apart from being a wonderful musical (which i've grown up watching so i can tell a good from a bad) it also has a wonderful story-line. the plot is so well thought of, it isn't every day when they make a musical about a strike that happened in 1899. i fell in love with this movie the first time i watched it. it's classical, and when you see it, you can't help but liking it. the dancing, acting, and singing is great. i don't know many teenagers who can dance and sing like that! evenn thought this movie was made 10 years ago and i don't remember it, it's starting to come back. my mom's friend called one day saying that her daughter loves this movie called newsies, and i said that i love it! i thought nobody knew about it, but i was wrong. how could you forget a great movie like this? if you haven't seen it, i gaurentee you 100% that you will probably end up liking it as much as i do.
317 Reviews
Really entertaining
lisafordeay8 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Newsies is a 1992 musical starring Christian Bale,David Moscow,Bill Pullman and Aaron Lohr and is based on true events about newsboys who are trying to make a difference. Music from Alan Menken was great and the story was good.
Keep an eye out for Deborah Lee Furness(Hugh Jackman's missus) as Eleanor Jacobs.
Keep an eye out for Deborah Lee Furness(Hugh Jackman's missus) as Eleanor Jacobs.
Who knew batman could dance?
jessiejones-598449 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Watching this musical for the first time was interesting I am pretty sure that the riots are accurate but the songs and dances not that much. I was entertained but it's just not my taste. I didn't enjoy it very much but if you're looking for a historical film that shows some amazing choreography then look no further.
Carry the banner!
BRiTbOhO8324 November 2002
I'm 19 years old in college. I sing the music from this movie on my way to class. And people stop me and say "that's from 'Newsies!' I love that movie!" How many times do you get that kind of response? This movie was exciting, well-choreographed, and funny. It has the best ingredients a musical could have. The best part...you can find this stuff in the history books (well, maybe not dancing newsboys and Robert Duvall playing Joseph Pulitzer...but nobody's perfect...except Christian Bale). See it, love it, brings the kids. They'll want to carry the banner after the movie's long over.
One of the best musicals adapted to film
athorpe-9530311 March 2022
Remarks: That was good. Not as good as I remember from my childhood, and nowhere near as good as Courtayrd's rendition ;) but still really good. I appreciate all the effort and coordination that went into so many large musical numbers, but regardless, there were a few flaws. The dialogue was kinda mid, and the cinematography wasn't anything special. The music and acting were, I thought, quite extraordinary though. Excellent cast, excellent plot, overall a very good film/musical. 74/100
#20
Movie title and release year: Newsies, (1992)
74/100, C
Reviewer name and watch date: Andrew Thorpe, 3/10/2022, Thu.
Story - 1a - appealing, understandable, logical: 9/10 Story - 1b - engaging, suspension of disbelief: 10/10 Attraction Value - 2a - cast, characters, setting: 8/10 Attraction Value - 2b - plot, storyline, idea, series?: 7/10 Themes - 3a - motifs, imagery, identity: 8/10 Themes - 3b - intrigue, emotional grip: 7/10 Acting - 4a - casting, characters, depth: 7/10 Acting - 4b - believability, emotional connection: 8/10 Dialogue - 5a - character interaction, believable, emotional: 5/10 Dialogue - 5b - contextually appropriate, profanity/slurs: 9/10 Cinematography - 6a - editing, mood, pace, angle of shots, color grading: 6/10 Cinematography - 6b - transitions, movement, scene start/end: 6/10 Physical aspects - 7a - costumes, makeup, props, vehicles: 7/10 Physical aspects - 7b - setting, scenery, green screen: 7/10 Effects - 8a - practical fx use/frequency, explosions, crashes, quantity/quality: 7/10 Effects - 8b - special fx, animation, styles, use/frequency, quantity/quality: 5/10 Sound - 9a - music, score, emotional impact/use, mood, volume: 10/10 Sound - 9b - sound fx, under/overuse, new sounds, animals/aliens, foley: 8/10 Directing - 10a - vision, concept, idea: 9/10 Directing - 10b - execution, cohesiveness, timing, PR: 9/10 Uniqueness - 11a - anything that stood out? Anything impressive?: 7/10 Uniqueness - 11b - is this, as a whole, a 1-of-a-kind film? : 10/10 Bonus points - 12 - up to 30 bonus points: 15/30
Total points out of 250 possible?
