I Finally Watched Cats (2019)

  Wicked is a smash hit, and I loved it, I want to see it again in theaters and get the Blu-Ray as soon as I can when it is released, but seeing it become a smash hit over the holiday weekend reminded me of just how many musical movies get released this time of year, such as last year with "Wonka" and "The Color Purple", how musical movies are released during the holiday season all the time. My mind went back to movie musicals released during the holiday window and I remembered the one that baffled everyone from the moment a trailer was released, of course, I am talking about Cats which crash landed into a critical and box office disaster in 2019. With Wicked I went to the gravity-defying peak, so now it is time to tour the musical opposite Deep Valley which is considered one of the worst movie musicals of all time... five years after it hit the big screen this review is very timely. 

What can be said about the musical Cats that has not been said before? Some of the music is absolutely iconic, it was a smash hit and one of the works of Broadway mega-musical legend  Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, I have listened to a song or two but it is far from a musical I long to see or even listen to on its own. "Memory" is a very beautiful song but if I am listening to his work it is either "Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat" or what many consider his magnum opus "Phantom Of The Opera" including myself.

This movie made me never want to see the musical on stage, yet also curious. I wondered if it fared better on stage. This movie is a disaster, some of the songs are fun, and some are sung quite well, I may look up a song or two from this, but my goodness I should have heeded the warnings of my friends. The original song made for the movie is nothing and as is the plot, the songs all stumble into each other, and nothing makes sense. The film goes from song to song, and I still have no idea what it is about. Some cats trying to be reborn, plots, attempted drowning, deceitful cats, contests, magic cats,, and burglar cats, old cats, forsaken cats, theater cats, a contest, evil cat who cheats, and new cats, there are just cats running around. No more then a second will pass before another song is thrown out, and it takes a whole hour for the main character to have a solo song or even share an ounce of her story and feelings. This movie left me with one feeling over and over, which was confusion.

Then there is the visuals, yes they are as bad as you have heard. Seeing them in motion with special effects and CGI made me laugh on more occasions then one. Adding to the absurd and confusing nature of this film, making me wonder how someone could do something, why they did that, or why something looked the way it did. This film is wild for all the wrong reasons. 

"Why are they singing now?", "Who is that?", "Why are they doing that?". I found myself laughing over and over at the pure absurdity of this film. From the use of a synthesizer that made the most unpleasant of sounds, to a villain who just shows up, and poofs people away for no reason. But there is no time to hang on plot because there are more songs to get to about one note felines that sometimes will never be addressed again. I found myself laughing at this film more then I should have but I could not help it, from the evil scheme of the villain, to the lack of any coherent plot, to some of the lines and one liners, to the action sequences, to musical numbers popping up every twenty seconds with the 15 whole songs performed in this film, to the crazy visuals. There is a scene with cockroaches with human faces that I am still trying to figure out, thus I laugh, I laugh because I will never understand.

And this movie has some incredibly talented people in it, Judie Dench, Sir Ian Maclellan, and so many others, but the subject material is where it all falls down. I have no idea if the stage version is better or if it is just more of this, and part of me wishes to never find out. If this is a faithful adaptation then I am certainly stopping my journey here. A song is never earned, a dance break never needed in this mess of a film, it can all be described in one scene, where James Corden cat is smacked in the nuts, that sums up the feel of this whole movie. This movie has no ideas what a musical is or what makes them special, the importance and care of adapting a stage show. The villain of Macavity played by Idris Elba is hilarious, and he just shows up at random and does just whatever, it makes me laugh every time, but every actor is taking this so seriously I can't help but laugh. Then there's Taylor Swift, yes that's a phrase that can be said about this movie and the song she wrote for this "Beautiful Ghosts" is indeed a song. The only thing of quality is that some of the songs are well sung and well performed, and they are but even though they are well sung, I feel no connection to these songs, and the creepy, yet hilarious visuals and effects distract from them. 

But would I watch this again? Yes I would, this is so bad it's good, perfect riffing material, "The Room" for musical fans. Even the worst of musical movies sometimes have a bright spot, this one makes my least favorite movie musicals look like the symphonies of Mozart. So bad its good, and I am sure I will not be forgetting this anytime soon. A so bad it's just bad, that I can't help but laugh., well acted and sung but has so much going wrong it's a wonder.

