sam93505

When first sitting down to watch this most excellent movie, it's quickly apparent that it's central theme is a familiar one- it's a story of a kid off the streets (in this case, Spanish Harlem) who finds a way off the streets and to better himself and how it affects those in his inner circle. Yes, we've all seen these movies numerous times- but this one is different. Not the story per say, but the movie itself makes it so "real" and so genuine.

The movie was written, directed, acted, and shot in Spanish Harlem, using hand held cameras and ambient lighting and sound. The script is mostly spontaneous and fresh, and "very fluent" street talk (i.e.- f- bombs galore, trash talking, etc), which adds to the story's authenticity and credibility. And using street kids to play mirrors of themselves gives this oft told story a fresh and appealing spin.

Wish more movies were made like this- real people from the same place that the story takes place at, instead of "importing" them from afar (like, you can definitely tell when an actor/actress from California is trying to act like a New Yorker and vice-a-versa)!

First of all, I am a fan of musicals. I am also a fan of 80's music. I am also a huge fan of many of the stars of the movie- Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Paul Giamatti, etc. And I take "fun" movies like this for what they are- a good story that if you don't think about it too hard and is fun and entertaining to watch. So on the surface, this movie has all the key elements for a good fun flick.

Where the movie fails is the choice of Julianne Hough in the lead, who from the first time she opens her mouth to the end of the movie, kills every song she screeches-out. Her voice sounds like nails being dragged across a chalkboard! I cannot believe with all the talent in Hollywood and with all the young ladies that have been on "American Idol" that instead of giving one of them a shot at this role (which by the way, would make the movie more exciting and more "real" if they used an unknown or former "idol" performer), the producers actually listened to Julianne's shrilling and said "Hmmmm.... let's cast her!" instead of another young lady that actually can sing. It's so bad that I have to turn the TV down when she "sings" (shrills, actually) to keep my eardrums from shattering, my spine from shivering, and destroying my 300 watt speakers.

Julianne Hough may be decent eye-candy, but she can't act and certainly cannot sing. She needs to stay on "Dancing With the Stars" where she CAN dance and leave singing roles to those that CAN sing.