 12 to be fair to the nomination. My advice would be to try and post your thoughts in this thread by late afternoon/early evening EST for each deadline to be on the safe side.So just to confirm that would be around 9 to 10 PM EST on Sunday?

[SpelingError]

So just to confirm that would be around 9 to 10 PM EST on Sunday?
For this round, yes. Each film will be up for three days though.

[Citizen Rules]

For this round, yes. Each film will be up for three days though.No problem, I'll just watch the selection tonight and that will then give me Sunday morning to write up a little something. I just didn't want to miss out:)

[SpelingError]

No problem, I'll just watch the selection tonight and that will then give me Sunday morning to write up a little something. I just didn't want to miss out:)
I'm sure you'll be fine. Just keep in mind that nobody here is required to write a full review to be eligible to host a round.

[Citizen Rules]

I'm sure you'll be fine. Just keep in mind that nobody here is required to write a full review to be eligible to host a round.Me like movie:p

[SpelingError]

Me like movie:p

:up:

[SpelingError]

You guys have about 24 more hours to watch the film.

[Citizen Rules]

You guys have about 24 more hours to watch the film.I watched it! I will write something up tomorrow morning pst.

[Citizen Rules]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm2.static.flickr.com%2F1334%2F656067413_82d8b80532_o.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=a56ae8bbc8fc5278cc9d44c39066cf49dc50b49d920f1df6c7c1e83f7eff18df&ipo=images
Le Million (1931)


This was a fun film, my favorite part was when the two former friends try to get the jacket during an opera performance. It was interesting that it was very much in the style of many early 1930s Hollywood musicals in that the protagonist is poor and has a chance to become rich. Not the oldest musical I've seen and I do have at least one from 1929 I want to watch in prep for the countdown. But this is the oldest French film I've seen.

[Citizen Rules]

Allaby and SpelingError what are your guys letterboxd? I was going to look and see what musicals you've already watched.

[Allaby]

Allaby and SpelingError what are your guys letterboxd? I was going to look and see what musicals you've already watched.

Here is my Letterboxd with my watched musicals:

https://letterboxd.com/movieguyisme/films/genre/music/

Here is my imdb:

https://www.imdb.com/user/ur44669823/ratings/

[Citizen Rules]

Thanks, you've probably seen every single musical that I can think of:D

[Allaby]

Thanks, you've probably seen every single musical that I can think of:D

The trick is for you to direct and star in your own musical and then nominate it. That way there is no chance we could have seen it!

[Citizen Rules]

The trick is for you to direct and star in your own musical and then nominate it. That way there is no chance we could have seen it!Ya got $10.5 million for that:D I don't work cheap you know!

[Allaby]

Ya got $10.5 million for that:D I don't work cheap you know!

I can't afford that. I will contribute $113.76.

[Citizen Rules]

I can't afford that. I will contribute $113.76.That'll buy catering for lunch on one day only:D

[Allaby]

That'll buy catering for lunch on one day only:D

SpelingError will donate the rest.

[SpelingError]

I probably have more gaps than Allaby:

https://letterboxd.com/popcornreviews0/films/genre/music/

https://www.imdb.com/search/title/?my_ratings=restrict&explore=title_type&genres=musical

[SpelingError]

The trick is for you to direct and star in your own musical and then nominate it. That way there is no chance we could have seen it!

Was Le Million a first time watch for you?

[Allaby]

Was Le Million a first time watch for you?

It was! :)

[SpelingError]

It was! :)

Hooray, take that Citizen Rules!

[Citizen Rules]

Hooray, take that Citizen Rules!:eek: I have some free time today so I'm going to go over yours and Allaby's watch list so I can find a musical both of you haven't seen...and that I love. That ain't easy to do!

For myself I don't mind rewatching any musical, in fact that's what I plan to do for the most part to prep my ballot.

[seanc]

Have we picked a second movie yet?

[Citizen Rules]

Have we picked a second movie yet?Not yet, if you watch the current one you can go into the pool to select the next movie.

[seanc]

I did watch Le Million tonight but don’t put me in to nominate till next round if I watch. I am glad I watched it but it was more screwball comedy than musical, which is fine, but that aspect just killed me. The music was good though.

Comedy is such a fine line for me, not unlike musicals actually. But when it’s just this high energy manufactured conflict, I just find myself more stressed than amused.

Alright, bring on the next one.

[SpelingError]

Sorry, late start. The next host is... Allaby

[Allaby]

Sorry, late start. The next host is... Allaby

Hooray! I will send you my nomination.

[SpelingError]

Nomination #2

99026

Curly Top (1935, Irving Cummings)

Deadline to Watch It: June 5

[SpelingError]

I haven't heard of this one. I'll get to it on the 4th.

[Allaby]

I haven't heard of this one. I'll get to it on the 4th.

Have you seen any of Shirley Temple's other films?

[SpelingError]

Have you seen any of Shirley Temple's other films?

No, I haven't. She's a fairly large blind spot for me.

[Allaby]

No, I haven't. She's a fairly large blind spot for me.

I've seen 20 of her films. She was in over a dozen musicals, so I hope at least a couple of her films make the countdown. Hopefully, you will enjoy this one. It's fun and entertaining.

[Citizen Rules]

Nomination #2

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=99026

Curly Top (1935, Irving Cummings)

Deadline to Watch It: June 5
Good! I was hoping Allaby would go with a Shirley Temple film. I've seen a few of them but decades ago. Enjoyed them too, how could somebody not enjoy them, they're charming!

[seanc]

Curly Top was on repeat at my house as a kid. My mom is a huge Temple fan, and my sister loved this one. Not sure how I will respond to her movies as an adult. Hopefully I get a chance to watch this one tomorrow night.

[Allaby]

I rewatched Curly Top today. I think this is my favourite Shirley Temple film. She's wonderful and delightful here and the rest of the cast are good too. I enjoyed the songs, especially Animal Crackers in My Soup and When I Grow Up. This is a really cute and fun musical. I hope it makes the countdown. 4.5

[seanc]

I rewatched Curly Top today. I think this is my favourite Shirley Temple film. She's wonderful and delightful here and the rest of the cast are good too. I enjoyed the songs, especially Animal Crackers in My Soup and When I Grow Up. This is a really cute and fun musical. I hope it makes the countdown. 4.5

Are you s Temple fan overall, or just Curly Top? I have seen a bunch years ago. This one and Little Princess are the ones I remember with any clarity.

[Allaby]

Are you s Temple fan overall, or just Curly Top? I have seen a bunch years ago. This one and Little Princess are the ones I remember with any clarity.

I am a Shirley Temple fan. I have seen 20 of her films and have some of them on dvd.

[Gideon58]

I've never seen any of the films Shirley Temple made as a child. The only Temple films I've seen were when she was a teenager: Since You Went Away and The bachelor and the Bobby Soxer.

[Allaby]

I've never seen any of the films Shirley Temple made as a child. The only Temple films I've seen were when she was a teenager: Since You Went Away and The bachelor and the Bobby Soxer.

You should check some of them out. I would recommend:

Bright Eyes (1934)
Little Miss Marker (1934)
Curly Top (1935)
Captain January (1936)
Dimples (1936)
Stowaway (1936)
Just Around the Corner (1938)
Little Miss Broadway (1938)
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1938)

[Citizen Rules]

One of my favorite Christmas movies features a teen Shirley Temple along with Ginger Rogers and Joseph Cotton...I'll Be Seeing You (1944)
Not a musical though.

[SpelingError]

I just watched Curly Top, and I really liked it. I'll have to check out some more of Temple's films.

[Allaby]

I just watched Curly Top, and I really liked it. I'll have to check out some more of Temple's films.

Glad you liked it! I will put on a little outfit and sing and dance on a piano to celebrate.

[Citizen Rules]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F_pqDwQIQUvE%2Fhqdefault.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=367608a6315a84cb4784d6df18ca177cb4f14900d79d9dcc26e3579e8dc99943&ipo=images
Curly Top (1935)


I watched this last night and wanted to add a little to my write-up as I still have power, it's been really windy here! So I'm redoing my post.

I watched the colorized version :shifty: I couldn't find a decent quality b&w video of the movie and the color had more detail. Truth be told on a fun film like this I think the colorization added to the movie. I wish I had a restored version though.

I liked the movie and was very impressed with Shirley Temple's acting abilities. She was able to do emotions and could recite blocks of dialogue and a long poem and do it well. She really tap danced like a pro too. It's amazing she could do so much at such an early age, she really was a talent. I had once seen a biography on her and she's credited for single handily saving Fox studio as it was her films that kept the company afloat. Without Shirley, Fox might have went under and there would've been no merger forming 20thCentury Fox, think about all the great films that the merged studio created over the years.

I liked Rochelle Hudson and I think I've seen her before in stuff and it was neat to see Jane Darwell too. I could watch more of Shirley's movies.

