The Sound of Music (1965)

In Austria 1938, Captain Georg Von Trapp, a widower, runs his home like the ship he once commanded although, that changes when Maria arrives from the abbey to be his seven children's new governess. She is surprised to learn she's the latest in a long line of governesses seen off by the children, but Maria soon finds that all they need is a little love to change their attitudes. She helps reintroduce them to singing, and through her, music is brought back into the hearts and home of the Trapp family. The Sound of Music is undoubtedly one of the most significant musicals of all time and the most beloved. It has not only firmly remained a classic after all these years but still looks phenomenal now. Its visuals are breathtaking with a superb direction that brings us countless beautiful shots. Whether it be the sweeping shots of the luscious mountain landscapes or even the mere stills of such grandiose locations as the villa and festival stage, this film is inundated with stunning imagery worthy of a theatrical presence. Further shaping the movie are those in the foreground, Maria and the Von Trapp family. We follow Maria who leaves her life in the abbey as a nun to aid the family of Captain Von Trapp. I adored these characters whose interactions and moments together were extremely captivating and brought to such life by their respective actors/actresses. Julie Andrews (Maria) has such a magnificent singing voice that elevates every scene to peak delight which, only blossoms greater when combined with the children, Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta, and Gretl. There are a plethora of songs throughout in which to hear their exquisite voices with so many memorable classics from 'My Favourite Things', 'The Sound of Music', 'Do-Re-Mi', 'The Lonely Goatherd', 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen', 'So Long, Farewell' and more. The songs have even surpassed the movie becoming so universally known that people who haven't even seen it likely know them. Plus, there are plenty more songs featured like those from the Nuns and Mother Abbess with 'Maria' and 'Climb Ev'ry Mountain'. However, the ones I was most captivated and surprised by were from that of Christopher Plummer (The Captain). He has such a voice I was simply blown away by his performance and subsequent songs, with my favourite being the somewhat emotional 'Edelweiss'. As well as being so captivating in terms of the music, each was equally so in the story. Now, the movie is based upon the real story of the Von Trapp family singers, however, naturally, there have been alterations to the cinematic telling, which comes in at a pretty lengthy timestamp. Although, when I watched it again recently I hardly noticed. There wasn't any feeling of it dragging or taking too long. So it comes as no surprise when I say I loved the story. I most enjoyed watching Maria attempt to connect with the children who make the matter difficult as they try scaring her off like previous governesses as they hope to gain their father's attention. However, she finally gets through to them rejuvenating that sense of joy as they come to share an unbreakable bond that also befalls the Captain, who had suffered the worst from the incident. However, the Captain is now engaged to the Baroness, which causes some conflict inside Maria who, without meaning to, has grown a liking to him also. One of the most noteworthy aspects of this movie is its setting. Anyone who noticed the year would immediately make the troublesome connection. Underlying a constant background feeling of dread with the imminent takeover by the Nazis looming. There are hints of this change throughout with it being a topic brought up gradually until it consumes the picture leaving the family to make a difficult decision. Overall, The Sound of Music is a production I and many others consider to be flawless. It manages to convey countless emotions through varying elements like its songs, acting and story, which is tremendously visceral. It is a feature perfect for the whole family certain to captivate you, make you sing and warm your heart. An integral movie to the world of cinema, everyone should experience.

Runtime: 2h 52m

Director: Robert Wise

Genre: Biography / Drama / Family / Musical / Romance

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The Court Jester (1955)