The Simple Yet Powerful Beauty Of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Meet Me In St Louis)

At first I intended to cover this classic 1944 musical movie, and I must say though there are some extremely outdated moments, and the plot is incredibly simple yet still has flaws and skips around too much for its own good, it is a classic for a reason, very much shows and reflects when it was made but still has elements that show why it is called a classic. Financially and critically successful in it's day and considered a classic work of one of the greats Judy Garland,  this romantic comedy about a family in St. Louis living life and finding love in some cases, that jumps throughout the year with multiple holidays, even Christmas. I do not consider this a Christmas movie because the holiday does not take the stage until the hour and twenty minute mark of this hour and fifty minute feature. The main source of conflict being romance as many classic musicals are, with a second element of conflict coming much later in. There are several iconic songs that even outlasted this film and made a name for themselves, some I will be listening to even after my viewing, the acting is superb, and the music is beautiful, and well performed. But that being said "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" originated here, the yuletide classic song that has been covered, played, and performed for decades  made its debut here and we have this musical to thank. Many know this song but few know that it all started here with this musical film, so let's look over this version and just how this song has transcended for countless Christmas seasons after. 

Esther, played by Judy Garland is looking over her home and life as her whole family will be moving from the life they knew to New York. Leaving everything behind, the boy she loves, her friends, and her life. She sings this tune to try and console her younger sister in this soft yet emotionally powerful moment. Even out of context this song is sang and played over the years, and I first discovered this version of the classic outside of the film it came from, but knew of the film. 

The song we have all heard countless times originated with one different lyric that changes the course of the whole song, made for the context of the story but one out of context I prefer over its replacement. What today in many versions of the lyric of "Hang A Shining Star Upon The Highest Bow" was at first "Until Then We'll Have To Muddle Through Somehow". Some of the other lyrics are different, namely to match the movie but they also fit out of context, namely talking about the year to come. Trying to have something to look forward to over the current problem the cast is facing, though it is mainly emotional it is still causing many of them grief. 

This song is beautiful and can easily and has been listened to out of context for decades. So much so that I would say the song is more popular then the movie itself. The song invokes a somber but simple wish, just wanting a good Christmas. Wanting to share company with loved ones that we don't see often, hoping to be together over the holiday and for years to come. Wanting to face the current struggles until those joyous days arrive. The song is festive enough yet still somber, planted in wanting to enjoy the holiday but also reality. 

This song has surpassed beyond its debut due to a simple yet sweet score, great lyrics, and good message behind it. Wishing a good season for oneself but also one's friends, wishing to be with them and nothing more. It is a sweet and simple song that has so much packed into it. There are so many versions to listen to but I find myself going back to Garland's masterful performance every Christmas. I find it so strong and I encourage you to give it a listen if you have not. The original lyrics packing an emotional and sometimes relatable punch. 

This simple and powerful yuletide ballad is more then just a wish, it is a gift worth one listen at least, and perhaps many more. 

Why Do Musicals Often Tie In With The Holiday Season?

 This time of year often means releases of musical movies both animated and live-action, new stories, sequels, and Broadway adaptations, sometimes even live shows on the big screen or broadcast on television. This time of year also brings countless Christmas specials, from the classics of the past to new ones trying to join them in the pantheon of yearly traditional rewatches. Most if not all of these, even episodes of nonmusical shows often sport one if not multiple songs, and of course many of the specials are musicals themselves such as "Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer", "Satna Claus Is Coming To Town" and many others both old and new. But why is this? Why do TV stations and movies bring about musicals during the holidays from Disney's major releases even recently with "Moana 2" and "Wish", to "Wicked" and last year "Wonka" and "The Color Purple". Classics like Willy Wonka And The Wizard Of Oz are aired around this time, and musicals are synonymous with the holiday season. Now I may not be able to answer the question as a whole, but I am willing to give some theories as to why. 

Even "Elf" And "Christmas Story" have musicals that play local theaters and schools, go on tours, and now an animated version for "Elf" and live taped version that aired on FOX for "Christmas Story"

Money is the easy answer but some of these flop, but companies keep on trying because sometimes there's a smash hit that could be aired on TV or have a successful run "Wicked", "Moana 2" and "Wonka" being recent examples. It seems that the idea of a family picture taking the big screen this time of year could be a fun activity, and more often then that they happen to be musicals. Some from Disney others from other places. But it seems that adaptations that skew for older audiences also premiere to be available for an outing with friends such as "The Color Purple", "Into The Woods" and others of the past.  From "Cats" to "Annie" musicals usually use this window to either bring people together, more often then not families to show something fun to watch. A soundtrack to listen to, a story to relate to, that could make us laugh or cry. 

Musicals often at times give us something to walk away from, whether it is their message, the characters, acting, but more often then not their music. Songs meant to move or inspire. Many classic Christmas specials at least having one song to show the theme, get people into the Christmas mood, or be something to listen to again and again this time of year. Songs that display the themes and that we can connect to and enjoy. Songs like "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch", "Put One Foot In Front Of The Other", and "We're A Couple Of Misfits". Catchy songs that are fun to listen to while decorating the tree or shopping, songs to intertwine with the classics we hear on the radio, songs we remember fondly from the first time we heard them. For example how many people love the Heat Miser and Snow Miser songs from "A Year Without A Santa Claus" because of the special being not only aired so many years, but those songs being undeniably catchy. 

