Newsies was a movie that was well ahead of its time. The fact that it has
garnered such a cult following it testament to that. And as evidenced by
the success of Chicago and Moulin Rouge, it is clear to me that had Newsies
been released today, it would have been a moderate hit for Disney, rather
than the initial flop it was in the theater.
Newsies gained its initial following do to those who are active in community
theaters, as they could appreciate the element of storytelling through song
and dance. Through them, others have been exposed to the movie through
video, by listening to the soundtrack, and now on DVD. Newsies is a hit in
the making and its following grows every year.
What helps makes this movie so wonderful is the expert musical storytelling
by Alan Menken and lyricist Jack Feldman. Add to that the talent of stars
Christian Bale, David Moscow, Max Casella, Bill Pullman, Ann-Margret and
Robert Duvall and a host of talented young stars and you have a movie that
stirs strong emotions. One can't help but get caught up in the story and
feel great by the end. It is a prime example of one of Disney's greatest
strengths, and that is telling a great story. The chemistry between
Christian Bale as Jack Kelly and David Moscow as David Jacobs shines through
and anchors the movie as other characters grow and devolep around them.
As I said, it was a movie ahead of it's time. But now that musicals are
gaining more of a mainstream acceptance, I believe this movie will continue
to find an audience for years to come.
-Jeff Dewitt
Newsies ranks very high on my overall list of movie musicals. It is based on a true story, which I feel lends to the flow of the movie. The music by
Alan Menken is something I have never tired of in the years since it came
out. It is probably the last live action musical to come out of Disney
that is good enough that Walt could have been behind the production. From
veteran cast members Robert Duvall & Ann-Margaret to the entire team of
newsboys who do the majority of singing and dancing, it is certainly not to
be missed.
-Jeff Schilling
The big screen musical used to be popular. Lots of the most beloved movies of all time are musicals. But then something happened. For some reason the musical went out of fashion. There were isolated examples, but on the whole the genre stagnated. Disney can probably be credited for a mini-rebirth of the screen musical with the beginning of their second "golden age" of animated films. So it seemed only natural that Disney should produce a live-action musical based on their animated successes.
And what a musical it was too! Newsies is a wonderful film. It's about kids, but not written for kids. It's lively and entertaining while still being educational. It's a musical but it has lots to say. Alen Menken did the music, and you can tell. It's a stage musical on screen, and if there was any justice in the world it would have been the start of a new golden age of screen musicals.
I'm surprised Disney hasn't adapted this to the stage, given the success of their other Broadway productions.
-James Reader
Newsboys go on strike
Banner-carrying makes print
Who's king of New York?
(1992)