Former carnival performer Hubert Hawkins and maid Jean are assigned to protect the infant royal heir from tyrannical King Roderick I. While Jean takes the baby to an abbey, Hawkins gains access to the court by impersonating the king's jester, unaware that the jester is an assassin hired by scheming Sir Ravenhurst. When Princess Gwendolyn, falls for Hawkins, a witch secretly aids him in becoming a knight. The Court Jester is arguably one of the grandest pieces of entertainment to come out of the 1950s. It takes so many elements from comedy, action, musical numbers, romance, sense of adventure and so much more, pushing them to their fullest. This film gives that true grand big-screen production aura too, which I simply adore. From towering set pieces, extravagant action segments in the wide open halls of the castle to a clearing in the woods for acrobatic displays, there are plenty of beautiful shots and imagery to draw you in with its immense scope. Equally drawing us in is the use of such bright vibrant colours. With colour beginning to be more present during the 50's, movies like this one made good use of it, showing it in all its glory. There are lush green landscapes, striking rich outfits, bright blue skies and a vast array of more explosive colours to delight our senses. Alongside the overwhelming beauty of this film, another exceptional aspect of this picture is the cast. Naturally, Danny Kaye steals the show displaying a tremendous range of talent with his singing, tongue-twisting dialogue, witty humour, switching between roles in an instant and showing a constant tremendous amount of energy. Kaye's character, Hubert Hawkins, is easily the star both in the sense of story but also as a joyful highlight to follow in this wacky caper. Being a former carnival performer, Hawkins' acrobatic agility is shown in full swing alongside his ability to sing and play. Whilst a musical film, it doesn't quite follow in the footsteps of others where a character would randomly burst into a song out of nowhere, they lead into it in a way that fits with the story or moment. My favourite however doesn't feature in the movie but is played during the opening credits where Hawkins moves and interacts with the text whilst singing about what we are in store for in this adventure. Hawkins is the minstrel to the Black Fox who is thrown into the dangerous task of escorting and caring for a baby who is the rightful heir but is currently hunted by an unjust king. He is accompanied by Jean (played by Glynis Johns) whom he falls for and with her help, they concoct a plan to infiltrate into the castle upon knocking out the king's jester who stumbled upon them. From then on out, the film truly goes wild as Hawkins enters the midst of the lion's den pretending to be Giacomo who turns out was a hired assassin with orders to kill the king by Sir Ravenhurst. There are so many crazy moments that ensue from a bewitchment by the witch Griselda that can be triggered at the snap of a finger, the king's daughter, Princess Gwendolyn (played by Angela Lansbury) thinking he is her one true love, a rival interest in the princess challenging him for her hand and so much more. There are plenty of bewildering moments that are only brought to their full entertainment by the comical Hawkins like the snapping bringing him in and out of a trance on multiple occasions much to his confusion. One of the more iconic segments involves the tongue twister scene involving a poisonous drink with the line, "The pellet with the poison's in the vessel with the pestle; the chalice from the palace has the brew that is true!" It is such a fun line that is frequently quoted by viewers and is equally made enjoyable by the constant confusion of the words that puts Hawkins in a dilemma. The film excels with its later fights that are so extravagant, with the entire brawl of the Black Fox's men to Hawkins and Ravenhurst's duel that is unbelievably quick and truly a sight to behold. Overall, The Court Jester is a tremendous experience full of wonderfully weird twists and turns, songs, action, romance and comedic attributes. It makes for some brilliant family viewing or a perfect delight to sit back relax and have a few laughs. A true cinematic classic to behold.