184 / 250.
#20
Movie title and release year: Newsies, (1992)
74/100, C
Reviewer name and watch date: Andrew Thorpe, 3/10/2022, Thu.
Story - 1a - appealing, understandable, logical: 9/10 Story - 1b - engaging, suspension of disbelief: 10/10 Attraction Value - 2a - cast, characters, setting: 8/10 Attraction Value - 2b - plot, storyline, idea, series?: 7/10 Themes - 3a - motifs, imagery, identity: 8/10 Themes - 3b - intrigue, emotional grip: 7/10 Acting - 4a - casting, characters, depth: 7/10 Acting - 4b - believability, emotional connection: 8/10 Dialogue - 5a - character interaction, believable, emotional: 5/10 Dialogue - 5b - contextually appropriate, profanity/slurs: 9/10 Cinematography - 6a - editing, mood, pace, angle of shots, color grading: 6/10 Cinematography - 6b - transitions, movement, scene start/end: 6/10 Physical aspects - 7a - costumes, makeup, props, vehicles: 7/10 Physical aspects - 7b - setting, scenery, green screen: 7/10 Effects - 8a - practical fx use/frequency, explosions, crashes, quantity/quality: 7/10 Effects - 8b - special fx, animation, styles, use/frequency, quantity/quality: 5/10 Sound - 9a - music, score, emotional impact/use, mood, volume: 10/10 Sound - 9b - sound fx, under/overuse, new sounds, animals/aliens, foley: 8/10 Directing - 10a - vision, concept, idea: 9/10 Directing - 10b - execution, cohesiveness, timing, PR: 9/10 Uniqueness - 11a - anything that stood out? Anything impressive?: 7/10 Uniqueness - 11b - is this, as a whole, a 1-of-a-kind film? : 10/10 Bonus points - 12 - up to 30 bonus points: 15/30
Total points out of 250 possible?
184 / 250.
A decent musical
DogePelis201512 March 2021
Lots of Fun, and Tuneful Too!
kalel68685 December 2002
Waaaaaaaaaaaay back in the early 1990's, when Jeffrey Katzenberg was still a top exec at Disney, he had one of his less successful ideas -- to bring back the break-into-song musical. So, as the story goes, he selected three scripts that were about to go into production and gave them to Disney Music Maestro Alan Menken and asked him which of the scripts could be turned into a musical.
And that's how NEWSIES was born.
It's a great story, too, being a fictionalized account of the newsboy strike in New York at the turn of the century. It follows the exploits of a ragtag band of teenage boys, including Cowboy (Christian Bale), who dreams of becoming a ranch hand in Santa Fe, and David & Les (David Moscow & Luke Edwards), brothers who take up selling newspapers when their father is injured on the job.
Conflict arises when Joseph Pulitzer (Robert Duval) gets greedy and raises the price of his newspapers to the newsboys, but not to the public. The outraged "newsies" decide to go on strike, which eventually galvanizes all the working children in the city to stand up for themselves.
It's a fun film, with Duval playing his villain to the hilt, but Ann-Margret is wasted in her role as a showgirl (both of her musical numbers are badly edited down to just snippets of song). Bale is the real wonder here, though, singing and dancing with surprising aplomb. The songs overall are quite good, but a couple of them are hard to distinguish from each other. My favorites are the opening number, "Carrying the Banner," and the rousing "The World Will Know." It seems odd, though, that Duval doesn't get a musical number of his own, considering in Disney's animated musicals the villains usually get the best songs ("Poor Unfortunate Souls" or "Be Prepared" anyone?).
It's a shame that the film didn't do better financially, since as a result of its dismal box office Disney declined to ever make another like it. First time director Kenny Ortega, who also choreographed (he was known for his choreography of DIRTY DANCING), directed one more feature after this, the underrated Bette Midler flick HOCUS POCUS; since that film also failed to find an audience, he hasn't directed a movie since. And that's a shame; he has a very distinctive kinetic style that served both films well.
Seek out a copy of NEWSIES, and go for the widescreen version. You won't be disappointed!