[seanc]

Watched Curly Too tonight. Temple is cute as a button. There are a couple of fun songs. The dance number on the piano was very sweet. Unfortunately everything else in the movie, which is probably 90% of the run time, was very rote for me. I just didn’t engage with the character or the story at all, and there is nothing going on visually to make it stand out. In fact there were a couple of moments where I really would have liked to see the frame wide where the director decides on another Temple close up. Understandable, but definitely noticeable and kept the cinematography very Saturday matinee.

If we end up being the only four to watch the movie again, would you let Citizen pick next Spelling?

Looking forward to the next one guys.

[SpelingError]

If we end up being the only four to watch the movie again, would you let Citizen pick next Spelling?

Sounds good. You should nominate a film as well at some point though.

[seanc]

Sounds good. You should nominate a film as well at some point though.

I will. Plan on sticking around with this. Even if it’s only a few of us it should be fun

[beelzebubble]

What's next?

[Citizen Rules]

What's next?I just sent SpelingError my choice if it happens to be my turn next. It's a good one! I hope you'll stick around and watch some of these so you can then pick one yourself.

[beelzebubble]

I'll suggest something if no one else will. FROZEN.
I love this Disney musical It is somewhat bonkers but it has Idina Menzel's voice and Kristen Bell's sense of humor. It is a delight. Josh Gadd is charming as Olaf the Snowman. I had a deep discussiono with my niece on who she liked better, Olaf or Rocket from Guadians of the Galaxy.

[SpelingError]

Nomination #3

99049

The Pajama Game (1957, George Abbott and Stanley Donen)

Deadline to Watch It: June 8

[seanc]

Doris Day is another mom fave. Don’t think I ever saw this one though. Looking forward to it. The watches for this countdown should be a stroll down memory lane. I may just burst into song.

[Allaby]

I rewatched The Pajama Game today on Tubi. I had first seen it on August 6 2023 and rated it a 6/10. I'm sticking with my initial rating of 6/10. Doris Day is good here, but I didn't really care for John Raitt's performance. I didn't feel that he was able to match Doris. He isn't likeable enough for me and there is not enough chemistry between the two. I liked some of the singing, although some of the songs were forgettable. Not everything worked for me, but there are enough fun moments to make it worth a watch. I've seen 17 Doris Day films, but I would rank this one towards the bottom. It won't make my ballot, but I think it has a shot at making the countdown.

[Citizen Rules]

I'm going to rewatch The Pajama Game tonight. The reason I selected it is it falls squarely into what I think of as a musical. It has big, splashy choreography numbers by the legendary Bob Fosse, using most all of the original Broadway show cast and music numbers. It's literally a Broadway musical in movie form. Visually it's stunning with neon bright colors and unique dance styles. To me elaborately staged dance numbers go hand in hand with the songs. This one is sure to make my ballot.

[SpelingError]

I'll watch it tomorrow.

[seanc]

Pajama Game was a mixed bag. I really like the factory setting and almost everything in it. Really didn’t like the lead actor. Maybe it was just the character, but he was dreadful. Day was very fun.

[Citizen Rules]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.JZbpA-NaBgHy9ZODVb09IQHaEK%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=68f854e22fe2f3e3672319d7c9549adb7d30a920f8208c2ab5de46093358d908&ipo=images

I watched The Pajama Game for the 4th time last night. None of my thoughts have changed so I'll post a link to my review from the Live Action Musical HoF that I hosted...Nope it wasn't my nom.

I'll just say: I'm a huge fan of musicals with big splashy choreographed numbers and it doesn't get any better than the legendary choreographer Bob Fosse. His unique style drives the movie and is especially prominent in the numbers Steam Heat and Hernando's Hideaway. I could watch those numbers again right now. The art direction (sets, lights, costumes) are just fantastic. Such a fun movie for me! My The Pajama Game review (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=1669968#post1669968)

[GulfportDoc]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.JZbpA-NaBgHy9ZODVb09IQHaEK%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=68f854e22fe2f3e3672319d7c9549adb7d30a920f8208c2ab5de46093358d908&ipo=images

I watched The Pajama Game for the 4th time last night. None of my thoughts have changed so I'll post a link to my review from the Live Action Musical HoF that I hosted...Nope it wasn't my nom.

I'll just say: I'm a huge fan of musicals with big splashy choreographed numbers and it doesn't get any better than the legendary choreographer Bob Fosse. His unique style drives the movie and is especially prominent in the numbers Steam Heat and Hernando's Hideaway. I could watch those numbers again right now. The art direction (sets, lights, costumes) are just fantastic. Such a fun movie for me! My The Pajama Game review (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=1669968#post1669968)
Did you notice in the picture to Doris Day's right (with open mouth) is the ditzy bombshell, Barbara Nichols? I used to love watching her in films.

[Citizen Rules]

Did you notice in the picture to Doris Day's right (with open mouth) is the ditzy bombshell, Barbara Nichols? I used to love watching her in films.Yup I spotted her name in the opening credits, she had a plum role too even sang a song. She was a good comedy actress and was solid as a dramatic actress in Sweet Smell of Success. I just seen her a couple weeks ago in the Connie Francis movie Looking for Love (1964) and a week before that in Where the Boys Are (1960)...She's always fun to see.

[SpelingError]

Just finished The Pajama Game, and I thought it was decent. Though hobbled by its romanticized depictions of sexual harassment, it's still technically impressive as I loved the musical numbers and the dancing sequences. With Bob Fosse directing them though, it was no wonder they were great.

[Citizen Rules]

Just finished The Pajama Game, and I thought it was decent. Though hobbled by its romanticized depictions of sexual harassment, it's still technically impressive as I loved the musical numbers and the dancing sequences. With Bob Fosse directing them though, it was no wonder they were great.I was hoping people would like it more but I'm glad you liked the Bob Fosse numbers, for me that's the highlight. That and the usage of lights...and the pink fridge!

[SpelingError]

The next host is seanc

[Citizen Rules]

Can't wait to see what Sean has for us.

[Thursday Next]

My review of The Pajama Game from back when it was in the HoF:




The Pajama Game


I wasn’t sure about this before I started but it got off to a good start with the bright colours, the neon lighting and the breezy ensemble numbers in the factory and the whole fifties look of it.


However, there was so little plot, and the songs are more musical interludes than advancing the story, which made it basically all interludes. And tap dancing. Possibly my least favourite type of dancing. The ‘Steam Heat’ number on the stage was good, dancing wise, but it didn’t add much to the story at all.


The main story is just the romance between Doris Day (who was great) and John Raitt (who was less great). There’s not much discernible chemistry between them, and I really don’t know what she saw in him - he’s blessed with neither looks nor personality. She’s energetic and principled, while he just came across as selfish and pushy - especially in the scene where she’s trying to make coffee and he keeps insisting he’s got something better for her lips to do. Ugh. And he’s a complete jerk to her at work straight after singing about how much he loves her, and then starts hitting on someone else straight away (even if it is just for her key). And then he only gets her back by participating in a cover-up. What even happens to her? Does she get another job? That isn’t really addressed.


Although that said he’s a catch compared to Vernon and his knives. That whole sequence was dreadful. But then again this is a movie where knife crime, domestic violence, embezzlement and exploitation are all comic mishaps.


Of the songs I think I liked I’m Not At All In Love the best, but I also enjoyed the musical ‘go-slow’ in the factory and the way Hernando’s Hideaway was staged.


I liked Doris Day’s quirky dad with his petrified bats.


And since somebody mentioned the pink refrigerator, I thought I would just give a shout out to the curved green chest of drawers.

[Mr Minio]

Though hobbled by its romanticized depictions of sexual harassment

That's just f***ing great. Now I must watch it for my dissertation. Just in time before I make a thread asking for more films that romanticize sexual misconduct/rape.

[SpelingError]

Nomination #4

99074

Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam)

Deadline to Watch It: June 12

[SpelingError]

Since I was a bit late posting it, I extended the deadline a bit to be fair to seanc.

Anyways, I've already seen this film. I found it to be a mixed bag and felt some segments worked better than others, not to mention I don't think the film ever topped its terrific first sequence. That said, other than the opening, I remember the war sequences being the clear standout, some other bits being decently amusing, a handful of other segments came and went due to feeling light on clever jokes, and the occasional gross out humor was the worst part about the film.

[SpelingError]

That's just f***ing great. Now I must watch it for my dissertation. Just in time before I make a thread asking for more films that romanticize sexual misconduct/rape.

meh

[SpelingError]

Since I was a bit late posting it, I extended the deadline a bit to be fair to seanc.

Anyways, I've already seen this film. I found it to be a mixed bag and felt some segments worked better than others, not to mention I don't think the film ever topped its terrific first sequence. That said, other than the opening, I remember the war sequences being the clear standout, some other bits being decently amusing, a handful of other segments came and went due to feeling light on clever jokes, and the occasional gross out humor was the worst part about the film.