Runtime: 1h 29m

Director: Brian Henson

Genre: Adventure / Comedy / Family / Musical

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The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Tis the season for love, laughter and one of the most cherished stories of all time. Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens's classic tale. One fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Together with kind, humble Bob Cratchit and his family, these Spirits open Scrooge's eyes and heart to the true meaning of Christmas. It's funny to think that one of the best depictions of the classic tale of a Christmas Carol would come in the form of the Muppets. There have been plenty of versions to come out over the decades that are quite phenomenal and play it extremely seriously. This one can combine the best of the more faithful takes with their Muppet ways from jokes, songs and hilarious twists. Yet, surprisingly, it works and has become one of the most beloved variations of them all that is certainly quality family viewing. Naturally, the Muppets steal the show with their bizarre and wacky ways that come as no surprise. It was incredible watching this Victorian setting full of humans and puppets alike with, of course, the muppets being their comedic selves like a salesman selling talking fruit. Even if you haven't seen any other products from the Muppets, I can easily see people having a blast with this movie. Although it would certainly make the viewing more entertaining with more background knowledge, it is still a blast for any moviegoer, especially children. One of the great highlights of this movie is Scrooge played outstandingly by Michael Caine, who plays the character with the utmost seriousness. It only goes to show what an exceptional actor he is doing it as though it was an utterly dramatic role whilst acting off of puppets. Every scene he is in is just oozing with solemnity, whether it be with another human character or a Muppet. His growth throughout the film is very earnest and quite believable. Throughout his story, we are joined by the fourth-wall-breaking comedy duo Charles Dickens (The Great Gonzo) and Rizzo the Rat. Seeing Gonzo get so into his role as Dickens was hilarious. He is so absorbed by it all, believing himself to be the historical figure, proving it so by announcing coming scenes moments before they happen to Rizzo's amazement. Gonzo and Rizzo work tremendously off one another, having tremendous banter with Gonzo getting so engaged in every sequence, whereas Rizzo is always looking for his next meal. They watch on with us and work as a segway into each new part of the story, cracking the odd joke either in the environment or with one another. The rest of the Muppet crew take equally memorable places with Bob Cratchet being Kermit, and Mrs Cratchet, Miss Piggy who are both iconic in their own right but in these roles too. Kermit is always a delight and Miss Piggy continues to be her temperamental self. I adore the scene where she threatens to raise Scrooge right off the pavement, which always has me in hysterics. However, the most impressive aspect of this production as a whole has to be the songs. There are so many catchy, emotional and joyous songs to be entertained by. This includes 'Scrooge', 'One More Sleep 'til Christmas', 'Marley and Marley', 'It Feels Like Christmas', 'Bless Us All', 'Thankful Heart' and 'When Love Is Found'. Now, there is one song that did make it into the film upon its release and home media but has since been removed in a shocking development. 'The Love Is Gone' was the song sung by Belle during the story when she releases Scrooge, which is naturally an emotional piece that, whilst sad, is an integral part of the story. It is also important as the later song at the end, 'When Love Is Found' plays it doesn't bear any impactfulness as the resolute to the other. The reasoning was Disney thought it was too mature and sad for younger audiences. Yes, it's meant to be sad and to remove it removes a huge element to the development of the film. Overall, I have always loved the Muppet Christmas Carol and will always hold a special place in my heart. It has been a family tradition to watch every Christmas Eve and is one I know will continue for years.  

Runtime: 1h 29m

Director: Brian Henson

Genre: Comedy / Drama / Family / Fantasy / Musical

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White Christmas (1954)

