8 reviews
Let's be honest-over the past decade, Disney has seemed to work harder at losing its audience than keeping it. So when a docuseries comes along that promises to recapture the magic of what Disney used to be, it's hard not to be intrigued. As a former Disney fan, I was genuinely excited about the idea of a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the parks' most iconic attractions came to life. Count me in.
I started with the episodes covering my favorite rides-and that's when things took a turn. The biggest issue, right off the bat: the narrator. I get the push for diversity in media, etc., etc. But of all the talented women narrators available, they chose one with a jarring, overly animated tone that felt more like an '80s Valley Girl caricature than a narrator for a serious documentary. To make matters worse, the script was packed with awkward jokes she had no clue how to deliver.
If you can make it past the narration (and that's a big if), you'll run into Disney's ongoing infatuation with China. Sure, Disney Paris and other parks get a quick mention here and there, but the spotlight clearly belongs to Shanghai Disney. The enthusiasm is so intense sometimes, it borders on overkill.
That said, the series still has its strengths. The nostalgia factor is good and could likely appeal to longtime fans...if you get past the narrator. I gave it four stars for that reason alone. But overall, the experience is held back by distracting choices-starting, and ending, with.......the narrator.
I started with the episodes covering my favorite rides-and that's when things took a turn. The biggest issue, right off the bat: the narrator. I get the push for diversity in media, etc., etc. But of all the talented women narrators available, they chose one with a jarring, overly animated tone that felt more like an '80s Valley Girl caricature than a narrator for a serious documentary. To make matters worse, the script was packed with awkward jokes she had no clue how to deliver.
If you can make it past the narration (and that's a big if), you'll run into Disney's ongoing infatuation with China. Sure, Disney Paris and other parks get a quick mention here and there, but the spotlight clearly belongs to Shanghai Disney. The enthusiasm is so intense sometimes, it borders on overkill.
That said, the series still has its strengths. The nostalgia factor is good and could likely appeal to longtime fans...if you get past the narrator. I gave it four stars for that reason alone. But overall, the experience is held back by distracting choices-starting, and ending, with.......the narrator.
Art is subjective, you either like it or you do not. Movies and music are no different. However, nostalgia is a whole other story. 'Explota Explota' is, first and foremost, based on nostalgia for all of us Gen Xers and Boomers, especially those from Italy, Spain and Latin America who grew up on Carrá's music. While the causal American listener may have heard of her, make no mistake, Raffaella Carrá sold upwards of 60 million albums worldwide so yes, a movie made from her songs was inevitable. At a time when Varieté was big on TV (even in the USA), she came and conquered much like the film's main character. Carrá was the veritable showgirl. She sang, she danced and she put on a show like no one's business. However, at the time censorship was also a big thing, especially in countries like Spain and Argentina, and even Italy. This, along with Raffaella's infectious songs, and a love story woven in, is the basis for the film.
Why the long disclaimer? Because if you know all this, you'll love the film. If not, you may either not get it, or alternatively, may become addicted to Raffaella's songs. Her music was always, first and foremost, FUN. And this movie is FUN. Her songs were always a bit campy, tongue-in-cheek and highly addictive, and remain so to this day. So, it stands to reason any movie based on her music would be equally so. It HAS to be. Utilizing this, the film is also made to dress up (and address) an otherwise terrible period in Spain's and much of Latin America's history, and wrap it up nicely into a romantic fantasy of love and music. Colors are rich and enhanced, acting tongue-in-cheek and musical numbers in full 70s blast. That's the point.
That said, it is not any campier than Mamma Mia, it's success due mostly to ABBA's music and nostalgia surrounding it. 'Explota' follows the same vein of taking select songs from a world famous singer and weaving them into a storyline for a film. Some of the actors are not the best of singers (some, however, are), but neither were they in Mamma Mia. But the music numbers and choreography on 'Explota' is top notch and closely imitate 1970s television variety show. Watch some Raffaella Carrá music clips sometime! As such, the film fits the time period exquisitely.
While the film itself is not a biopic about Raffaella, it is often related to her pushing the envelope against the censorship. Her song 'Tuca Tuca' (featured in the film) was highly controversial at the time (it was about sex....), and some of her songs were censored in Spanish and had to be re-recorded. The film uses these facts and cleverly weaves them into the story.