I know I have gone over the basics of yes studios wish to make money, some of these specials are timeless and part of the holiday, and why new musicals try to make their mark in cinemas this time of year but I have one more idea. I think musicals give us a gift. They give us feelings we can relate to most of the time if done well, unforgettable visuals and experiences again if done right, that stay with us. Whether to move or inspire, to encourage the dreamers to keep on dreaming. To inspire us to keep chasing our goals, no matter how outrageous they may be called. Songs that move and we listen to all through the next year at moments we need a lift, songs to entertain and inspire. Even bad musicals can have good music that are fun to listen to after the fact, and be so bad it's good watches with friends. Bringing us together to laugh at something while trying to find the quality in it. Going back to the good, when done well they last with us,, and stay with us long after they viewed. The benefit of movies or pro shots such as the one of "Waitress" that made the rounds this time last year and others that seem to do the same is that we can watch them over and over. Whether a rental, a streaming service, or my preferred way purchasing especially on DVD, we can pick up those moments over and over and remember why we fell in love with them. Or why they are so bad that they give us a good laugh we needed. 

Musicals can bring the family together to enjoy things, sometimes the plot can be as simple as a character with a dream and the musical can lift us to heights unrivaled. The music sometimes does the heavy lifting as long as the frame, though labeled as basic can be strong enough to support them. These songs whether to invoke the Christmas mood or to be watched any time of year because the musical doesn't have a yule tide setting stick with us. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and "We Need A Little Christmas" are songs played and covered by countless artists during the holiday season and they began in musicals. "Meet Me In St. Louis" and "Mame" are owed all the credit for these classic yule tide ballads, and you could say this holiday songs even more recognized in the public eye then the musicals they came from.

Musicals are a valid form of media, and musical movies are a part of cinema themselves, and much like any other genre like action or comedy, there are duds. But the best of the best stay with us from their memorable lines, relatable narratives and characters, and especially their music. So seeing "Mufasa" and "Moana 2", and of course the Broadway adaptations, let them keep on coming as holiday traditions, to sit down in the seats at the movies and remember why we love musicals to begin with. Combine the wonders of the stage with the amazing things only movies can do, to tell stories that inspire and entertain. And when they are filmed they can be the gift that keeps being shared over and over on screens big and small for years to come 

The Animated Christmas Song That Was All Over My Social Media And Is Actually Amazing :Later Never Comes (Scrooge)

 The holiday season is upon us and that means movies, episodes of shows, and specials to celebrate the occasion. Watching old classics and trying to find new ones is a tradition of mine and fun to do while decorating, wrapping presents or just relaxing. In 2022 I discovered the animated movie musical that is exclusive to Netflix "Scrooge", a solid animated musical trip through the classic tale with some very enjoyable songs I listen to this time of year, but one song stood out. "Later Never Comes". This was all over social media for a while, which had me asking "Why is this animated Netflix Christmas Carol movie going so hard?". Let's dive into this deep, sad song, and see why it had me and so many others talking about it. 

This ballad is a tragic song about lost love and moving on, sung by Scrooge's fiance as she leaves him, knowing she can never compete with his love of money, Scrooge joins into the song as he watches with the ghost of Christmas past, unable to change anything, only sing his regrets as she leaves, making it a duet that his love is unaware of. Due to the movie being animated all of the time stops, freezing all but Scrooge and his love, leaving the beautiful and quiet moment to play out. 

The lyrics of the song are simple yet powerful, knowing the movie is aimed at families means the words are understandable for younger viewers but still capture a powerful emotion older viewers can resonate with. Whether as the one leaving because the love is no longer there, or the one who was too blind to see what was there until it was gone. 

This song is beautiful in score, and performance, the lyrics pack a punch and capture a real feeling in a genuine way. Starting off soft and quiet then builds into an emotion-packed song of someone letting go and someone who wishes they did not. The ballad soars in a grand scope that brings everything around it both physically and metaphorically to a halt, letting the listener sit at that moment. 

This moment has been done and shown too many times to count, with how often "A Christmas Carol" has seen adaptations, not even the first time it has been done in song. This version still stands on its own with its beautiful and soft melody that grows and soars, hitting the emotion needed to land right on the bullseye and make the impact it is aiming for. 

Even out of the context of the movie this song stands on its own and without the visuals, goes places. A song as stated earlier about letting go from both sides, showing that in some cases later never comes around when things could have easily been so different. Even if you don't watch the movie, which I do recommend as a good adaptation with plenty of good songs on top of this one, this song is worth a listen. It was all over social media because an animated Netflix musical went way harder than it ever needed too, and this song is the prime example. A great song that is worth listening to now, instead of later.