Having left the Army following WWII, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis team up to become a top song-and-dance act. Davis plays matchmaker and introduces Wallace to a pair of beautiful sisters (Betty and Judy Haynes) who also have a song-and-dance act. When Betty and Judy travel to a Vermont lodge to perform a Christmas show, Wallace and Davis follow, only to find their former commander, General Waverly, as the lodge owner. He's sunk his savings and his pension into the venture but it has yet to snow and it looks like he's on the verge of bankruptcy. They come up with a plan to help the General out, but a misunderstanding leads to a rift between Bob and Betty, leaving it to Phil and Judy to try and get them back together. White Christmas is one of the warmest feeling festive flicks I have ever encountered. Just something about the atmosphere gives off a comforting vibe that is accompanied by the spectacular cast who give this film life. We open to a grand setting of a demolished site during the Second World War with buildings in ruins with a small stage built in the centre. We get a glimpse of the performances done to boost the morale of the troops, especially during the Christmas period where we see Wallace and Davis doing some routines. It is one of my favourite scenes most likely for the set design but also the singing of Crosby's iconic 'White Christmas' which he is most well known for and a farewell song featuring the whole crew to their commander in a heartfelt moment. As it ends the site is bombed and a wall almost falls on Wallace who is luckily saved by Davis who 'injures' his arm and uses this to guilt trip him into forming a duo act in performing. They of course become a renouned success after the war but Davis sets his sights on some time to relax and attempts to settle Wallace down with a lady, also as a means of cheering him up. They later meet another duo act, sisters Betty and Judy Haynes where the two fall for the other ladies. Each of the main cast are of course singers and performers who translate their skills onto the big screen in a plethra of ways. Bing Crosby brings his delightful singing, Danny Kaye offers his energetic dancing and comedy, Vera-Ellen her spectacular dancing and Rosemary Clooney supplies her beautiful voice. Each brings a definitive trait that sets them apart from the rest whilst also combining their talents into a fabulous display, working off of one another. This can be best seen through Danny (Davis) dancing with Vera (Judy) in a striking display early on in the film full of stunts and some magnificent choreography. The group end up taking a joint holiday to Vermont where they bump into their old commander, General Waverly who now owns a lodge that is falling on bad times, which the duo attempts to fix. Using their popularity and influence with the aid of the sisters, Wallace and Davis bring over their show to entertain, plus arrange all the soldiers who served under the General to lift his spirits. Whilst at the lodge we see plenty of dancing segments mainly through the use of practising before the show, which fills gaps throughout the film for some dance numbers and pretty spectacles. Equally, we get some moments for songs with highlights revolving around Crosby (Wallace) and Rosemary (Betty) whose romance takes centre stage with its ups and downs. Their chemistry was incredible and was a romance that we, the viewers, wanted to see blossom to its fullest like Davis and Judy, which makes their eventual get-together all the more satisfying. My one gripe throughout the film was a slight absence of the look of Christmas. Its presence is certainly felt and talked about but with the lack of snow (until the end) and little decor at times felt as though it could be a film for any time of the year rather than a Christmas flick. However, towards the end, it all comes together with all the plot lines and payoffs coming to a close with that picture-perfect winter and a dazzling display of the festivities. Overall, I had a wonderful time and it's easy to see why it is many people's comfort movie. There are catchy songs, exquisite dances and it produces just the right feeling of warmth and joy. A perfect film for the perfect season.

Runtime: 2h

Director: Michael Curtiz

Genre: Comedy / Musical / Romance

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The Star Wars Holiday Special (TV Movie 1978)

It is Life Day, a holiday celebrated on Chewbacca's home planet of Kashyyyk. Chewie and Han Solo are trying to get home to Chewie's family waiting for him, but the Empire is out searching for the rebels. While we await their arrival, we look at the everyday life of a Wookiee family. Yes, people, it's the big one, the infamous Holiday Special. I honestly cannot believe that this actually exists, but it does, so we've gotta talk about it. Releasing a year after the blockbuster hit Star Wars (1977) we are reunited with the whole cast in an epic adventure, this time right from the comfort of your own home. What is this grand event, you may ask? Well, it is the exciting experience of watching Wookiees in their house doing menial tasks. That's right, you heard me correctly. Nothing envigorates me more than an hour and a half movie of watching Wookiees cook, play games and do varying other tasks. It is completely barmy that this is a real thing cause I am sure all Star Wars fans are aware, that Wookiees don't talk. They roar, grunt and growl so imagine an entire film revolving around this very notion with no dialogue. How can anyone honestly sit through this feature with a straight face or any level of seriousness? I think the first time I watched this it was as a joke simply to see how bad it was. The only good thing to come from it is the overwhelming amount of videos of people mocking it and all the memes. I adore watching YouTube videos like JonTron's and The Nostalgia Critic's reviews of this piece, they are hilarious and worth checking out. The three Wookiees we follow are Chewbacca's family, his son Lumpy, his wife Malla and his father Itchy who all make their first and last appearance in Star Wars. I found it bizarre that Chewie has a family because it raises too many questions. For instance, why did he leave them to join Han to be a smuggler? It's strange, to say the least. As previously mentioned, we watch them doing many activities leading up to the holiday. We see Malla doing cooking watching a viewscreen, Lumpy playing games and (worse of all) Itchy watching a holographic woman doing some peculiar stuff. It seems quite explicit without doing anything untoward and yet it still manages to feel wrong, bearing in mind that the family is in the other room. I cannot even begin to imagine the thought process behind this idea. Another baffling idea is watching Lumpy build something whilst watching a tutorial, which you'd think would be something you could do in real life with how much they show of it in excruciating detail, but no. It doesn't exist. Breaking up all these Wookiee antics is the occasional appearance of the original stars who somehow manage to feel slightly off. Not only that, they too are doing some strange tasks like Leia and C-3P0 doing paperwork. Things do take a more drastic turn when the Empire invade and occupies Chewie's home as they search for him. It is a pretty menacing aspect to see their enforcement of the family if it wasn't for one of the officers immediately watching Jefferson Starship on a hologram performance. One of the most memorable aspects of the entire special is an animated segment that sees Han, Chewie, Luke, R2 and C-3P0 encounter the deadly bounty hunter, Boba Fett in his first-ever canonical appearance before Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980). It easily stands out as the only good part of the flick even if some of the animation offers some nightmare fuel (Han Solo's face). There are plenty of other moments scattered throughout, from a singsong at the cantina to the dealings of trader, Saun Dann. However, the most unexpected thing to come of this, is Princess Leia singing about Life Day to all the Wookiees and the rest of the original crew. Overall, The Holiday Special is by far one of the worst creations to come from Star Wars and that is saying something. Fans don't like it, I don't like it, the actors didn't like it and, most of all, George Lucas didn't like it going as far as to say, "If I had the time and a sledgehammer, I would track down every copy of that show and smash it." If you want to see the entire special feature for yourself, check it out below, at your own peril... Happy Life Day!