That said, this is definitely an atypical musical, so if you're normally not a fan of the genre, I'd recommend checking it out anyways to see if it's an exception for you.

[Torgo]

Anyways, I've already seen this film. I found it to be a mixed bag and felt some segments worked better than others, not to mention I don't think the film ever topped its terrific first sequence. That said, other than the opening, I remember the war sequences being the clear standout, some other bits being decently amusing, a handful of other segments came and went due to feeling light on clever jokes, and the occasional gross out humor was the worst part about the film.And I was just about to offer you a wafer-thin mint.

Anyways, I assume you're referring to the Mr. Creosote segment, which I think is the standout. That and the Protestant married couple sketch following "Every Sperm is Sacred." Oh well.

[SpelingError]

And I was just about to offer you a wafer-thin mint.

Anyways, I assume you're referring to the Mr. Creosote segment, which I think is the standout. That and the Protestant married couple sketch following "Every Sperm is Sacred." Oh well.

Can we still be friends at least?

[SpelingError]

And I was just about to offer you a wafer-thin mint.

Anyways, I assume you're referring to the Mr. Creosote segment, which I think is the standout. That and the Protestant married couple sketch following "Every Sperm is Sacred." Oh well.

Also, since you've seen it, would you like to be in the pool for hosting the next round?

[Torgo]

Can we still be friends at least?Only if you move your clothes down to the lower peg after lunch. ;)

A sketch where an obese man vomits gallons of Russian dressing won't be everyone's cup of tea. I'll give you that The Crimson Permanent Assurance is amazing, though

[Torgo]

Also, since you've seen it, would you like to be in the pool for hosting the next round?Sure!

[Mr Minio]

meh

Huh? Seven brides for seven brothers is a great musical tho

[SpelingError]

Huh? Seven brides for seven brothers is a great musical tho

I haven't seen that film, but I generally find romanticizing creepy behavior to be really gross to watch. It's a case where the film breaks the "depiction =/= endorsement" rule.

[Mr Minio]

I haven't seen that film, but I generally find romanticizing creepy behavior to be really gross to watch. It's a case where the film breaks the "depiction =/= endorsement" rule. How so and what are other examples of movies that do that?

[SpelingError]

How so and what are other examples of movies that do that?

I think I somewhat explained the how so part up above. I think being asked to sympathize with or endorse the actions of gross characters is problematic and tends to turn me off the film since I can't say I share the same connection with those characters which I'm being asked to. Especially given the circumstances of what's occurring.

As for the second part of your post, I'm not one who keeps track of films which do this, but off the top of my head:

Forbidden Planet
Sixteen Candles
Private School
The Pajama Game is another example ofc.

Relevant to the subject, I think it's possible to pull off Stockholm syndrome correctly. It is a real‐life occurrence, so I don't see why it can't be depicted in film. As long as the film doesn't try to get you to garner sympathy for whoever's at fault, I'm okay with it. For instance, in spite of backlash it's received, I don't consider High Plains Drifter to be problematic since Eastwood's character is never intended to come off as noble. Also, though it's not really Stockholm syndrome, I watched 25th Hour last night and felt it was very careful at how it navigated the "teacher and underage student relationship" sub‐plot and avoided romanticizing it in any way. When we're asked to sympathize with those characters or find their behavior cute or romantic though, I view it as problematic.

[Allaby]

I tried to watch The Meaning of Life in the past and couldn't finish it. I liked some parts near the beginning, but gross out humour really turns me off. I'll skip this round, but I think people who don't usually like musicals will probably enjoy this.

[Mr Minio]

I think being asked to sympathize with or endorse the actions of gross characters is problematic and tends to turn me off the film since I can't say I share the same connection with those characters which I'm being asked to. Interesting, but this hinges on the want of the audience to feel for the characters or connect to them or sympathize with them and watch films as a sort of dream or fantasy rather than as works of art made within a specific context in a specific time, that you must approach from the point of view of an in-the-future watcher. Clearly, this leaves a lot out like what you already mentioned:

As long as the film doesn't try to get you to garner sympathy for whoever's at fault, I'm okay with it. For instance, in spite of backlash it's received, I don't consider High Plains Drifter to be problematic since Eastwood's character is never intended to come off as noble. So I think the main caveat here would be the filmmakers' consciousness (or lack thereof) that what they're depicting can seem off in the future due to social changes and greater awareness amongst the audience. As much as I hate phrases such as "the product of its time", it still seems to me this argument largely floats around the idea of fun and entertainment taken directly from the film at face value rather than a higher level of engagement that circumvents this to see the film as what it was during its release. It was a box office hit. It was seemingly loved by everyone, including by the leftists, who were too preoccupied with capital vs. labor to care about modern-day liberal sex politics.

When we're asked to sympathize with those characters or find their behavior cute or romantic though, I view it as problematic. Fair, I guess, especially as a general statement.

[Citizen Rules]

seanc Have you seen Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983) before or is it a blind watch? I looked at your Letterboxd account but couldn't find the movie there.

[seanc]

seanc Have you seen Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983) before or is it a blind watch? I looked at your Letterboxd account but couldn't find the movie there.

Blind watch

[Thursday Next]

I've seen The Meaning of Life and feel similarly to others that it was a mixed bag. I didn't think it was as funny as Holy Grail or as smart as Life of Brian (Always Look on the Bright Side of Life must be a contender for best musical moment in a non-musical.)

[Citizen Rules]

Did The Meaning of Life (1983) have a scene where tall buildings moved about on their own? If so I seen it but so long ago that you could say I haven't seen it.

[SpelingError]

Interesting, but this hinges on the want of the audience to feel for the characters or connect to them or sympathize with them and watch films as a sort of dream or fantasy rather than as works of art made within a specific context in a specific time, that you must approach from the point of view of an in-the-future watcher. Clearly, this leaves a lot out like what you already mentioned:

So I think the main caveat here would be the filmmakers' consciousness (or lack thereof) that what they're depicting can seem off in the future due to social changes and greater awareness amongst the audience. As much as I hate phrases such as "the product of its time", it still seems to me this argument largely floats around the idea of fun and entertainment taken directly from the film at face value rather than a higher level of engagement that circumvents this to see the film as what it was during its release. It was a box office hit. It was seemingly loved by everyone, including by the leftists, who were too preoccupied with capital vs. labor to care about modern-day liberal sex politics.

Fair, I guess, especially as a general statement.

This is an interesting perspective and I agree that historical context can complicate problematic/outdated portrayals of different groups of people. For instance, as repugnant as the film is, that The Birth of a Nation was released in 1916 instead of 2024 adds an interesting layer of historical context onto the film. That said, I generally don't give older films passes for outdated views. While their year of origin may mitigate their grosser bits, if something sticks out as problematic and makes me feel uncomfortable, it's still going to negatively impact my viewing experience. That the behavior used to be considered okay doesn't change that as it's likely the case that times changed for the better.

[SpelingError]

Did The Meaning of Life (1983) have a scene where tall buildings moved about on their own? If so I seen it but so long ago that you could say I haven't seen it.

Yes, that's in the opening.

[seanc]

Meaning Of Life: This has been sitting in my blu ray collection for a few years, so when I saw it on musical lists I figured it was past time. There were a couple of comments about this being in a mixed bag, I would say that is my usual response to Monty Python, and probably sketch comedy in general. Makes sense, since they are so collaborative and more about individual parts than the whole. This was no different. I laughed out loud a few times, and checked my watch a few.

Glad to have finally seen it. If no one else plans to watch it we can move on more quickly if you guys want. Certainly won’t hurt my feelings. I will go more traditional next time. Probably go blind again though.

[SpelingError]

Glad to have finally seen it. If no one else plans to watch it we can move on more quickly if you guys want. Certainly won’t hurt my feelings. I will go more traditional next time. Probably go blind again though.

To be fair, we already got a couple new participants, so I'm cool with waiting the allotted time. Also, I don't believe Citizen Rules has gotten to it yet.

[Citizen Rules]

To be fair, we already got a couple new participants, so I'm cool with waiting the allotted time. Also, I don't believe Citizen Rules has gotten to it yet.I'm going to skip The Meaning of Life, so don't wait up for me:p

[seanc]

To be fair, we already got a couple new participants, so I'm cool with waiting the allotted time. Also, I don't believe Citizen Rules has gotten to it yet.

I’m cool, I have a musical list a mile long. Just feel bad I picked something no one is interested in. Genuinely thought maybe a break from traditional musicals would go over. Should have picked South Pacific, which I also watched today.

[Citizen Rules]

I’m cool, I have a musical list a mile long. Just feel bad I picked something no one is interested in. Genuinely thought maybe a break from traditional musicals would go over. Should have picked South Pacific, which I also watched today.It's cool, no worries.

[SpelingError]

I'll probably give it one more day and, if nobody else posts here, I'll move on to the next round.

