Hello Dolly! for me was a very good film. It does have its flaws, but on the whole it works. I will admit I saw it for the first time today, after only seeing the clip of Louis Armstrong and Barbara Streisand together on the 100 Greatest Musicals. And of course, I was intrigued to see this musical, and while I noticed some problems it was really pleasant to watch.
I think I will start with the flaws. My main problem was Gene Kelly's direction. I know he is a great singer, dancer, actor and choreographer, but his direction here didn't quite have the sense of fun and energy that made Singin' In the Rain such a treat. Plus the first five minutes, despite Barbara Streisand's wonderful vocal, didn't draw me in immediately.
However, the film's scenery and cinematography are breathtaking and the costumes are wonderfully colourful and lavish. The choreography consistently is superb, and the score and songs by Jerry Hermann including Ribbons Down My Back are wonderful. Despite being too young for the part, Streisand is nonetheless mesmerising in the title role, perfectly capturing her character's wit and humour, and delighting with her big beautiful voice. Walter Matthau was superb also as the successful but stingy merchant Vandergelder, making the most of the juicy dialogue. I was especially impressed with the supporting performances of Michael Crawford and Louis Armstrong too. The scene in the restaurant is a comedy and musical highlight.
All in all, not perfect, and not quite a classic, but it is a visually stunning, colourful and memorable musical. With faults of course, but the costumes and the performances more than compensate. 8/10 Bethany Cox
I think I will start with the flaws. My main problem was Gene Kelly's direction. I know he is a great singer, dancer, actor and choreographer, but his direction here didn't quite have the sense of fun and energy that made Singin' In the Rain such a treat. Plus the first five minutes, despite Barbara Streisand's wonderful vocal, didn't draw me in immediately.
However, the film's scenery and cinematography are breathtaking and the costumes are wonderfully colourful and lavish. The choreography consistently is superb, and the score and songs by Jerry Hermann including Ribbons Down My Back are wonderful. Despite being too young for the part, Streisand is nonetheless mesmerising in the title role, perfectly capturing her character's wit and humour, and delighting with her big beautiful voice. Walter Matthau was superb also as the successful but stingy merchant Vandergelder, making the most of the juicy dialogue. I was especially impressed with the supporting performances of Michael Crawford and Louis Armstrong too. The scene in the restaurant is a comedy and musical highlight.
All in all, not perfect, and not quite a classic, but it is a visually stunning, colourful and memorable musical. With faults of course, but the costumes and the performances more than compensate. 8/10 Bethany Cox