Runtime: 1h 37m

Director: Steve Binder, David Acomba

Genre: Adventure / Family / Musical / Sci-fi

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The Blues Brothers (1980)

Fresh out of the slammer, Jake Blues, along with his brother Elwood, visit the Catholic home where they both grew up. They find out that it will soon shut down because of a lack of funds and support. One misguided spiritual revelation later, they go in search of reuniting their old blues band and raise the $5000 to pay off the home's taxes. As they go on their way to perform in the perfect big-paying gig for the group, their adventure takes many unexpected detours and encounters with zany characters ranging from, the police, revenge-seeking militant groups, angry country singers, Nazis and a psychotic former girlfriend. Furthermore, it entails endless car chases, massive explosions where ever they go, danger and destruction ensue on this mission from God. I think this movie has to be one of the craziest adventures I have ever witnessed... and I loved every second of it. One of the best aspects of this film, besides its overwhelming amount of comedy, is the music. It delivers some fantastic performances and some glorious blues certain to have you singing and dancing along. If you watch this film without even fidgeting to these overwhelmingly catchy numbers, then there is something wrong with you. I came to appreciate music through this film so much more than I had ever done so before. It displayed how meaningful and expressive music can be to people, which I found extremely interesting and captivating. There are countless pieces played throughout, but my all-time favourite song has to be 'Everybody Needs Somebody'. Not only was it such a phenomenal song that I will forever cherish and frequently listen to, but it was also part of a beautifully choreographed scene. The whole scene was full of energy with superb dance moves and cartwheels, which made the whole routine a hundred times better. You could tell they just had so much fun and with the whole audience cheering, it looked and felt magnificent, like a real concert, not only that, but I felt like I was there too. How could you not sing along? But it doesn't stop there, with so many memorable tunes to be enthralled by from 'Rawhide', 'Think', 'The Twist', 'The Jailhouse Rock' and so much more. The Blues Brothers are easily one of the greatest duos in pop culture history, played outstandingly by John Belushi and Dan Akroyd. From their incredible performances and music, their amazing dance moves, their outfits which include the iconic sunglasses that they wear all the time (even at night) and their unswerving friendship to each other. They are equally so fun and even when under all the pressure during this escapade, neither breaks their cool. This is best displayed in the scene where they survive an exploding building from a failed attack of the crazed girlfriend which they get up and walk away from carrying on with their business as if nothing happened. Sadly, they don't make comedy movies like this anymore, which generate such unbelievable amounts of laughs from its witty writing to its visual gags and pay-offs. This film is unlikely to be surpassed by modern-day comedy. Today's movie plots would never be as entertaining as the concept of an adventure that sees two blues-playing friends driving in an old police car to deliver money to pay off the Catholic Home taxes on a mission from God whilst evading the forces of darkness being cops, country singers, Nazis an ex-girlfriend and the Army. It doesn't get more hilarious than that! The action goes above and beyond, especially during the climax, which sees all the enemies they made along the way try to stop the brothers. Seeing each party's comeuppance was delightful and would display one of the world records for most cars destroyed in a film totalling at 104 cop cars! Overall, The Blues Brothers is so random and bizarre that it easily becomes one of my all-time favourites and with some of the best comedy I have ever witnessed. I love all the appreciation for music, especially the blues and how they display the effects it has on people. This is one of the all-time greats that will easily lift anyone's mood. Also, check out the sequel Blues Brothers 2000 (1998).

