Like The Artist, Singin` In The Rain is set during Hollywood`s transition to talkies. Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) is a popular silent film star, who can barely tolerate his leading lady, the vapid Lina Lamont, even though their studio links them romantically to boost popularity. A love triangle ensues when Don stumbles upon aspiring actress Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds) while making a getaway from his screaming fans. Of course, things just get messier with the introduction of the Vitaphone talking picture, particularly given the squawky tonality of Lina`s voice.
Unlike The Artist, which combined airy humour with a darker, more introspective latter half, Singin` In The Rain is deeply entrenched in feel-good territory. As the title promises, there`s liberal singing, but also dancing, unabashed spectacle, and an amazing ensemble. The tone ranges from the lyrical to the burlesque, and the titular sequence is gloriously joyful, a highly refreshing throwback considering the irony that permeates most modern comedies.
Singin` In The Rain is an exuberant number, as likely to evoke nostalgia from veteran movie audiences as it is to convert younger audiences to lovers of a bygone era of cinema.
Extras: A generic selection including the movie soundtrack, director`s commentary, the film trailer, and a retrospective on the film.
Film: 4.5 out of 5
Extras: 3 out of 5
– Raphael Lim