Flash Movie Review: The Sound of Music Live!
It is not fair when the odds have been stacked against you. For me it would be the time when 4 kids jumped me when I was walking home from elementary school. Maybe for you it was when your boss did not promote you but your co-worker instead, because their wife was best friends with your boss’ wife. All I can say is sometimes life is just not fair. When I watched this musical I felt bad for American Idol and Grammy winner Carrie Underwood; the cards were really stacked against her. Grant you, she has a wonderful voice and I give her credit for even agreeing to perform this classic Rodgers & Hammerstein score live on television. In addition, you hear the title The Sound of Music and who does not think of Julie Andrews who starred in the original film? The next issue was putting Carrie in a cast of Tony award nominees and winner. First there was Tony winner Audra McDonald (A Raisin in the Sun-TV movie, Rampart) playing Mother Abbess. One of the most gifted musical actresses of modern time; we essentially are talking theater royalty here. Next there was Tony Award nominee Laura Benanti (Meskada, Take the Lead) who played Elsa Schrader. How many of you knew she already had performed in The Sound of Music on Broadway? Lastly there was Stephen Moyer (Priest, True Blood-TV) who had performed in musical theater before, who played the pivotal character Captain Von Trapp. I ask you, how could Carrie hold her own versus these trained actors? So where does that leave us? If you already are a fan of musicals and you can put aside the Julie Andrews memories, this drama was perfectly enjoyable to watch. I will say Carrie’s performance was stiff and wooden, glaringly so when any adult actors were with her in the same scenes. Carrie’s singing was fine, though I sensed she had to struggle to keep her country roots hidden as she was playing an Austrian nanny. If there is anyone who is not familiar with the story, it is about an innocent young woman torn between what she thinks she should do and what her heart tells her. She takes a temporary position as a nanny in a strict, disciplined Austrian household just as war is about to break out. The acting from the Broadway veterans was outstanding; Audra was perfect in her role. Unless you are not a fan of musicals, there is no reason I can think of why you would not want to see this good effort of a show. Instead of climbing mountains, think of this film more like climbing hills.
2 1/2 stars — DVD
Posted on January 24, 2014, in Drama and tagged 2 1/2 stars, audra mcdonald, biography, carrie underwood, drama, family, laura benanti, rodgers & hammerstein, stephen moyer. Bookmark the permalink. 9 Comments.
Reminds me of the evergreen classical!
Reblogged this on Direct From The Street – Stuff We And People Share.
Well said!!
So glad to know someone else thought this besides me. I love Carrie and I love Sound of Music, so I decided –rather than set myself up for disappointment — I wouldn’t watch. It was the right decision.
I am glad we are on the same page with this film, except I did see it. To tell you the truth Audra was the real draw for me. Thanks for coming by to leave your comments.
I am so eager to read more of your blog! Just noticed your new post and consider it a “must-read!”
Well thank you so much for your kind words. I am so glad you are energized to discover some hidden treasures within my movie reviews. Once again thank you for stopping by to leave your comments.
Hi. Glad to read your review. I was a kid when I saw the original and I was very impressed. I haven’t seen this yet, but I probably will, just to compare! jane
When you see this Jane, I would enjoy hearing your views on it. Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comments.