Runtime: 2h 13m

Director: John Landis

Genre: Action / Adventure / Comedy / Crime / Music / Musical

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The Glenn Miller Story (1954)

The unemployed trombone player, Glenn Miller is always broke, chasing his sound to form his band and buying back his instrument in the pawn house to survive. When his friend Chummy MacGregor is hired to play in the band of Ben Pollack, the band-leader listens to one of Glenn's compositions and invites him to join his band. While travelling to New York, Glenn visits his former girlfriend Helen Berger, in Boulder, Colorado, and pleads with her to wait for him. Two years later he quits the band and proposes to Helen and they move to New York to marry. After the success of 'Moonlight Serenade', Glenn Miller's band became known worldwide. Glenn and Helen go on to have two children and have a very comfortable life. During World War II, Glenn enlists in the army and travels to Europe to increase the morale of the allied troops by playing his music to the soldiers. In the Christmas of 1944, he travels from London to Paris for a concert which will be broadcast, however, his plane is lost and never found. This is a great biography depicting the life of the amazing musician and composer Glenn Miller, a vibrant tribute charting Miller's rise from obscurity and poverty to fame and wealth in the early 1940s. James Stewart takes on the role of the legendary bandleader and does an amazing job at bringing this historical figure to life, just as the film brings all the beautiful sounds alive once more. Stewart is one of my favourite actors who has starred in so many great films that I love such as: It's a Wonderful Life (1946) and Rear Window (1954). I have thoroughly enjoyed all his roles in every single one of his films and this was no exception. As a huge fan of Miller's music and all of the period music, I found this film to be incredibly fascinating to learn about the man who brought new sounds that changed music, even drastically shaping the era of its release. I find his music to be so captivating and I can only imagine how it was received when it came out for the first-ever time. In this biography, we see Miller from his earliest years at his poorest and most ambitious stages to his rise to fame and his mysterious disappearance (and likely death). It is still crazy to think how he just suddenly vanished. It was a really big shock and shame to the world with all the wonderful music that he brought to so many people worldwide. It will have been an even bigger fright and sadness to his wife and children who never found out what happened on that fateful flight. What makes it even worse is that he was lost during Christmas, the most happiest time of the year. He went missing on the 15th of December, 1944. My favourite musical pieces from Miller have to be both 'In the Mood' and 'Moonlight Serenade' and this film brings them alongside so many other hits to our screens. I further loved how they represented the effects the music had on the wider population, especially during the war where it boosted morale during the most trying of times. Another highlight of this movie that I liked, was the relationship between Glenn and Helen, played by June Allyson. They were simply perfect together and were shown to be so very happy and their romantic chemistry is overflowing in all their scenes together, which makes it all the more upsetting to think about how he would later disappear on that flight. Other supporting well-known musicians feature in this film, from Louis Armstrong, Gene Krupa, and Frances Langford to The Mondernaires. Overall, I extremely enjoyed this film mainly due to my being a huge Glenn Miller and James Stuart fan. I especially loved hearing all of his iconic music in a whole new way and there is plenty to fall in love with all over again with them being played throughout. It is so interesting seeing his life story and learning more about the magnificent band leader. The Glenn Miller Story is undoubtedly a film for fans of Miller that shouldn't be overlooked. It is a phenomenal biography, with an amazing cast rounding it off as a great look into a musical legend's life.

Runtime: 1h 55m

Director: Anthony Mann

Genre: Biography / Drama / Music / Musical / Romance

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