And that's how NEWSIES was born.
It's a great story, too, being a fictionalized account of the newsboy strike in New York at the turn of the century. It follows the exploits of a ragtag band of teenage boys, including Cowboy (Christian Bale), who dreams of becoming a ranch hand in Santa Fe, and David & Les (David Moscow & Luke Edwards), brothers who take up selling newspapers when their father is injured on the job.
Conflict arises when Joseph Pulitzer (Robert Duval) gets greedy and raises the price of his newspapers to the newsboys, but not to the public. The outraged "newsies" decide to go on strike, which eventually galvanizes all the working children in the city to stand up for themselves.
It's a fun film, with Duval playing his villain to the hilt, but Ann-Margret is wasted in her role as a showgirl (both of her musical numbers are badly edited down to just snippets of song). Bale is the real wonder here, though, singing and dancing with surprising aplomb. The songs overall are quite good, but a couple of them are hard to distinguish from each other. My favorites are the opening number, "Carrying the Banner," and the rousing "The World Will Know." It seems odd, though, that Duval doesn't get a musical number of his own, considering in Disney's animated musicals the villains usually get the best songs ("Poor Unfortunate Souls" or "Be Prepared" anyone?).
It's a shame that the film didn't do better financially, since as a result of its dismal box office Disney declined to ever make another like it. First time director Kenny Ortega, who also choreographed (he was known for his choreography of DIRTY DANCING), directed one more feature after this, the underrated Bette Midler flick HOCUS POCUS; since that film also failed to find an audience, he hasn't directed a movie since. And that's a shame; he has a very distinctive kinetic style that served both films well.
Seek out a copy of NEWSIES, and go for the widescreen version. You won't be disappointed!
A young Christian Bale singing and dancing around!
laurasomia17 September 2019
This moving is a testament to how good of an actor Christian Bale is. The casting director literally picked a Welch actor -who absolutely couldn't sing or dance if his life depended on it- to play the lead character in this disney musical about New York kids unionizing. Amazing.
Movie that never gets old!
fearfalls27 March 2005
When I first watched this movie, I was just 3 years old.. My mom tells me that my little brother and I used to dance and jump off couches and try to spin around on the ceiling fan, and sing, when we watched this movie...
Recently, it was being mentioned to me for suggestions for our school chorus.. I began to look things up about the movie, and all of a sudden, had an urge to go out and buy it the next day. I've had the movie for a week, and have already watched it 6 times.
Around 12 or 13 years later, the movie still has me wanting to dance and sing along... This is a movie that never gets old, no matter what your age.
Recently, it was being mentioned to me for suggestions for our school chorus.. I began to look things up about the movie, and all of a sudden, had an urge to go out and buy it the next day. I've had the movie for a week, and have already watched it 6 times.
Around 12 or 13 years later, the movie still has me wanting to dance and sing along... This is a movie that never gets old, no matter what your age.
This Musical Makes The Great Depression Seem Fun
benjaminmadsen24 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I think this movie takes the Great Depression and makes it seem like a fun, happy time. This is a problem because the Great Depression was in no way a good time. Newsies takes place during 1899 when Joseph Pulitzer raises the price of newspapers, which angers the boys who have to sell the papers and causes them to rebel against Pulitzer. The movie stars Christian Bale as a leader of a group of Newsboys or 'Newsies.' He does a good job portraying a fearless leader with a difficult past. The theme of this movie is that together, people can do great things as is seen when the boys finally get there way and the newspaper's price goes back to normal.
I think this movie is good because it keeps the story rolling without a lot of unneeded singing and extra storyline. The writers keep the story simple and easy for everyone to understand. "Newsies" is good fun for everyone and should have better reviews than it has.
I think this movie is good because it keeps the story rolling without a lot of unneeded singing and extra storyline. The writers keep the story simple and easy for everyone to understand. "Newsies" is good fun for everyone and should have better reviews than it has.
Review history through film
mosevale-0513113 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was kinda corny i thought at least because they were singing with their New York accents. Other than that i thought it was a decent film with a goof story with a message about not letting the rich guy control you. I liked the time frame it was set in.