[Citizen Rules]

I'll probably give it one more day and, if nobody else posts here, I'll move on to the next round.How about giving Sean another go at it?

[Mr Minio]

While their year of origin may mitigate their grosser bits, if something sticks out as problematic and makes me feel uncomfortable, it's still going to negatively impact my viewing experience. That the behavior used to be considered okay doesn't change that as it's likely the case that times changed for the better.

I watched the film and TBH I have no idea what sexual harassment you see there.

Do you mean the boss dating his employees? How's that sexual harassment? Or do you mean the remark he makes at the beginning of the film?

Of course, asking your employee to date you is something else nowadays in real life but I'm completely fine with that in films, especially old films, and I think it wasn't as heinous as you seem to take it anyway.

Power imbalances are a frequent occurrence in both film and real life. Education imbalance, wealth imbalance, work imbalance, intelligence imbalance, and so on. Not enjoying a piece of art because it portrays a relationship with such an imbalance is one's prerogative, of course, but I find it, for lack of a better word, fussy, considering almost any real-life relationship has an imbalance of sorts. As for dating one's employee/employer, I think it's unprofessional and can create heaps of difficult and uncomfortable situations, especially when the relationship ends, but I can't see it as sexual harassment unless it specifically starts from actual sexual harassment. If anything, it's Seven Brides for Seven Brothers that was Stockholm syndromey IMO.

[SpelingError]

I watched the film and TBH I have no idea what sexual harassment you see there.

Do you mean the boss dating his employees? How's that sexual harassment? Or do you mean the remark he makes at the beginning of the film?

Of course, asking your employee to date you is something else nowadays in real life but I'm completely fine with that in films, especially old films, and I think it wasn't as heinous as you seem to take it anyway.

Power imbalances are a frequent occurrence in both film and real life. Education imbalance, wealth imbalance, work imbalance, intelligence imbalance, and so on. Not enjoying a piece of art because it portrays a relationship with such an imbalance is one's prerogative, of course, but I find it, for lack of a better word, fussy, considering almost any real-life relationship has an imbalance of sorts. As for dating one's employee/employer, I think it's unprofessional and can create heaps of difficult and uncomfortable situations, especially when the relationship ends, but I can't see it as sexual harassment unless it specifically starts from actual sexual harassment. If anything, it's Seven Brides for Seven Brothers that was Stockholm syndromey IMO.



Fair enough, perhaps it wasn't as problematic as I remembered.

[SpelingError]

How about giving Sean another go at it?

I could do that, but we did have a couple new participants join this round, so it might be nice to give one of them a chance to host next.

[Mr Minio]

Fair enough, perhaps it wasn't as problematic as I remembered. Not sure if sarcastic or not. To be clear, I'm not saying this character's behavior is commendable.

[SpelingError]

Not sure if sarcastic or not. To be clear, I'm not saying this character's behavior is commendable.My post wasn't sarcastic. Sorry if it came off that way. What I meant is, upon reflection, while the character's choices are unwise, I agree they don't come off as harassment.

[SpelingError]

Also, regardless of whether Thursday or Torgo get chosen next by random, I hope the other person still sticks around throughout this.

[SpelingError]

The next host is... Thursday Next

[SpelingError]

I haven't heard back from Thursday yet, btw.

[SpelingError]

I'll probably give Thursday another 24 hours.

[beelzebubble]

If you want problematic watch Bye Bye Birdie.

[Thursday Next]

Nomination #5


Little Shop of Horrors (1986)


Deadline June 15th




(I will edit a poster in when not on mobile...)

[Citizen Rules]

If you want problematic watch Bye Bye Birdie.Do I even want to ask why it's problematic? Think that will be my choice next time, can't go wrong with Ann Margret.

Nomination #5
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
Deadline June 15th
(I will edit a poster in when not on mobile...)I'll watch that one.

[seanc]

Nomination #5


Little Shop of Horrors (1986)


Deadline June 15th




(I will edit a poster in when not on mobile...)

Sweet, this was on my watchlist. One of those maybe I watched it when I was a kid but can’t be sure movies. I remember my cousin loving it.

[SpelingError]

Little Shop of Horrors is a lot of fun.

[SpelingError]

Also, if able, you should all try to watch both endings to the film.

[Allaby]

I’ve seen it once before years ago. I will rewatch it tomorrow.

[seanc]

Little Shoo Of Horrors: So glad I rewatched this as it has an excellent chance of making my list. Love the music,Moranis, and the design of the plant. Martin is so much fun chewing every minute of time he gets. Love his song.

I watched both endings and hope we can talk about that some after people watch it. I have definite thoughts.

[SpelingError]

I watched both endings and hope we can talk about that some after people watch it. I have definite thoughts.

I'm curious to hear them.

I think the original ending works just fine, but I prefer the darker ending and found it to be a more fitting conclusion for the main character. I initially thought my reaction would be that, as amusing as it is to watch the darker ending in a nutshell, it hits differently when you have a connection to the characters if you watch the film in full. But when I watched the film and saw the morbid lengths Seymour went to throughout the film, in spite of his dopey personality, I found myself cheering for his death at the end. I mean, I wasn't rooting for everything else on top of that to happen as well, but I love the idea that Seymour unintentionally damned the entire human race and that his actions backfired as much as they did.

[Miss Vicky]

I just rented Little Shop of Horrors on Amazon. Here’s hoping I don’t regret it.

Wish me luck.

[FilmBuff]

Little Shop of Horrors is, imho, a lot of fun! Possibly one of the best movie musicals of the 1980s.

[Miss Vicky]

I just rented Little Shop of Horrors on Amazon. Here’s hoping I don’t regret it.

Wish me luck.


I regret it.

99098

Little Shop Of Horrors
(Frank Oz, 1986)

I've been having a shitty week so far, so I was in the mood for something stupidly entertaining or at least weird enough to be amusing. I checked in on the Group Watch thread, saw this was nominated and thought it could fit the bill. I also saw that it had a lot of familiar faces in it, including several actors that I've liked in other roles, even if I'm not really a fan of them. I also own a couple of Steve Martin's banjo albums so I figured I'd at least be able to tolerate his singing, right?

Yeah, no. Watching this was a mistake. I thought the songs were awful, the humor fell absolutely flat, and I hated all of the characters - none more so than Audrey I with her shrill and horribly grating voice. It was actually physically painful to listen to her. I was truly searching for something to like about this whole mess and was originally going to be generous and rate it a 1.5 because at least the backing singers had nice voices, but then the movie had to go and get my hopes up thinking that Audrey I might actually die (and yes, I read about how the ending was rewritten from the original stage production) so I'm docking it that extra half a popcorn box because screw this movie.

Needless to say, this did not make my shitty week any less shitty, but I guess that's just tough titties for me.

1

[Thursday Next]

I definitely prefer the alternate ending.


Don't feed the plants!

[seanc]

I'm curious to hear them.

I think the original ending works just fine, but I prefer the darker ending and found it to be a more fitting conclusion for the main character. I initially thought my reaction would be that, as amusing as it is to watch the darker ending in a nutshell, it hits differently when you have a connection to the characters if you watch the film in full. But when I watched the film and saw the morbid lengths Seymour went to throughout the film, in spite of his dopey personality, I found myself cheering for his death at the end. I mean, I wasn't rooting for everything else on top of that to happen as well, but I love the idea that Seymour unintentionally damned the entire human race and that his actions backfired as much as they did.

So I definitely had myself prepared to like the darker ending better. Wasn’t hard to think that either Seymour or Audrey would die. So when Seymour did, I thought yeah, this feels right. The movie theme of these skid row people plays way better with the dark ending. Then instead of ending there it just goes ahead and beats you over the head with its meaning, as if we were too dumb to realize it for the last hour and a half. That last number was really too much and undercuts the darkness in my opinion. I will take the subtlety of a little Audret about to bloom over the obnoxious image of Audrey 2 on top of the statue of liberty any day. It was a little much in my opinion.

[Citizen Rules]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.EkcfQI_Dhvr79kYH3r8LoAAAAA%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=2f1a4fa6c57e9cccb5982024fe68f54879ba4a61b69ff2c9f7c3bd8a7aa1df4d&ipo=images
Little Shop Of Horrors(1986)


See that expression on Rick Moranis's face? That's how I felt watching this movie version of the stage play which in turn was based on Roger Corman's 1960 comedy/horror camp classic. John Candy's radio DJ was the only character that I really liked. I flat out couldn't stand Ellen Greene's squeaky Marilyn Monroe caricaturization. She grated on the nerves and was even hard to understand at times. Add to that way too many songs for a short 90 minute movie, so that little time was left for story and character development. It didn't help that the majority of the songs were banally forgettable. I will give kudos to the Skid Row number that was well done.

