Singin’ in the Rain

I’ve pretty much decided that, if you don’t like Singin’ in the Rain, you might as well give up hope of ever liking a movie musical.

I went to see this classic with some girlfriends at our local Cineplex a few weeks ago (it was playing for $5!) and I was reminded once more of just how charming and engaging it is.

SitR has it all:

• Catchy songs – The first time I watched it, I was surprised at just how much of the soundtrack I was already familiar with,
• Intelligent Humour – both subtle and slapstick; Donald O’Connor’s Make’em Laugh routine is a classic in itself! There was a young girl at the screening we saw and she just belly-laughed through that whole routine. Her joy was infectious.
• Wonderful Dance Routines – Gene Kelly was a genius, and his dancing is just so light and effortless.
• Fantastical Sets – particularly during the final extended modern ballet sequence – which kind of derails the story, but is oh-so-stunning to watch. When you see the veil dance, you’ll know.
• Colourful Costume Design – I want posters of the models in the Beautiful Girls  number (start watching at 2:10)…And I’m not even into fashion!
• A Corny Love Story – not a highlight per se, but if you’re looking for the epitome of musicals, it has to have a corny love story.

Admittedly, SitR is not my favorite movie musical – I have too much history with The Sound of Music for it to be deposed from that particular throne – but it’s definitely one I could watch again and again.