Musical Sunday: Carrying the Banner

[snick_backup]

Enough of these everybody's-seen-'em-and-loves-'em musical numbers. Here's the opening ensemble song from Newsies (1992). Much-maligned initially; now a cult classic. Most of the folks in this movie can carry a tune, although few of them carry it very gracefully. But it's fun!

Because: Veddy young Christian Bale. Robert Duvall as Joseph Pulitzer. Unionization of scruffy newsboys circa 1900. Acrobatic synchronized dances in the streets! Stirring strike anthems!

See here:

Comments

[deird1]

Oooh...
I've heard so many people talk about this musical.


Question: would it be worthwhile my buying it? (I ask because it's not actually available in my region, so I'd have to get it sent from America - which is kind of expensive.)

[snickfic]

I'd say, watch the song first, and then maybe some of the others on YouTube. It's not everybody's cup of tea; the singing really isn't very good, and the political maneuvering strains credibility even more than musical logic usually does.

Basically: if the thought of young Christian Bale singing stuff makes you swoon, you need this. If you adore the YouTube video, you need this. Otherwise, probably wait until you get a chance to see it before buying.

[(Anonymous)]

I just watched this one about 3 days ago (for the first time). Many people had recommended it to me, but you are right; the singing is not impressive. I mostly found myself sitting there thinking things like, "Am I expected to believe that Pulitzer is Sauron-level evil?" and "The real issue is not that papers are too expensive for kids to buy but that they are working in the first place." Eventually, I started fast-forwarding whenever they weren't singing. I love how they introduce the new guy as having his family completely dependent on him for money and then absolutely fail to have him even think about not being in the strike.

--Ariel

P.S.--This captcha is completely indecipherable. I must be a spambot.

[penny-lane-42.livejournal.com]

I saw this movie for the first time in high school because one of my friends was obsessed with it. But I wish I'd seen it younger; I feel like I would have loved it more, you know? But I did find it fun.

I can't watch this here at work, and I can't watch it at home either BECAUSE MY INTERNET HATES ME. But! When I can watch it, I'll comment on it specifically!

[snickfic]

WOE to you Internet!

I first saw it when I was about twelve, and I think that was probably the perfect age. Still young enough to crush on Christian Bale and feel all angsty with him, and to enjoy the singing and dancing uncritically. 'Cuz, I love it to pieces, but it's not an artistic masterpiece.

[penny-lane-42.livejournal.com]

WOE IS ME! *weeps*

I think you're right about that being the perfect age.

[next_to_normal]

OMG NEWSIES!!! I love it SO HARD.

I'm pretty sure this is the reason I am in love with Christian Bale. :)

I don't know how I managed to go my entire musical-loving childhood without seeing Newsies, but maybe it wasn't on my radar because I'm more into stage musicals? Anyway, I was pretty old by the time I saw it, but friends of mine who didn't even like musicals loved Newsies, so I couldn't NOT watch it. Also, my college roommate and I may have done some of the dance moves in our dorm room, but I can't confirm that. ;)

[angearia.livejournal.com]

So that's one emphatic YES that Deird should buy it. :P

I don't think I ever saw it. Must watch, clearly.

[next_to_normal]

Hahaha, well, to be fair, it's not for everyone. It's certainly not the best musical ever, so I can see how other people might not be quite as enamored with it. But it's the kind of movie you love for the sheer dorkability, so if that's your thing, then yeah. Definitely watch it! :)

[snickfic]

Yes!!! It's definitely one of those pleasures I feel I ought to feel guilty about, but don't.