I seen this movie end version: A 23 minute alternate ending, faithful to the original, stage ending, was originally shot. In it, Audrey and Seymour are eaten by Audrey II, and, after it becomes a worldwide sensation, the world is taken over by various Audrey IIs (à la a classic B-movie horror flick.)...I didn't mind that Audrey and Seymour were eaten as the movie hadn't made me care about them.

As an aside I didn't find the idea of a woman being abused and beaten by her boyfriend to be humorous. Little Shop of Horrors is too mean spirited for my taste.

[Miss Vicky]

I flat out couldn't stand Ellen Greene's squeaky Marilyn Monroe caricaturization. She grated on the nerves and was even hard to understand. Add to that way too many songs for a 90 minuted movie, that little time was left for story and character development. It didn't help that the majority of the songs were banally forgettable.

I'm so glad to read this coming from someone who actually loves musicals, especially since you and I don't often agree on things.

I will give kudos to the Skid Row number that was well done.

I didn't mention it in my write up, but that was the one song I didn't hate.

As an aside I didn't find the idea of a woman being abused to be humorous.

I was a little bit bothered by this as well.

:up:

[seanc]

Audrey was definitely supposed to be annoying, I don’t know if that makes a difference. It usually does for me. Audrey annoyed me as well, but I think when a character is supposed to be that way it makes a difference for me.

All the Audrey Steve Martin stuff is certainly heightened so that when he gets killed it’s a relief and even entertaining. The relationship would certainly be handled differently in a straight drama.

I don’t know. It’s always funny when something works for you and it doesn’t for others because the criticisms you hear are usually intentional choices. I’m sure my criticisms of more traditional musicals come off this way as well.

[Citizen Rules]

I'm so glad to read this coming from someone who actually loves musicals, especially since you and I don't often agree on things.I read your review of Little Shop of Horrors this morning and I thought, 'cool, we agree on a movie finally!' I just looked at the reviews here at MoFo and it seems everyone else loves the movie. I did find I had an old review of it, I didn't remember that until just now.
Here's my old review. Mostly it says the same thing.
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Director: Frank Oz
Cast: Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, Steve Martin
Genre: Musical Comedy Horror

What's it about: An uptight, nervous man (Rick Moranis) is working in a skid row florist shop and dreaming of romance with the pretty girl who also works there (Ellen Greene). Just as the shop is about to go out of business, he buys a bizarre plant that turns out to be a man eater.

A Little Background: Little Shop of Horrors is based on the popular off Broadway play that in turn was based on the original 1960 B-budget Sci Fi movie of the same name. Ellen Greene is the only member of the original off Broadway cast to appear in the film.

Cast: This 1986 movie has a lot of popular 80s actors. Rick Moranis who started on Canada's SCTV has the lead and is one of the high lights of the film. Steve Martin reprises his insane doctor role from Sergent Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band movie. It's too bad he has such little screen time as the sadistic bad boy, leather wearing, motorcycle riding boyfriend of Ellen Greene is riotously funny. He does have one song in the movie which I liked. Veteran SCTV actor John Candy has a small cameo role and is funny, but his time is all too short. SCTV alumni, Martin Short does not appear in the film.

The Music: This is a musical and there's a lot of musical numbers! 15 counting the end credit track. The sad thing is most of these songs are throw aways, that are hastily written with uninspired melodies. The real musical high light belongs to the Greek Chorus girls, who effectively narrate the movie with song.

http://unrealitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/lsoh.jpg

For any musical to work it needs to have a story or characters we care about. The story is farcical and the character development null. The big payoff should have been the romance but like the rest of this movie, it doesn't work.

rating_2

[Citizen Rules]

Audrey was definitely supposed to be annoying, I don’t know if that makes a difference. It usually does for me. Audrey annoyed me as well, but I think when a character is supposed to be that way it makes a difference for me. Was she suppose to be annoying? To what end or purpose would that serve? I don't think she was meant to be annoying. What she was meant to be (and this was probably missed by many) was a faux Marilyn Monroe/Jayne Mansfield type, which plays into the 1960 vibe of the film as this is based on Roger Corman's Little Shop of Horrors made in 1960. So in that respect I liked the idea of the Audrey character. But I didn't like her voice impression, it was too much into the caricature range. Ironically I do like Jayne Mansfield but mainly when she's not doing a Marilyn Monroe imitation.

All the Audrey Steve Martin stuff is certainly heightened so that when he gets killed it’s a relief and even entertaining. The relationship would certainly be handled differently in a straight drama.True and I even paused the film to tell my wife something similar to that. It's a standard in film making that if you are going to kill someone off in a film like this you make him evil so the audience wants him to die. Still, it was just too hard for me to see the girlfriend beating bit especially with jokes being made about it. The wacky dentist bit however was well done by Steve Martin.

I don’t know. It’s always funny when something works for you and it doesn’t for others because the criticisms you hear are usually intentional choices. I’m sure my criticisms of more traditional musicals come off this way as well.
Like I said I was well aware that the film was making intentional choices, but it's the degrees to which they were done that didn't work for me.

[Allaby]

I just finished watching it. I had seen it once years ago, but didn't remember much. This was fun. Rick Moranis is wonderful here and I liked the supporting performances. I enjoyed the songs and the story. It won't make my ballot, but if I did a top 100 musicals list, it would make the list. 4

[seanc]

The other aspect is that you said you didn’t like the music, and I loved it. That definitely makes all the difference in the world in a musical. I love the doo-wop vibe and would take it over the songs in more classical musicals any day.

[seanc]

I just finished watching it. I had seen it once years ago, but didn't remember much. This was fun. Rick Moranis is wonderful here and I liked the supporting performances. I enjoyed the songs and the story. It won't make my ballot, but if I did a top 100 musicals list, it would make the list. 4

Did you check out the alternate ending?

[Citizen Rules]

The other aspect is that you said you didn’t like the music, and I loved it. That definitely makes all the difference in the world in a musical. I love the doo-wop vibe and would take it over the songs in more classical musicals any day.I don't know if you read my old review that I posted but I did like the Greek chorus songs and Skid Row but that's it. If you liked the doo-wop vibe have you seen The Blues Brothers? That has amazing music in it.

[Allaby]

I'm curious to hear them.

I think the original ending works just fine, but I prefer the darker ending and found it to be a more fitting conclusion for the main character. I initially thought my reaction would be that, as amusing as it is to watch the darker ending in a nutshell, it hits differently when you have a connection to the characters if you watch the film in full. But when I watched the film and saw the morbid lengths Seymour went to throughout the film, in spite of his dopey personality, I found myself cheering for his death at the end. I mean, I wasn't rooting for everything else on top of that to happen as well, but I love the idea that Seymour unintentionally damned the entire human race and that his actions backfired as much as they did.

I prefer the original, happy ending. Personally, I didn't want him to die and I didn't care for the alternate, darker ending with the plants killing everyone and taking over.

[Allaby]

Did you check out the alternate ending?

Yes, I preferred the original ending.

[seanc]

I don't know if you read my old review that I posted but I did like the Greek chorus songs and Skid Row but that's it. If you liked the doo-wop vibe have you seen The Blues Brothers? That has amazing music in it.

I did for the comedy countdown. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

[Citizen Rules]

I did for the comedy countdown. I enjoyed it quite a bit.Cool. Have you seen Dreamgirls (2006) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443489/) "A trio of black female soul singers cross over to the pop charts in the early 1960s, facing their own personal struggles along the way." You might like that one, I seen it and it was pretty good.

[Miss Vicky]

Was she suppose to be annoying? To what end or purpose would that serve?

I wondered this, too. If it's intentional, why?

[Gideon58]

Cool. Have you seen Dreamgirls (2006) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443489/) "A trio of black female soul singers cross over to the pop charts in the early 1960s, facing their own personal struggles along the way." You might like that one, I seen it and it was pretty good.

LOVED Dreamgirls...A link to my review:

https://www.movieforums.com/reviews/936254-dreamgirls.html

[Allaby]

Am I the only one who didn't find Audrey annoying?

[FilmBuff]

I once learned the Spanish lyrics for one of the songs from Little Shop of Horrors, because it just sounds so damn cool!

Quiero ser como el tal James Dean
Quiero una moto y una limousine
Quiero una mansion con alberca y jardín!

[seanc]

Cool. Have you seen Dreamgirls (2006) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443489/) "A trio of black female soul singers cross over to the pop charts in the early 1960s, facing their own personal struggles along the way." You might like that one, I seen it and it was pretty good.

Way back when it came out. Probably could use a rewatch, we shall see. I really only remember Hudson’s big number. We were just talking about this last night actually. Rauldc rewatched it.

[Citizen Rules]

LOVED Dreamgirls...A link to my review:

https://www.movieforums.com/reviews/936254-dreamgirls.htmlI should watch Dreamgirls again. It seems like a movie that people who don't normally like musicals might like. Hope you'll stick around Gideon, I'd love to have you pick a musical for the group if it was your turn to pick.