Excellent Movie
vampireslayer277-15 August 2004
This is a fantastic movie for people of all ages. It has historical information presented in a fun, and exciting way that keeps viewers entertained throughout. It is a brilliant musical filled with catchy tunes by Academy Award Winner Alan Menken, that wrote songs for The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, that keep you humming and singing even after the movie is over. Great dialogue between characters and fantastic dance sequences. The Newsies is filled with a incredibly talented cast, including Christian Bale, Robert Duvall, Gabriel Damon, Max Casella, Aaron Lohr, Ann-Margaret, David Moscow, and much more. Overall, a very entertaining movie, highly recommended for everyone!!!
Overall excellent film!
KylerLeeCarson26 June 2020
This movie is such a nostalgic and fun time. While watching this movie you are in high-spirits and enjoying every moment. The plot moves very well (except for some parts that are somewhat contrived). The aesthetics and production design are beautiful, The actors are wonderful and the music is just AMAZING. The problem with the film is not the multiple continuity errors or the gloriously fake matte paintings, it's the director. The director does not take the filmmaking to the next level. He keeps the shots simple and classical "shot reverse shot" keeps it at wide angles mostly and doesn't take prominent sides on who's perspective is telling the story. BUT besides some bland directing this movie is an absolute blast and DEFINITELY one you should check out.
Making a Musical Makes News
jimmylee-17 August 2006
So, I'm reading the comments for Newsies, expecting to find some suitably pithy remarks since this movie was universally panned upon release. But apparently I've stumbled on Tiger Beat magazine's subscription base. Or, to be more forgiving, a group of musical fans that will do anything to see the genre return.
I'm glad so many people liked it, and I agree, Newsies wasn't terrible. It had singing and dancing, with Mencken at the lyrics, so we musical fans have to give it at least a five. And it's great to see men dancing - not that this rivaled West Side Story, but it offered the high energy dancing as only young men can do. And it was based on a real inspirational event (coming from Disney, it had to be that or a heartwarming children's classic). Christian Bale has incredible appeal, Max Casella is good, and David Moscow shows potential. Ann-Margaret, unfortunately, must have been forced to be in the film, because she played her part like she was under heavy doses of anti-depressant medication. Now that I think about it, she was very authentic for the times.
Music was great, especially the range offered. The other day my husband flipped to the Hallmark channel and I could tell he was watching a Disney movie just by the way the horns were played (turned out it was the "Ugly Daschound" - quite the classic). None of that here - the music was excellent.
No, Newsies wasn't terrible. But it certainly wasn't great. The production values were embarrassing. The sets looked only slightly better than Pollyanna's village. I can't believe Robert Duval allowed that cheesy piece of of "beard" to be pasted on his face every day - the closeups were OK, but the distance shots were clearly my faux rabbit coat. And only Disney would managed to find so many clean, well-dressed "poverty"-stricken kids in such tidy slums, toss in a crippled boy, add a romance and a hero nicknamed "Cowboy" and say the film is done. Not a single urchin. You couldn't call them ragamuffins - none of them wore rags. Please. No crooked teeth. Not even dirty hair. I think they even used hankies. And such clean streets! Times Square is dirtier now, after the renovation.
Concept and basic story were excellent, and I suppose I can't fault Disney for throwing in the romance and the poignant storyline. The writing (especially lyrics!) and music was beautiful and long missed from other movies. But the production itself could have been miles better. I hope they try another musical with a little more effort (but all their movies have the same look - Princess Diaries II). Disney's movie execs should be forced to watch Martin Scorsese movies for 48 hours before filming anything.
I'm glad so many people liked it, and I agree, Newsies wasn't terrible. It had singing and dancing, with Mencken at the lyrics, so we musical fans have to give it at least a five. And it's great to see men dancing - not that this rivaled West Side Story, but it offered the high energy dancing as only young men can do. And it was based on a real inspirational event (coming from Disney, it had to be that or a heartwarming children's classic). Christian Bale has incredible appeal, Max Casella is good, and David Moscow shows potential. Ann-Margaret, unfortunately, must have been forced to be in the film, because she played her part like she was under heavy doses of anti-depressant medication. Now that I think about it, she was very authentic for the times.
