Oct 16 2009

We Need to Talk: “Newsies”

So, remember that little Disney window I talked about with The Rocketeer, where they skewed for live-action and slightly more adult? This was part of that movement. This was just the part that was a terrible idea.

Let me tell you, this movie firmly deserves to end up on the WNT side of Questionable Taste Theatre. This would be true on its own merits; the fact that, during my middle and high school years, the teachers of three schools in three different states ALL had this as their default sick-day movie, cements the deal. THREE STATES, you guys. I have seen this movie approximately eight hundred times. It pretty much turned me off live musicals forever, and it wasn’t even one. Nice job, movie.

The worst part, though, is that I’ve been Brave New Worlded into knowing most of the lyrics. If some stranger shouts, “Try Bottle Alley or the Harbor!” I would shout back without thinking, “Try Central Park, it’s guaranteed!” I can never un-know what I know, don’t you understand?

It’s a fine life, carrying the bannah!
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