[Citizen Rules]

Am I the only one who didn't find Audrey annoying?I don't think Audrey was annoying in her personality, she was meant to be a sympathetic character. But that voice!

I once learned the Spanish lyrics for one of the songs from Little Shop of Horrors, because it just sounds so damn cool!

Quiero ser como el tal James Dean
Quiero una moto y una limousine
Quiero una mansion con alberca y jardín! Are you a native Spanish speaker? If so Little Shop of Horrors might be available in Spanish dub.

[seanc]

I wondered this, too. If it's intentional, why?

Again, just heightened reality I think. She represents the ditzy, poor, squeaky, poorly educated slum New York girl. No self awareness of how she comes off. There’s a point where she talks about how she used to dress slutty, not put together how she looks now. Meanwhile she’s in a very revealing dress. I think that sums up how the character is supposed to come off to the audience. Maybe annoying isn’t even the word I would use if I had been the one to say it. I probably would use the word dumb, which is probably even less flattering, but there it is.

I really don’t think Seymour is supposed to be likeable either. He’s mostly pathetic as well.

They are meant to be sympathetic because of their lot, but I don’t think that’s the same thing. Possible I am wrong and just a judgmental prick. That’s always on the table.

[Thursday Next]

I agree that it's a combination of heightened reality and the film being a kind of 50s pastiche.

[FilmBuff]

If so Little Shop of Horrors might be available in Spanish dub.

Dude, that's from the stage production!!

[Miss Vicky]

I don't think Audrey was annoying in her personality, she was meant to be a sympathetic character. But that voice!.

This was my issue, too. I didn't have a problem with her personality and might've felt sorry for her if I could stand to listen to her speak and sing. It was also a good thing I had turned on subtitles otherwise I wouldn't have been able to understand everything she said in that awful voice.

[seanc]

I think you guys are describing exactly why I think her character foibles are purposeful. No one in the movie is perfect. Even the heroes.

[Citizen Rules]

I think you guys are describing exactly why I think her character foibles are purposeful. No one in the movie is perfect. Even the heroes.Sean did you read Vicky's and mine post, we mainly found her voice annoying. Not her actions or personality.

[seanc]

Sean did you read Vicky's and mine post, we mainly found her voice annoying. Not her actions or personality.

100% It gives the character nuance. If you didn’t find her voice grating, she would be untarnished for you guys, me too by the way. There would be nothing to criticize. She would fail to be human as the rest of the characters are.

[Citizen Rules]

100% It gives the character nuance. If you didn’t find her voice grating, she would be untarnished for you guys, me too by the way. There would be nothing to criticize. She would fail to be human as the rest of the characters are.OK, I can see where you're coming from. Thanks for explaining.

[SpelingError]

I honestly don't even remember finding Audrey's voice annoying. I mean, it's certainly different and I guess she doesn't sound like a "normal" human, but the movie itself is far from normal and is weird as all hell so I'm okay with that. Seems to match the tone of the film just fine, as far as I'm concerned. I actually think that making her more "standard" or not annoying would do more harm than good since it wouldn't match the tone of the rest of the film.

[SpelingError]

So I definitely had myself prepared to like the darker ending better. Wasn’t hard to think that either Seymour or Audrey would die. So when Seymour did, I thought yeah, this feels right. The movie theme of these skid row people plays way better with the dark ending. Then instead of ending there it just goes ahead and beats you over the head with its meaning, as if we were too dumb to realize it for the last hour and a half. That last number was really too much and undercuts the darkness in my opinion. I will take the subtlety of a little Audret about to bloom over the obnoxious image of Audrey 2 on top of the statue of liberty any day. It was a little much in my opinion.

I'd say this is accurate, though I wasn't as bothered with it as you were.

[SpelingError]

Also, both FilmBuff and Miss Vicky are currently in the running to host the next round.

[beelzebubble]

Has no one seen the original horror movie Little Shop of Horrors?

[seanc]

Has no one seen the original horror movie Little Shop of Horrors?

I didn’t even know there was one embarrassingly

[Wyldesyde19]

Roger Corman directed the original version that was released back in 1960, with a young Jack Nicholson I believe?

[Citizen Rules]

Has no one seen the original horror movie Little Shop of Horrors?I've seen Corman's original and liked it. It's what first prompted me to watch the 1986 remake some years ago. That's why I wrote this:

Little Shop Of Horrors(1986)

...movie version of the stage play which in turn was based on Roger Corman's 1960 comedy/horror camp classic....

[SpelingError]

I had no idea about the older version as well.

[Little Ash]

I didn’t even know there was one embarrassingly


RIP Roger Corman

[Little Ash]

Roger Corman directed the original version that was released back in 1960, with a young Jack Nicholson I believe?


Correct. I've had it on the shelf for a while. *Really* meant to watch it recently with Corman's passing, but I haven't done a good job with watching movies recently. My understanding is it plays pretty similarly to his Bucket of Blood (with Dick Miller), which I have seen. Maybe this will be the weekend I finally correct this though.

[SpelingError]

You guys have about 24 more hours to watch the film, btw. Or to simply post your thoughts in the thread provided you've already seen it and it's still fresh in your head.

[Citizen Rules]

Correct. I've had it on the shelf for a while. *Really* meant to watch it recently with Corman's passing, but I haven't done a good job with watching movies recently. My understanding is it plays pretty similarly to his Bucket of Blood (with Dick Miller), which I have seen. Maybe this will be the weekend I finally correct this though.Good old Dick Miller, Bucket of Blood was great.

[iluv2viddyfilms]

You guys have about 24 more hours to watch the film, btw. Or to simply post your thoughts in the thread provided you've already seen it and it's still fresh in your head.

It looks like the original Roger Corman 1960 film is streaming on Pluto TV, but I don't see the 1986 streaming any where for free. It looks like it's on HBO Max which is subscription based.

[SpelingError]

It looks like the original Roger Corman 1960 film is streaming on Pluto TV, but I don't see the 1986 streaming any where for free. It looks like it's on HBO Max which is subscription based.

I sent you a link :)

[Thursday Next]

Has no one seen the original horror movie Little Shop of Horrors?


Yes, and it's a fun film. (Not a musical, though). I believe it's public domain so you can easily see it for free online.

[FilmBuff]

Yes, and it's a fun film. (Not a musical, though). I believe it's public domain so you can easily see it for free online.

That's actually kind of a bad thing, being on the public domain has meant a lot of bad quality copies are out there, and they look terrible!

[SpelingError]

The next host is... Miss Vicky

[Thief]

Little Shop of Horrors is a sure shot for my ballot. It's just a matter of placement.

[SpelingError]

Nomination #6

99119

Charlotte's Web (1973, Charles A. Nichols and Iwao Takamoto)

Deadline to Watch It: June 18

[Allaby]

Nomination #6

99119

Charlotte's Web (1973, Charles A. Nichols and Iwao Takamoto)

Deadline to Watch It: June 18

I think I have seen it years ago, but I'm not certain. I will watch it tomorrow.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/AnimationCountdown/Gifs/57charlottesweb.gif

Charlotte's Web
(Charles A. Nichols and Iwao Takamoto, 1973)

I've never been a fan of musicals, even as a child I wasn't much one for the genre but this particular movie has always stood out to me and I think it's a shame that I don't often hear people talk about it. I get that it doesn't have that same crisp, polished look as the offerings of Disney, nor are its colors as vibrant as those films, but I think it's immensely charming just the same.

I've always really liked the character designs, particularly those of Templeton the rat and Charlotte the spider, and I think the animators did a wonderful job of bringing E.B. White's classic children's novel to the screen. But what really stands out to me is the voice work. The casting is absolutely perfect and most surprising of all is that I truly love all of its songs. I don't think there's really a weak one in the bunch, though of course the show stopper for me has always been and will forever be Templeton's rendition of "Veritable Smorgasbord" (with the rat/goose duet version of the song being a close second) and really Templeton totally steals the show in every scene where he appears. I do like Wilbur the pig, but that self-centered, sarcastic rat is hilarious and is totally my spirit animal. The character is also partly responsible for my near lifelong love of pet rats, though I no longer keep them.

While I acknowledge that much of my love for this movie is based in nostalgia, I do I think it's a genuinely wonderful movie and I really, really hope it sneaks onto the countdown.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE4RRKaCifU

4.5

[stillmellow]

Has no one seen the original horror movie Little Shop of Horrors?




It's weird, which is why I like it. It's far more wacky/zany than the 1986 version, and Audrey 2 is an extremely basic puppet. It's still worth a watch, for Jack Nicholson's scene stealing performance, alone.

[cricket]

I wasn't going to participate unless something showed up that's already on my watchlist due to time issues. Going to try to watch Charlotte's Web because it's on my list of contenders but I haven't seen it in a very long time.

[SpelingError]

I've seen the 2000's version, but I haven't yet seen the 1973 version. I'll watch it tomorrow.