Music was great, especially the range offered. The other day my husband flipped to the Hallmark channel and I could tell he was watching a Disney movie just by the way the horns were played (turned out it was the "Ugly Daschound" - quite the classic). None of that here - the music was excellent.
No, Newsies wasn't terrible. But it certainly wasn't great. The production values were embarrassing. The sets looked only slightly better than Pollyanna's village. I can't believe Robert Duval allowed that cheesy piece of of "beard" to be pasted on his face every day - the closeups were OK, but the distance shots were clearly my faux rabbit coat. And only Disney would managed to find so many clean, well-dressed "poverty"-stricken kids in such tidy slums, toss in a crippled boy, add a romance and a hero nicknamed "Cowboy" and say the film is done. Not a single urchin. You couldn't call them ragamuffins - none of them wore rags. Please. No crooked teeth. Not even dirty hair. I think they even used hankies. And such clean streets! Times Square is dirtier now, after the renovation.
Concept and basic story were excellent, and I suppose I can't fault Disney for throwing in the romance and the poignant storyline. The writing (especially lyrics!) and music was beautiful and long missed from other movies. But the production itself could have been miles better. I hope they try another musical with a little more effort (but all their movies have the same look - Princess Diaries II). Disney's movie execs should be forced to watch Martin Scorsese movies for 48 hours before filming anything.
An energetic,family friendly film.
Mytowngirl30 November 2004
It is so hard to find something that the whole family can watch but this one of the few. Christian Bale does it again bringing laughter and tears to his portrayal of Jack Kelly. Jack is a Newsie(a young boy who sells newspapers) that helps lead a stike against the newspaper owners of NYC in the late 1800's. With the help of his friends, Jack overcomes and wins his rights as a working boy of NYC. Along the way he wins the heart of the girl he loves,confronts his past, and sings and dances his way into the hearts of everyone how watches this film. The music and dance routines are fun and energetic,making everyone want to join in the fun. Includes apreances by:Bill Pulman and Ann-Margret. Music by: Alan Menkin
Newsies is a hit!
roxychica111710 January 2005
Catchy songs, great dancing, and lovable characters; sounds like the 1992 classic Newsies. Not only is Newsies entertaining, it is also true. It is based on factual events that happened in and around the New York City area. The characters aren't bad to look at either. The main character, Jack Kelly, is played by the handsome Christian Bale.
Most critics dislike Christian Bale and his role in Newsies. But, I disagree. I thought that dancing and singing were a great way to display the hardships that the Newsies went through in 1899. I also think the love story between Jack and Sarah was a great way to relate the movie to young teens. The only downside of Newsies is that not all of it is entirely factual. For example, in the movie the newsies' strike is successful, and the actual strike against Pulitzer was not successful. So, to conclude, Newsies had its ups and downs, but I thought overall, it was an all around good movie. I would give Newsies four out of five stars. I awarded Newsies with four stars for the great songs, excellent choreography, and fun story line, but not all five because not all of the movie is factual.
Most critics dislike Christian Bale and his role in Newsies. But, I disagree. I thought that dancing and singing were a great way to display the hardships that the Newsies went through in 1899. I also think the love story between Jack and Sarah was a great way to relate the movie to young teens. The only downside of Newsies is that not all of it is entirely factual. For example, in the movie the newsies' strike is successful, and the actual strike against Pulitzer was not successful. So, to conclude, Newsies had its ups and downs, but I thought overall, it was an all around good movie. I would give Newsies four out of five stars. I awarded Newsies with four stars for the great songs, excellent choreography, and fun story line, but not all five because not all of the movie is factual.
Not as bad as I thought
bonjolie5 December 1999
I had heard so many horror stories about this flick, that I was almost prepared to hate it. I was pleasantly suprised when I actually sat down and watched it. Christian Bale is fantastic, even if his singing needs a bit of work. The story is a bit predictable, and the songs kinda lame, but the charming cast really makes up for it. "Doogie Howser's" Max Casella is always enjoyable, but cannot match the charisma of Bale.
A Thousand Fans. One Great Film.
