A.F.I. Ranking: 5
Director: Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen
Starring: Gene Kelly, Donald O’Conner, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen
Release Year: 1952
Brief Synopsis: Silent movie stars Don Lockwood (Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Hagen) are at the top of their game when it is announced that Warner Brothers is creating the first talking picture. What should be exciting news, could be the end of Lockwood and Lamont due to the fact that Lamont has the most annoying voice on the face of the planet (and doesn’t realize it). Quickly Lockwood and his friends come up with a scheme that will keep Lamont’s god awful voice hidden from the public.
My Thoughts: I chose to start with this movie for two reasons. One, I have been a big Gene Kelly fan ever since my sister introduced me to his movies back in high school. Two, it is Sunday night and Singin’ in the Rain is the perfect Sunday night movie. Many musicals from the 50s do not stand the test of time. They are meant to be funny, but just come across as completely cheesy. This movie is an exception. Sure it has its bit of cheese, but this movie is really funny, even in 2009. This movie is a great mixture of sweet and funny, and not to mention amazing dancing. The three main actors make the dancing in this film look so easy, but holy cow! Next time you watch this movie, watch the actors’ feet as they dance. It is amazing.
This movie contains many songs that have become well know separate from the movie including “Good Mornin’”, “Gotta Dance”, and of course “Singin’ in the Rain”. I think many movies were included on A.F.I.’s list because they contain an iconic moment in movie history, and this movie definitely has one. Who hasn’t started humming Singin’ in the Rain when they get an umbrella in their hand? No matter what mood a person is in, when they see Gene Kelly dancing in the rain with his umbrella and huge smile, you can’t help but to smile yourself.
Rating: Top of the List!
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This is definitely one of the best movies ever. I haven't seen it in so long! The world really needs another Gene Kelly, but, we all know that's impossible. He brought so much charm to every movie he made, even if the movie wasn't so great. Singin' in the Rain is definitely his best.
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