[seanc]

Saw this one in school many years ago…really, not that long ago

I may skip this one since I have already seen it. You all enjoy.

[Miss Vicky]

I've seen the 2000's version, but I haven't yet seen the 1973 version. I'll watch it tomorrow.

I was really hoping to love that version since I love the animated one so much and also liked the book as a child, plus I like Steve Buscemi (voice of Templeton in that version), but I was really disappointed with it.

[honeykid]

I like the 2000's version too. :) It's been a long time since I saw it and an even longer time since I saw the 73 version, but I love the book and the whole story, so it's all good for me.

[Allaby]

I watched Charlotte's Web today. I liked the animation and the characters. I thought the voice acting was effective and the songs were alright, but none of them were overly memorable to me. Personally, I like the 2006 live action version better, although this one was cute too. I am pretty sure I saw this years ago and didn't remember much, so it was nice to revisti it. 3.5

[stillmellow]

The animated Charlotte's Web was very good, and extremely heart wrenching at the end. Charlotte's last song nearly ended me. 😭


Most of the songs are forgettable, beside that one and Rat's paradise, but it's a very good adaptation of a surprisingly deep and existential story.


I give it a 👍 (roughly translates to 4/5)

[stillmellow]

Little Shop of Horrors (1986) was one of my favorite movies growing up, and it still is now. Thanks to the amazing puppetry and timeless comedy, it aged really well.


The songs are amazing too, even if my younger self didn't appreciate Somewhere That's Green (it's still a little weak, but important for giving Audrey 1 a chance to show her true self, a simple woman that just wants a pleasant suburban life with a happy family).


I recently found out that Audrey 2's final song was made for the movie, and wasn't in the original play. They should definitely all include it now, it's a great song. A chance for Audrey 2 to really cut loose and be a evil as they can be.


The ending is a bit mushy, but it's still the correct move, rather than the alternate ending, which is way too dark. I wish they could've put in the footage of the plants attacking the city though, even if it was just in Seymour's imagination.


A-

[SpelingError]

I was really hoping to love that version since I love the animated one so much and also liked the book as a child, plus I like Steve Buscemi (voice of Templeton in that version), but I was really disappointed with it.
It's been way too long since I've seen it, but I remember enjoying it. My Mom is a fan of it though and she occasionally has it on tv, so I've caught bits and pieces of it over the years.

[cricket]

Charlotte's Web

https://i.imgur.com/t4wstp6.gif

This was a childhood favorite that I hadn't seen in about 40 years, while Charlotte's Web also happens to be one of the few books I've read in my life. When it first started during the minimal opening credits, a screenshot, like a flashback, told me I had been here before. There was something pleasantly familiar, but of course from there everything was new again. Loved it right away as I loved every character; who could not love Wilbur? I seek out and enjoy darker films, but animals are one of my true loves. It's a very positive film that makes the viewer feel good. Unlike most musicals I don't pray for the songs to end quickly. Henry Gibson sure seems like an out of the blue actor to make multiple appearances on one's musical ballot, yet that's where I am.

4

[Citizen Rules]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.wfJFJYqgshJnFGr2MAvRlAAAAA%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=f5215fe090528c9f3685947f708f110c805bfa28a4050e56325914d9b6414c3d&ipo=images
Charlotte's Web



I really enjoyed watching this one. It's such a heart felt story with lots of positivity. Yes it's bittersweet with Charlotte...but her story is handled so well. People often talk about being moved by a movie and yet the same movie doesn't emotionally reach me at all. Charlotte's Web did emotionally reach me and I was moved by the story. During the movie I paused it to take a bathroom break and my wife tells me there's a bug in the closet. I look and it's a little, light brownish spider, not unlike Charlotte. So I get a piece of paper and let the spider crawl onto the paper and I escort it outside as I never kill spiders. Call me silly but that coincidences felt just a little magical to me and that's thanks to the movie...Great choice.

[SpelingError]

Just finished Charlotte's Web. I don't know if it will make my ballot, but I liked it quite a bit and found its story quite moving. I enjoyed the depth given to some side characters, in addition to some humorous scenes here and there. A handful of the musical numbers stuck out as well, with the highlight being Veritable Smorgasbord (a large part of its appeal is likely due to the memorable visuals throughout it).

[SpelingError]

The current candidates to host the next round are stillmellow and cricket. You guys have approximately 24 more hours to watch the film.

[SpelingError]

The next host is... stillmellow

[stillmellow]

Oops! Sorry, got distracted by real life stuff. So enough of that nonsense, it's time for COMEDY TONIGHT!

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966)

Starring the immortal Zero Mostel. A comedy set in a surprisingly grimy and believable ancient Rome. Nonstop zany madness, that despite it's dark undertones, never gets violent or grim. A smashing, great time.

[stillmellow]

Poster:


https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/82/Forum_poster.jpg

[SpelingError]

Nomination #7

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/82/Forum_poster.jpg

A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum (1966, Richard Lester)

Deadline to Watch It: June 22

[seanc]

Poster:


https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/82/Forum_poster.jpg

Sweet. I didn’t know Yoda made a movie

[SpelingError]

It's about all of the goofball antics which go on here.

[SpelingError]

Also, I'll check it out tomorrow.

[Citizen Rules]

Poster:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/82/Forum_poster.jpg"Something for everyone!"...Then I'm assured to like it:p Cool choice! Looking forward to it. I'd been thinking about watching this for awhile now. I'll check it out tonight.

[Allaby]

I rewatched A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Movieforums today. It's an enjoyable musical comedy starring the legendary Yoda and featuring an ensemble of lovable characters. I enjoyed the songs, especially the dance routine featuring SpelingError and Citizen Rules.

(I also rewatched A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. It's a well made, entertaining musical comedy, although not one of my all time favourites. Some fun performances and enjoyable songs. 3.5 )

[Citizen Rules]

99143
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966)


Those flies! I wondered what was up when I seen scenes like the one above which is a screenshot I took myself from the movie. The answer is at IMDB's trivia section for the movie.

Funny movie too!...StillMellow was right Zero Mostel is a blast in this, so is Phil Silvers and Jack Gilford and the older couple were good too. There were so many cleverly funny bits in this film that I laughed out loud and that doesn't happen with all comedies. The songs were catchy but what impressed me most was the detail in those sets! It looked like ancient Rome, at least I thought so. And those stunts, like the falling down the stairs and the chariot race, ouch! A classic, wacky comedy from the mid 60s that I needed to watch and I'm glad I did.

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fy.yarn.co%2F91edce4a-5c1a-4944-90ef-d1de7a932dc8_text.gif&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=a607d152c61bd6bcb8b22060b09eb842f24979d736d9849216cdad4871d94794&ipo=images

[SpelingError]

lovable characters...featuring SpelingError and Citizen Rules.
I like this word, in particular :)

[Miss Vicky]

I don't usually like 60s movies but I'm a sucker for flicks about ancient Rome so I may give this a shot tonight or tomorrow.

[SpelingError]

Just finished A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and I thought it was pretty good. With a couple exceptions, the musical numbers didn't stick out to me that much and the consistent male gaze got tiring after a while, but in terms of its humor, I found it very clever and was impressed by the numerous inventive set pieces throughout it. I also found the stunts well-choreographed, with the terrific chariot chase at the end being the standout. Overall, I think I enjoyed the style more than the story, but it still had plenty to offer in that front, so I'm okay with it.

[Miss Vicky]

Watched it. Regret this one too.

99152

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum
(Richard Lester, 1966)

This painfully unfunny jumbled mess felt way longer than it was. I wasn't even bothered by the fact that it was a musical - the songs were fairly sparse and instantly forgettable - but damn these characters were annoying and the story was lame. For something that is ostensibly a comedy and even put the word "funny" right in its title it sure failed to even make me crack a smile. I've laughed more times watching Schindler's List than I did this dud.

I knew better than to give a 60s musical a shot and I stupidly went and did it anyway. Oh well, I still hated it less than The Music Man.

1

[stillmellow]

Watched it. Regret this one too.


YEOWCH. Well, thanks for playing.


I personally love the songs, which is why it sticks out so much in my head. If they feel a bit sparse, it's because they actually cut out about 4 songs from the stage play its based on, but none of them were particularly funny or memorable. I like the movie the way it is.


Its main flaw is yes, it is definitely a 'male gaze' sort of movie. Does NOT pass the Beshdel test. But I grew up with it and still love it. Thank you to everyone for watching!

[Citizen Rules]

...Its main flaw is yes, it is definitely a 'male gaze' sort of movie. Does NOT pass the Beshdel test. But I grew up with it and still love it. Thank you to everyone for watching!I can understand that some people would be uncomfortable with that 'male gaze' in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum...and of course we're all individuals who react differently to movies and that's all fine and good.

