Classics Review: The Sound Of Music

Many years ago, two playwrights named Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II, wrote successful Broadway musicals during the 1940’s to 1950’s. The plays they’ve directed, written and produced including “The King and I,” “Oklahoma,” “Carousel,” “South Pacific,” and last but not least, “The Sound of Music.” As a result of big-ticket sales and critical acclaim, the duo received numerous awards from several award ceremonies such as The Tony Awards, Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, & a Pulitzer Prize. Due to popularity of their work, major movie studios seek to adapt their Broadway hits into full length feature motion pictures. Two notable plays were adapted into films were Oklahoma and The King and I.

I’ve decided to review one of their masterpieces which is none other than The Sound of Music. The reason why I wanted to look back at this, is because legendary Oscar winner, Julie Andrews (Marry Poppins, The Princess Diaries) has released a Netflix series called “Julie’s Greenroom,” and a Mary Poppins sequel is in development with Emily Blunt replacing her due to her age and her singing ability doesn’t work as it used to be. She had throat surgery

The film adaptation of The Sound of Music was released in 1965, (same year Robert Downey Jr. was born) At the time of its release, the film made a lot of revenue at the box office with a total of $286 million dollars. Adjusted for inflation, the film made $2 billion dollars. In the words of the late Chris Farley, “Holy Schnikes!”

At the time of its release, the film received mixed reviews from critics, this didn’t stop the film from becoming a total disaster due to many movie goers who absolutely adored it with their families. The Sound of Music went on earn award nominations including a win “Golden Globe for Best Musical or Comedy” and another win for the “Academy Award for Best Picture.”

The following article contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving some of you newcomers a chance to see this gem.

Perfect Pitch & Tone Death Qualities

Perfect Pitch: Performances from The Cast, especially Julie Andrews who did an excellent job as Maria. Her singing ability is like the voice of an angel. Christopher Plummer also did an outstanding job for his performance as Captain Von Trapp.

Opening Scene starts strong, indicating, what you’re about to see is gonna be a feelgood epic musical.

Fun Fact: This is one of Seth MacFarlane’s favorite films. He would often make a few references in “Family Guy.”

Songs from the musical are memorable and catchy. “My Favorite Things” is a highlight in my opinion. I’m gonna give this gem an Extra Point for inspiring OutKast’s instrumental remake. When I was a kid, I never thought The Sound of Music was the first to pen My Favorite Things. Whenever I hear OutKast’s version, I automatically picture “Cowboy Bebop” (my all-time favorite TV show) or any fight scene in “Dragon Ball Z” Maybe, André 3000 grew up watching the film.

Choreography didn’t look clumsy at all.

Cinematography doesn’t contain any shaky cam filmed by the cameraman. Thank goodness he isn’t a coffee addict.

Character Development involving Maria & Captain Von Trapp and their chemistry together.

Now that we live in the DVD/Blu Ray era, you’re able to skip the intermission segment to pick up the pace. If you wish to relive 1965, don’t be shy.

The Ending was bittersweet. I won’t tell you how it ends, you’ll have to see for yourself.

Tone Death: It’s difficult to remember the kids and their names, except for Lisa the oldest. And I thought remembering the thirteen dwarfs from The Hobbit” was very hard.

An optional con for me is Lisa’s boyfriend’s name is Rolf. Whenever I hear that name, I think of the farmer from “Ed Edd n’ Eddy.”

Another nitpick is after a big kiss from one of the lead characters, she squees out loud. It sounded like a cat getting his tail stomped. I unintentionally laughed out loud.

Pacing can be a drab for a long film. If you have a short attention span, long films may not be your cup of tea.

Von Trapp’s buddy Max, said a word in front of the kids that something Donald Trump would say to Billy Bush during his “locker room talk.” When I was in elementary school, I first watched this with my classmates in music class, that was the first time I’ve ever heard of that word. As Doug Walker/Nostalgia Critic would say, “You know for kids!”

The Final Verdict: B-

It’s one of those movies that don’t have to appeal to the Lowest Common Denominator. (L.C.D. for short) Despite the teeny tiny flaws, I find it average. If you’re a parent, uncle, aunt, or grandparent, introduce your kids, nephews, nieces or grandkids this classic musical.