Tommy tells the story of a woman who loses her husband in the war and gives birth to their son soon after. Six years later she falls for a new man, but Captain Walker returns home, having been in a POW camp for years. Mrs. Walker's new love kills the boy's father right in front of him, and together they drill into him that he didn't see it, he didn't hear it, and he won't say nothing to no one ever in his life. This causes the boy to fall deaf, dumb, and blind, much to his mother's bewilderment. The movie follows his adventures from the strange attempts at curing him (including drugs and cult worship), and the torture he endures (a sadistic cousin and a perverted uncle), all the way to when he becomes a pinball champion, and becomes such a celebrity that he even starts a religion. Based on the 1969 concept album by The Who, Tommy tells a good story and is loads of fun to watch.
Tommy is a great musical film because it has what musicals need to be successful...Great music. The Who's album Tommy is an amazing album with some really great songs. It is credited as being the first rock opera ever written. The plot line of the album is vague, and you're forced to make guesses, but here in this movie you can get the whole story. The music in the movie is different from the album. It features more instruments, including synthesizer, which I love. Every song in the movie makes you bob your head and tap your feet. The sets and the story are very good. The movie features some really weird imagery in some scenes, but it makes the movie fun. I only have one real problem with the film. The first half of the film is a blast. The awesome songs and characters (my favourite being Cousin Kevin), the great story, everything. However, once the Pinball Wizard scene is over, the movie begins to drag ever so slightly, but when Tommy is cured and starts his own religion, the movie begins to grow too long. I would have liked it better if the movie ended with Tommy being cured. All the fun is gone once Tommy is cured.
The performances in this movie are great for the most part. There are some really great singers and actors involved in this movie. Oliver Reed and Ann-Margaret give great performances as Tommy's parents, though Reed can't really sing. Elton John and Keith Moon give memorable and hilarious performances as the Pinball Wizard and Uncle Ernie. Jack Nicholson did pretty good as the Doctor for someone who's not a singer. Eric Clapton and Tina Turner did good in their roles as well. Roger Daltrey was the perfect Tommy even though all he had to do was stare with a blank look on his face.
Overall, Tommy is a great 70's musical with fantastic performances, but after a while it starts to lose momentum. There might be some boredom near the end.
7/10
Tommy is a great musical film because it has what musicals need to be successful...Great music. The Who's album Tommy is an amazing album with some really great songs. It is credited as being the first rock opera ever written. The plot line of the album is vague, and you're forced to make guesses, but here in this movie you can get the whole story. The music in the movie is different from the album. It features more instruments, including synthesizer, which I love. Every song in the movie makes you bob your head and tap your feet. The sets and the story are very good. The movie features some really weird imagery in some scenes, but it makes the movie fun. I only have one real problem with the film. The first half of the film is a blast. The awesome songs and characters (my favourite being Cousin Kevin), the great story, everything. However, once the Pinball Wizard scene is over, the movie begins to drag ever so slightly, but when Tommy is cured and starts his own religion, the movie begins to grow too long. I would have liked it better if the movie ended with Tommy being cured. All the fun is gone once Tommy is cured.
The performances in this movie are great for the most part. There are some really great singers and actors involved in this movie. Oliver Reed and Ann-Margaret give great performances as Tommy's parents, though Reed can't really sing. Elton John and Keith Moon give memorable and hilarious performances as the Pinball Wizard and Uncle Ernie. Jack Nicholson did pretty good as the Doctor for someone who's not a singer. Eric Clapton and Tina Turner did good in their roles as well. Roger Daltrey was the perfect Tommy even though all he had to do was stare with a blank look on his face.
Overall, Tommy is a great 70's musical with fantastic performances, but after a while it starts to lose momentum. There might be some boredom near the end.
7/10