Is this an Oscar winning film? No...though it did get awards. Then again, have you checked out what gets an Oscar nod lately? What I do know is that I first heard of this film being a Carrá fan since I was 11 years old and became addicted to her music. My partner had not known much about her when he met me, and years later I catch him humming her music in the kitchen. I watched a few clips of the film on YouTube one evening and was so keyed up, I could not get to sleep until 2 AM! I then watched the film, which had the same effect on me. Energy is through the roof, actors and their characters are likable, and if you know some of the stories in Raffaella's songs (Like 'Lucas') you'll get even more of a kick out of this experience. Colors are rich and vibrant, and the treatment of Raffaella's songs (some huge hits, some not as much -- but they carry the story forward) is fantastic. Above all, it is pure nostalgia and FUN! If you've had a rough day and need light and fun, watch this. I guarantee you you'll feel a lot better and lighter after doing so.
Why the long disclaimer? Because if you know all this, you'll love the film. If not, you may either not get it, or alternatively, may become addicted to Raffaella's songs. Her music was always, first and foremost, FUN. And this movie is FUN. Her songs were always a bit campy, tongue-in-cheek and highly addictive, and remain so to this day. So, it stands to reason any movie based on her music would be equally so. It HAS to be. Utilizing this, the film is also made to dress up (and address) an otherwise terrible period in Spain's and much of Latin America's history, and wrap it up nicely into a romantic fantasy of love and music. Colors are rich and enhanced, acting tongue-in-cheek and musical numbers in full 70s blast. That's the point.
That said, it is not any campier than Mamma Mia, it's success due mostly to ABBA's music and nostalgia surrounding it. 'Explota' follows the same vein of taking select songs from a world famous singer and weaving them into a storyline for a film. Some of the actors are not the best of singers (some, however, are), but neither were they in Mamma Mia. But the music numbers and choreography on 'Explota' is top notch and closely imitate 1970s television variety show. Watch some Raffaella Carrá music clips sometime! As such, the film fits the time period exquisitely.
While the film itself is not a biopic about Raffaella, it is often related to her pushing the envelope against the censorship. Her song 'Tuca Tuca' (featured in the film) was highly controversial at the time (it was about sex....), and some of her songs were censored in Spanish and had to be re-recorded. The film uses these facts and cleverly weaves them into the story.
Is this an Oscar winning film? No...though it did get awards. Then again, have you checked out what gets an Oscar nod lately? What I do know is that I first heard of this film being a Carrá fan since I was 11 years old and became addicted to her music. My partner had not known much about her when he met me, and years later I catch him humming her music in the kitchen. I watched a few clips of the film on YouTube one evening and was so keyed up, I could not get to sleep until 2 AM! I then watched the film, which had the same effect on me. Energy is through the roof, actors and their characters are likable, and if you know some of the stories in Raffaella's songs (Like 'Lucas') you'll get even more of a kick out of this experience. Colors are rich and vibrant, and the treatment of Raffaella's songs (some huge hits, some not as much -- but they carry the story forward) is fantastic. Above all, it is pure nostalgia and FUN! If you've had a rough day and need light and fun, watch this. I guarantee you you'll feel a lot better and lighter after doing so.
This film is very deep and superbly acted. It requires a viewer with a heart, but once you got that working you will surely fall into this touching drama. What is most appealing about this film is its realism and the fact that scenes of heartfelt drama are followed by light hearted humour, leading one easily through this well designed
I think this film may have been given too little credit. Although not an Oscar winner by far, it did lead me out of reality for a while and put a smile on my face. It is always nice when a film can do that. The music, by famous film composer Georges Delerue (Steel magnolias) helps cast the spell. Beverly D'angelo is well cast and Ally Sheedy is...well...Ally Sheedy
The wonder of this film, like one of the paintings it features, can't be described in words. It is pure magic in the most abstract form! One can't help but adore Polly's originality (Sheila McCarthy). This is a fantastically crafted and acted film. It will trigger your imagination and place a smile on your face. After the film is over, you won't be able to stop dreaming. I can't watch it enough! It is very sad that it is no longer in print (at least last I checked) and I am very lucky to have purchased it in the Laser Disc format when I did. I have been a fan of this film since I was 20 and am still a fan 14 years
What can I say? I love this film! I saw it when I was 8 and living in Argentina. I was later disappointed to find that it was hard to find in the US, but thanks to the wonders of the Internet I was able to find it and own it and noticed it has quite a following. It may not be for everyone, especially if you like action packed, fast paced films.
However, if you like a simple love story, good 'Bee Gees' and 'Crosby, Stills & Nash and Young' music, and a happy feeling, watch this
However, if you like a simple love story, good 'Bee Gees' and 'Crosby, Stills & Nash and Young' music, and a happy feeling, watch this
Rosalind Russell is fantastic and the ONLY Auntie Mame for ever! One of the best films in her career. This one is quite advanced for the time it was filmed. It is quite a long film, but I guarantee you will not be looking at your watch! The humour is fantastic and the drama is very touching. You may have to watch it a few times to catch the full wit and every detail, but chances are you will want to! This remains one of my most favourite films of all