Newsies
They Found The Courage To Challenge The Powerful!
Starring Academy Award® winner Robert Duvall and screen favorite Ann-Margret, here's the true story of a courageous group of newsboys who become unlikely heroes when they team up to fight an unscrupulous newspaper tycoon. Determined to make their dreams come true, they find the courage to challenge the powerful! Critically acclaimed from coast to coast - if you're looking for must-see, feel-good entertainment, Newsies delivers on DVD!
Member Reviews
Disappointing musical from Alan Menken. - estefan
A rather average musical that doesn't seem to take full advantage of the talent it has and while some parts sour, the rest of the film doesn't work. The highlight of the film is Christian Bale who gives a strong performance in the lead and really showcases an impressive singing voice and dance-steps here which makes one wonder why he doesn't do more musicals. Alan Menken's music is great, even if not on the level of his work in Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast and other far superior films he's worked. Unfortunately, he's saddled with a workman lyrist, who takes any power the song would have and takes it away. Kenny Ortega's cheoreography is well-directed and it shouldn't be surprised that despite the poor lyrics to the songs, Newsies is at its best during the musical numbers. Though the other young actors prove annoying during dialogue-heavy scenes, they definitely prove they can carry a tune and can dance. Robert Duvall is incredibly hammy and over-the-top, providing an un-realistic depiction of Joseph Pulitzer, thus ruining any seriousness we have for the character. The film also comes off as trying to get a feel similar to Oliver!, but never comes close to reaching that musical's heart and cleverness, though again, Bale manages to do well with the average material given to him. There's even a scene that directly rips off the "I'd Do Anything" musical number from Oliver! It seems like I hate the film and I don't as it does provide some entertainment value and Christian Bale does a great job, plus Alan Menken is one of those people who I feel can do no wrong, but needless to say, Newsies just doesn't come off as good as it could have been.Great Great Great - SSSLLL
Heartwarming and fun, like it was when I was a child. Though exaggerated, it's meant to be a children's movie that adults can enjoy as well. The movie achieves this concept perfectly. The songs, dances, and New York accents will make you smile. And it's interesting to see quick glimpses of faces that are now familiar movie stars; note James Franco in the opening music number.An (Almost) All-Male Musical for the Ladies - FilmJunkie
Over a decade before he was Batman, Christian Bale was leader of the 'Newsies'. This modern musical set in the Depression when a group of newsboys striked against William Randolph Hearst (Robert Duvall), it often lame, and sometimes super-cheesy, but it tries so hard to be loved you can hardly resist it.
(Fun Fact: In 9th grade, my dorm did an all-girl production with a dude in the Ann-Margret role and I played Crutchie)
Great dancing, is there anything like a large group of boys dancing, methinks not?
Sure it is certainly not an award-winner, but Bale makes me fall in love with him everytime.
Something for the ladies.
Member Reviews
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Disappointing musical from Alan Menken. - estefan
A rather average musical that doesn't seem to take full advantage of the talent it has and while some parts sour, the rest of the film doesn't work. The highlight of the film is Christian Bale who gives a strong performance in the lead and really showcases ...Great Great Great - SSSLLL
Heartwarming and fun, like it was when I was a child. Though exaggerated, it's meant to be a children's movie that adults can enjoy as well. The movie achieves this concept perfectly. The songs, dances, and New York accents will make you smile. And it's interesting ...An (Almost) All-Male Musical for the Ladies - FilmJunkie
Over a decade before he was Batman, Christian Bale was leader of the 'Newsies'. This modern musical set in the Depression when a group of newsboys striked against William Randolph Hearst (Robert Duvall), it often lame, and sometimes super-cheesy, but it tries ...