JennieB3 January 2000
"Newsies" is one of the few Disney films that can be classified as 'great'. What makes it even more amazing is the fact that, although it's a Disney movie and based on actual events, it actually stays very close to what actually happened. (Who would've thought?) The movie has a very good script, great acting, and music that make even the biggest musical-hater tapping his/her feet. Add into this mix show-stopping choreography, humor, and some of the best actors and actresses you can find anywhere, and you will see why this movie has generated more fans than any other movie in history.
Boston won the world series
klayton-158015 November 2018
I'm watching this movie to learn about historical stuff. The movie followed the hero's journey. Jack Kelly is the main character who leads the strike against the newspaper companies which eventually leads to all child labor in general. They face a lot of adversity when encountering the owners of the companies and the police. There were many things in the movie that would have represented the time period well. The clothing and accents of the characters were very well. Not much made me question the historical accuracy. However there was lots of singing which probably didn't happen as much. The movie set reminded me a lot of the movie Westside Story. I really like the plot and how the actors portrayed the characters. I also liked the songs and the times where they used them. There isn't anything I didn't like. I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone who wants to learn more about the Newsboys strike.
Astonishing Young Performers
LeonardKniffel2 May 2020
This is a musical based on the New York City newsboy strike of 1899. When young newspaper sellers stood up to their ruthless, exploitative bosses. Disney produced this tough precursor to television musicals in which young people burst into songs largely related to their own angst. The young men who perform in this musical are nothing short of astonishing. This is a musical in the truest sense; the songs tell the story. Ann-Margret, often underappreciated as an actress, shines in the small role of Medda Larkson. You will look into the faces of these self-described "bunch of street rats" and wonder how such performances are made to happen--and wonder even more about the real boys who inspired them. Although this show never produced any "hit tunes" of note, "The World Will Know" and "Seize the Day" stand out as the best scenes in the film. Watch carefully and you'll catch young Christian Bale in the cast. ---from Musicals on the Silver Screen, American Library Association, 2013
Broadway Sells Newsies Better Than Original Screenplay
determanm22 September 2016
Kenny Ortega may have produced a movie boasting the "King of New York", but in my eyes, the Broadway production sits on a much higher throne. Disney's version of Newsies had great ideas, but failed to execute the dance and song of the brilliant Broadway show. From the opening curtain to the final bow I was enthralled, and completely fixated on the flawless stage performance. Months later, I sat down and watched the movie version. The 1992 family film failed to wow me, and received similar reactions from the public.
Jack Kelly (Christian Bale) and Davey (David Moscow) set out with their fellow newsies to bring the New York "papes" to the people. When Pulitzer (Robert Duvall) raised the price of the newspapers, a rebellion arose. The rest of the intriguing plot unfolds in a 2 hour running time. On a scale from one to ten, with ten as the best, I would give the film version a solid 6. Overall, I was underwhelmed by the dancing, acting, and fighting throughout the film. Their accents were articulate and exaggerated, but I was disappointed by many other aspects. My rating of the Broadway version would sit at a 10. Having won awards such as the Tony's in 2012, it held to that standard with a stunningly articulate performance. Newsies is a family movie with potential, but paled in comparison to the Broadway show.
Jack Kelly (Christian Bale) and Davey (David Moscow) set out with their fellow newsies to bring the New York "papes" to the people. When Pulitzer (Robert Duvall) raised the price of the newspapers, a rebellion arose. The rest of the intriguing plot unfolds in a 2 hour running time. On a scale from one to ten, with ten as the best, I would give the film version a solid 6. Overall, I was underwhelmed by the dancing, acting, and fighting throughout the film. Their accents were articulate and exaggerated, but I was disappointed by many other aspects. My rating of the Broadway version would sit at a 10. Having won awards such as the Tony's in 2012, it held to that standard with a stunningly articulate performance. Newsies is a family movie with potential, but paled in comparison to the Broadway show.
Disjointed,w/ Poor Singing
pc958 March 2009
Warning: Spoilers
An early Christian Bale movie during his late teenage years, Newsies features support from Robert Duvall and Bill Pullman. It seems worn out, the singing is average to poor especially by Bale and the storyline doesn't flow and is disjointed. Most outdoors scenes seem like backlot sets, but costuming is fairly well done. Dialog is mostly run of the mill. Newsies may harken back to a time when Newspapers were the information highways and all important, but this Disney effort doesn't have the talent direction or musical numbers to stand tall with a movie like say Annie. It tries and deserves some points for what it can muster - maybe worth a look if you like musicals.