What I think alot of people wouldn't be aware of today was, that the whole sexy woman/revealing clothes/sexual dancing in that movie, was in part, a result of the sexual revolution and the birth control pill that was first introduced in the U.S in 1960. The birth control pill gave women freedom with control over conception and allowed them for the first time to be as sexual as men had always been. It didn't happen overnight but as the 1960s progress, women began to be more open sexually, and that new found sexual freedom is reflected in many mid to late 1960s movies. I'm not saying the film is all about women's new found freedoms, but I do see at least the influence of the sexual revolution that took place in the 1960s.

[beelzebubble]

Mare Sweat!

[FilmBuff]

Bechdel test

[SpelingError]

I can understand that some people would be uncomfortable with that 'male gaze' in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum...and of course we're all individuals who react differently to movies and that's all fine and good.

What I think alot of people wouldn't be aware of today was, that the whole sexy woman/revealing clothes/sexual dancing in that movie, was in part, a result of the sexual revolution and the birth control pill that was first introduced in the U.S in 1960. The birth control pill gave women freedom with control over conception and allowed them for the first time to be as sexual as men had always been. It didn't happen overnight but as the 1960s progress, women began to be more open sexually, and that new found sexual freedom is reflected in many mid to late 1960s movies. I'm not saying the film is all about women's new found freedoms, but I do see at least the influence of the sexual revolution that took place in the 1960s.

That's interesting context, but in regard to the bolded, my issue with a handful of films of the era and this one is they aren't equal opportunity in sexuality and it's mainly just the women who are sexualized instead of the men. Which could've still been handled well if it featured that in moderation, but given how often women were portrayed in this manner (at times, it felt like their scantily clad scenes outweighed their fully clothed scenes) made the film feel cowardly.

[SpelingError]

Also, this round will be open for about 24 more hours. It doesn't look like we have any new participants, so if nobody else joins, I'll choose between Allaby, Citizen, Vicky, and myself.

[FilmBuff]

I know this is all a silly tangent, but how the heck would the birth control pill explain the fact that women were appearing near naked in movies before the Hays Code?

[Citizen Rules]

I know this is all a silly tangent, but how the heck would the birth control pill explain the fact that women were appearing near naked in movies before the Hays Code?It was due to the first sexual revolution. Look it up. It coincides with the loosening of societal morality standards that took place immediately after WWI.

[Citizen Rules]

Also, this round will be open for about 24 more hours. It doesn't look like we have any new participants, so if nobody else joins, I'll choose between Allaby, Citizen, Vicky, and myself.Any chance Sean could have another chance? If he wants. I feel kinda bad that we didn't watch his choice.

[SpelingError]

Any chance Sean could have another chance? If he wants. I feel kinda bad that we didn't watch his choice.

It doesn't look like he's shared his thoughts in this round yet, but if he does, I'd be happy to let him choose next, unless Allaby or Vicky would like a chance to host next.

[Citizen Rules]

It doesn't look like he's shared his thoughts in this round yet, but if he does, I'd be happy to let him choose next, unless Allaby or Vicky would like a chance to host next.Sure that's fine. But in that case I'm not waving my chance to go next:D

[seanc]

Any chance Sean could have another chance? If he wants. I feel kinda bad that we didn't watch his choice.

Appreciate it but I will try and jump back in next round. Not going to get to this one.

[Allaby]

Also, this round will be open for about 24 more hours. It doesn't look like we have any new participants, so if nobody else joins, I'll choose between Allaby, Citizen, Vicky, and myself.

We should have a dance off to see who gets to pick next.

[FilmBuff]

Look it up.

https://i.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExbDhkNDR1NTVvNXhyb2h0Y2h3bmNwcmY3M3NjM3Z0eHlyZXd1azZuMyZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfY nlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/kUDWsukS0Zw0dnBYGO/giphy.gif

[SpelingError]

We should have a dance off to see who gets to pick next.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZMRQ1oOxJs

[Citizen Rules]

We should have a dance off to see who gets to pick next.Will these do:)
10 Best Dance Numbers In Movie Musicals (https://www.cbr.com/greatest-dance-sequences-musical-films/)

[Citizen Rules]

Allaby have you seen all of those 10 musicals?

[SpelingError]

I've seen 8/10. I haven't seen Stormy Weather and Broadway Melody of 1940.

[Citizen Rules]

I've seen 8/10. I haven't seen Stormy Weather and Broadway Melody of 1940.I'm taking note of that for my next turn:D

The Nicholas Brothers in Stormy Weather were flat out amazing dancers! Even Gene Kelly was impressed with them (on a different movie that he was cast in, I forget the title of that one). Sadly they didn't get their due because of institutionalized racism back in the day...When they were cast in a movie their scenes often were cut for southern audiences. I don't know if I've seen Broadway Melody of 1940 or not? If so it was a long time ago.

[Allaby]

Allaby have you seen all of those 10 musicals?

Yes, I have.

[Citizen Rules]

Yes, I have.Wow...You're the musical man:p It would be hard to find a musical that you haven't seen unless it was more obscure.

[Allaby]

Wow...You're the musical man:p It would be hard to find a musical that you haven't seen unless it was more obscure.

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs and Wonka are probably the two most popular musicals that I haven't seen.

[Citizen Rules]

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs and Wonka are probably the two most popular musicals that I haven't seen.I liked them both. I didn't realize The Ballad of Buster Scruggs qualified as a musical, but cool if it does. I wrote this:
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (Coen Brothers, 2018)

Very impressive movie! The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is composed of six different western stories, all of them tied together by one theme: the violence of the old west....With it's ironicisms the film reminded me of the 1980s TV show Tales From the Darkside, a show I use to love. As one would expect from a Coen's film it's well written, clever & intelligently handled with great attention to details. A big plus there's some really beautiful shooting locations...All done up with a slight twist and the Coen's flair for uniqueness.

rating_3_5+


I liked Wonka...probably rate it a rating_3_5-

[SpelingError]

The next host is Citizen Rules

[SpelingError]

Nomination #8

99165

Fiddler on the Roof (1971, Norman Jewison)

Deadline to Watch It: June 25

[SpelingError]

This will be a first time watch for me. I already have a few films lined up for tomorrow, but I'll get to it Monday.

[Wyldesyde19]

Saw this a few years ago. Couldn’t really get into the music or the film for that matter. Doesn’t help I’m not much a fan of Jewison to begin with.

[seanc]

I watched this one last year and absolutely loved it. Great lead performance. It will be very high on my list. Hope you that haven’t seen enjoy.

[FilmBuff]

One of the all-time greats, that's for sure

[Miss Vicky]

Yeah, sorry I am not watching a three hour long musical from the 1970s.

[cricket]

I watched that before. Unfortunately.

[FilmBuff]

Really good musicals are timeless!! :p

[stillmellow]

I've seen it, but I'll gladly watch this one again! More Zero Mostel is always a good thing.

[cricket]

I watched that before. Unfortunately.

And I don't mean that as an insult to the movie. Like Miss Vicky, many musicals are torturous for me to sit through no matter the quality.

[Torgo]

Fiddler on the Roof is a classic. It has its joys and its laughs, but it's ultimately a deeply sad and affecting portrait of a Jewish patriarch trying his hardest to stay true to himself and his beliefs in a place that hates everything he stands for. Topol is genius as Tevye and the songs still hold up, especially the recurring "Tradition," "Sunrise, Sunset" and "the tear-inducing "Chava Ballet." Oh, and the bottle dance is spectacular. I'm surprised to hear it is 3 hours long because it doesn't seem that long, probably because it held my interest so well and I was already familiar with the best songs. On a personal note, one of my high school marching band shows is based on this musical and the drama department staged it one year, so it has a special place in my heart.

[Gideon58]

Just rewatched Fiddler last week.

[Allaby]

I started rewatching Fiddler on the Roof on dvd and the dvd froze 1 hour and 40 minutes into it! :mad: The good news is that it is also on Tubi so I switched over to streaming it on Tubi.

[Allaby]

I finished rewatching Fiddler on the Roof. I like it a lot, but there's not enough room on my ballot for it to make it. I do think it will make the countdown though. The performances are good and I like the songs. It's a very well made film, although I do feel it is too long. 4

[Citizen Rules]

I finished rewatching Fiddler on the Roof. I like it a lot, but there's not enough room on my ballot for it to make it. I do think it will make the countdown though. The performances are good and I like the songs. It's a very well made film, although I do feel it is too long. rating_4Glad you liked it. Was that a rewatch for you? I had looked at your Letterboxd and didn't see the movie, so that's in part why I picked it.

[Allaby]

Glad you liked it. Was that a rewatch for you? I had looked at your Letterboxd and didn't see the movie, so that's in part why I picked it.

Yes, it was a rewatch. I had seen it once several years ago, but never logged it on Letterboxd.

[Citizen Rules]

Yes, it was a rewatch. I had seen it once several years ago, but never logged it on Letterboxd.Damn:p I should probably ask you for a list of the musicals you haven't seen:D I think you've seen just about all of them.