 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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Singin' in the Rain
- Review Date: May 4, 2003
- NR
- Genre: Musical
- 1952
Common Sense Media says
Often considered the finest musical of all time.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Singin' in the Rain is widely considered to be the best Hollywood musical ever made, and while it's on and working its magic, that's hard to dispute. There's some flirting and kissing and brief incidents of smoking and drinking, and some characters argue. The characters are a bit on the rowdy and/or naughty side here and there, but they're good-hearted and good-natured at the core. This movie will make anyone's day, provided kids are about 6 or older.
What's the story?
Silent movie star Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) is paired on screen with the ultra-annoying Lina Lamont (Jean Hagan), who would like to be paired with him off screen as well. Sparks fly when Don encounters actress Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds), which makes Lina jealous. When the first talkie, The Jazz Singer, becomes a hit, the stars of the latest Lockwood/Lamont movie, The Dueling Cavalier, are coached in vocal technique in an attempt at a talkie, but the results are disastrous. Meanwhile, Don and Kathy have fallen in love. After an all-night brainstorming session, Don, Kathy, and Don's best friend, Cosmo (Donald O'Connor), decide to turn the production into a musical, dubbing Kathy's voice for Lina's. But it's not long before Lina and Kathy are put on the spot and have to face the music.
Is it any good?
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN is often considered the finest musical of all time. Certainly it has it all: classic musical numbers and a witty script that's unusually sharp and satiric for a musical comedy, especially one making fun of the industry that produced it. Asked to name the top 10 moments in the history of movies, most people would include the title number from this movie, in which Kelly splashes and sings in the rain -- a "glorious feeling" that's contagious.
Only in a movie containing that sequence would O'Connor's sensational "Make 'Em Laugh" number be mentioned second. It's a wildly funny pastiche of every possible slapstick gag, done with energy and skill so meticulous that it appears entirely spontaneous.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the history of movies and the period in which silent movies gave way to "talkies." What were some of the problems? What were some of the benefits?
How is this Singin' in the Rain different from modern films? What is it missing? Does it still entertain modern audiences?
Are there any role models in this film? If so, who and why?
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- Teens & kids
Teen, 13 years old
January 30, 2010
AGE
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome.
This is the best musical ever. The songs are classics. I love the songs. This is one of my favorite movies.
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Teen, 14 years old
July 15, 2009
AGE
e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens
"I'm singin in the rain, just singin in the rain!" This is the ultimate feel-good, laugh out loud movie, with a little romance too!
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Parent of 4 and 9 year old
April 9, 2008
AGE
this one's fine for toddlers
the music numbers are great, a little kids love them. my son loved this movie at age 3.
the dialogue is inane, but it doesn't really matter. the costumes and dance
routines are what make the film fun.
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Adult
April 22, 2010
AGE
Truly the best Hollywood musical of all time
It could also be the best "putting on a show" movie ever made. I mean, wow, it's incredible that all of this was done in one take! Gene Kelly truly was the king of broadway dance and this proves it. I'd recommend everyone see this at least once.
What other families should know:
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Parent of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 year old
February 11, 2010
AGE
a family singin in the rain
it's one of my faves.we love the music,dancing,and the comedy
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Teen, 13 years old
October 6, 2009
AGE
People usually think of this when they think of musicals
I saw this in Video Production, although it's a typical formulaic musical, it is very entertaining and lively, a movie everyone should experience to get their opinons on it. It gets racy at times though, especially during the lengthy penultimate number.
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Adult
October 31, 2010
AGE
This is movie is for Pre-Teens and Adults!
Singin' in the Rain is awesome to watch over and over again!
I just loved it!
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Parent
August 18, 2009
AGE
My three and five year old both love this film and choose to watch, because they can get up and dance.
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Kid, 10 years old
October 13, 2010
AGE
COOOL SOOO BRILLIANT
I LOVE THE SONG SINGIN IN THE RAIN ITS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO COOOOOOOOOOOOOL I LOVE THIS FILM OK FOR ALL AGES LEENA IS SO FUNNY A HILARIOUS FILM FOR ALL THE FAMILY ONE OF THE BEST MUSICALS IN THE WORLD
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Adult
September 14, 2009
AGE
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| Studio: | MGM/UA |
| Director: | Stanley Donen |
| Cast: | Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, Gene Kelly |
| Genre: | Musical |
| Run time: | 102 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | April 11, 1952 |
| DVD release date: | August 22, 1997 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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