Uplifting and fun, takes me back to younger years
ceeingred1329 February 2012
Very important movie from my childhood. It has it's obvious flaws, too long, a few unnecessary musical numbers, not very true to historical events, but for me the positives outweigh it.
Some of the joy felt while watching comes from the fact that the entire cast seemed to be so joyous and fun while filming. They throw themselves into the songs, dances and silly New Yawk accents with relish and delight. Christian Bale was revealed to be a powerhouse performer even back then. The songs are fantastic even today, transportive and beautiful and the choreography allows the skilled dancers to shine.
It always manages to be a fun one to come back to.
Some of the joy felt while watching comes from the fact that the entire cast seemed to be so joyous and fun while filming. They throw themselves into the songs, dances and silly New Yawk accents with relish and delight. Christian Bale was revealed to be a powerhouse performer even back then. The songs are fantastic even today, transportive and beautiful and the choreography allows the skilled dancers to shine.
It always manages to be a fun one to come back to.
Glorifying the Great Depression... and I guess in a okay way?
camrammer14 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
"Newsies" in no way is a perfect movie. With script writing that just seemed improvised, to music sequences with pretty sloppy choreography, I just don't see how this could possibly be respected in this time. Alright, I suppose I'm being a little harsh. This film is still a good musical if you're looking for something to watch, and will still find more than one way to keep you interested.
In some ways, I feel as if it is wrong for Disney to create a film based on the Great Depression. I mean, even the American Revolution with "Johnny Tremain" seemed like a bloody experience with sprinkles on top, Newsies tries fairly to make this an enjoyable experience. Though this isn't wrong, it does portray the experiences of individuals within that time period in a way they would most likely not agree with.
It should be known, however, that the performances of Christian Bale (as Jack Kelley) and David Moscow (as David Jacobs) were nothing short of great. It is clear that Bale found a good foothold within Hollywood following his performances within this musical, although... this is greatly diminished by the performances of others within the cast, with some lines just coming off as unoriginal as "Yeah, what he said!" which fails to show much complexity within the plot. This is common with Disney movies, but a linear plot structure could at least have some decent writing in every part with an exception of the leads.
That being said, "Newsies" is still a movie that I'd recommend trying out. A lot of elements within this movie can be liked by many, and already has accumulated a great deal of fans. However, there is flaws within it's historical context that further persuades me to believe that Disney has no business making historical movies... especially a time period like the Great Depression.
In some ways, I feel as if it is wrong for Disney to create a film based on the Great Depression. I mean, even the American Revolution with "Johnny Tremain" seemed like a bloody experience with sprinkles on top, Newsies tries fairly to make this an enjoyable experience. Though this isn't wrong, it does portray the experiences of individuals within that time period in a way they would most likely not agree with.
It should be known, however, that the performances of Christian Bale (as Jack Kelley) and David Moscow (as David Jacobs) were nothing short of great. It is clear that Bale found a good foothold within Hollywood following his performances within this musical, although... this is greatly diminished by the performances of others within the cast, with some lines just coming off as unoriginal as "Yeah, what he said!" which fails to show much complexity within the plot. This is common with Disney movies, but a linear plot structure could at least have some decent writing in every part with an exception of the leads.
That being said, "Newsies" is still a movie that I'd recommend trying out. A lot of elements within this movie can be liked by many, and already has accumulated a great deal of fans. However, there is flaws within it's historical context that further persuades me to believe that Disney has no business making historical movies... especially a time period like the Great Depression.
Bland, tedious film
jogibbson21 April 2020
Musicals can be fun and exciting. Oh boy, they can be. What must those be like? You mean, they have characters who aren't as flat as my bottom? You say, their dance numbers look like they weren't choreographed for junior high boys who can hardly move a leg rhythmically? What a world that must be! This musical gives you nothing. Some good jokes at the expense of the movie, maybe. Horrible writing but some good attempts at watchable performances. Ultimately forgettable but largely inoffensive.
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