Bye Bye Birdie (1995)

Why? Because for one reason, there has never been a more adorable scene in any film than Ann Margret singing "Bye Bye Birdie" at the opening. She reprises it again at the ending, too (in a different mood!). Both wonderful. Rent it and see. Even if that's all of it that you watch. You'll agree, I'm sure.Everything about the original was so excellent it just didn't need a remake, sorry! Jason and Vanessa gave commendable performances, as well as Tyne and Chynna. In fact, all the actors and singers in this new version were giving their 'all,' but it's like trying to improve on "Casablanca" -- it just can't be done! It's even annoying finding yourself comparing the two mentally as you try to appreciate the remake, and it just falls short, through no fault of the actors.

We taped this when it aired on TV back in 1995 and have waited all these years for its release, for it quickly became one of our family favorites. The kids are now teens and must have seen it a ba-zillion times, yet they still watch it religiously with friends. It's timeless appeal reaches across all ages groups--similar to "Grease."Vanessa Williams is spectacular. Jason Alexander delightful and wonderfully light on his feet. I've noticed other commentators on this site are pretty rough on him, but our family gives him top ratings. (We loved his 'Giant Step' number.) Marc Kudisch (as Conrad) supplies us with comedic relief and wonderful musical numbers. And Brigitta Dau (as Ursula) just flat steals the show. Probably our favorite character in the entire movie.The one disappointment was Chynna Philip's performance of Kim. Part of that has to do with the writing. Kim's role is completely one-dimensional. Complicating that, Philip's delivery is flat, unimaginative, unbelievable and just plain awful. The director should have seen that and corrected it. Or never cast her to begin with.Overall, though, the picture is delightful and I highly recommend it for families of all ages.

I have to say, first off, that it is terrific that the TV Studios are participating in the current revival of screen musicals. In fact, they invented it. Fortunately / unfortunately, this film seems to waver between great musical theatre, and just plain wrong. Being very close to the original Broadway production, this film gets a bit wordy and long as a movie. It is surprising that all of the dialogue was left in. Seems like if you're going to add three or four songs, you need to trim elsewhere. The TV film of "Annie" was very successfully trimmed while still maintaining the spirit of the show.The cast ranges from divine to pointless; but I suppose we had Hollywood concessions to deal with if we wanted this film made. First the divine. Vanessa Williams as Rosie. Miss Williams Rosie is fiery, classy, and beautiful. Really, a terrific performance. Dancing, singing, and presence is equal to the best of them. Another fine performance is given by Brigitta Dau in the small role of Ursula. She is wonderful in song and scene, and really pulls of the addition of the title song in grand style. It is always fun to see stars in musical roles, and Tyne Daly is plenty fun as Mrs. Peterson, if a bit underwhelming sometimes. Broadway baby Sally Mayes is great as Mrs. MacAfee, almost begging for more material. Marc Kudisch (another Broadway performer) is a terrific Conrad - singing and dancing it with bigger spirit than ever, and a nod to the King.On the down side, Jason Alexander was a bit strange as Albert (and the rug bothered me). I think I had trouble getting "George" out of my head. He sang and danced well, but just not an Albert. Chynna Phillips, alas, is just plain awful as Kim. She can't belt, she doesn't have any high notes, she seems to be half-asleep, and she sticks out as way-too-old far more than Ann Margaret ever did. And on the bottom, George Wendt simply wastes a ton of great material as Kim's Father. Paul Lynde originally forced the supporting role of Mr. MacAfee into a star role with his brilliant comic acting. George Wendt simply lacks the skills required for a musical. On the music end, I absolutely loved the addition of Miss Dau and friends in the title number. Best thing in the show. I liked the addition of "Let's Settle Down" for Miss Williams, but it did sound like a pop-song from an smooth jazz radio station. Still, she performs it beautifully. The endless padding for star Jason Alexander is just plain awful. "Giant Step" stinks and he doesn't pull it off (besides it drags down the end of the film), and his "What Did I Ever See in Her" is just plain dumb. I'll agree with the shortening of "Spanish Rose" for TV, but I would have rather seen one of Mr. Alexander's songs cut. "A Mother Doesn't Matter Anymore" was put over well enough by Tyne Daly that it is now included in the live stage show.The new orchestrations are inspired - a really nice new sound for the show with lots of fun and the spirit of the original. The direction is good and suitably "made bigger" for modern audiences; but one would have thought that Bob Fosse's bearer of the torch, Anne Reinking would know enough about showstoppers to send the musical numbers skyward. This is not the case, and in fact, the dancing is minimalist and non-existent in most places. The choreography succeeds beautifully in the title number and in Miss Williams songs, but there is little else to recommend. "Happy Face," "Telephone Hour," and "Lotta Livin" are left flat.All in all, I still enjoy watching it, and some performances aside, it is a really good translation of a musical from stage to screen. Besides, you can FF through the ponderous book scenes.

I was actually in this play at my school. So here we go.ALBERT J. PETERSON-Conrad Birdie's manager and the definition of a mama's boy. His reliance on his mama has stopped the relationship between him and Rose Alvarez from growing deeper. Concocts the scheme for Conrad's "One Last Kiss"CONRAD BIRDIE-Rock star of the 50's. With a personality much like that of Elvis Presley, he has countless fans all over the USA. Conflicting reports have him born in Indochina and Virginia. He did not volunteer for the Army, but was drafted, and appealed three times.ROSE ALVAREZ- Albert J. Peterson's on-again-off-again girlfriend and secretary. The real brains behind Albert's business, Almaelou music corporation. More American than Spanish.KIM MACAFFEE-One of Conrad Birdie's countless fangirls. Recently began going steady with Hugo Peabody. She's been chosen to receive Conrad Birdie's final kiss before he goes into the Army.MR. HARRY MACAFEE-Overprotective father or Kim MacAfee. Hates Conrad Birdie and loves Ed Sullivan. Typical 50's father.MRS. DORIS MACAFEE-Wife of Harry and mother of Kim. Although she doesn't really like Conrad Birdie, she's still more open-minded about things than Harry."MAMA" MAE PETERSON-Domineering mother of Albert. Disapproves of Rose Alvarez. Albert will go any length to please his mama, and Mae manipulates his feelings to the fullest.HUGO PEABODY-Boyfriend of Kim, he's understandably intimidated when Conrad comes to town. A bit of a neurotic, he seeks constant reassurance that Kim still loves him.