Entertaining, but an overall disappointment

Rating: 5/10 (30 September 2007)

I just saw Moulin Rouge for the first time last night, and I had high hopes for it. I knew it was a musical, and I'd heard raving reviews from friends, telling me that this movie was something I NEEDED to see.
Well, I have to say, I don't regret watching it, but I wouldn't say it's something that anyone really needs to see.
First, I'll just mention things I DID like: The visual effects, the overall setting, was beautiful. Everything about those were beautiful, and if effects and set design interests you, DEFINITELY see this film, because you won't be disappointed. I also thought that, on another note, the acting was good, too. There weren't any horrible actors, but no one really shined. I'd say, if anyone, Ewan McGregor did great. On that same subject, the singing was fantastic all around. I was VERY impressed.
However, the film just fell apart other than that. First off, the whole concept somewhat eludes me. What genre is it, exactly? For a while it seems to be almost a comedy and then, periodically, most notably the ending, was a complete tragedy. Was this intended to play with our emotions? If so, they failed in that aspect, as I was just confused.
Another thing that has been debated over and over is the song usage. I personally would have preferred the music to be what it was at the real Moulin Rouge at that time period in France. The set, and the effects engross you in that time, but the music just brings you right back. I really didn't like the use of modern music at all.
One thing I didn't really see, which would have made it much better, was a chemistry between Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, or even a better... passion between the two of them. When I get really into a certain couple, or just really like one, they don't just have a good story, there must be a level of chemistry. And I just didn't sense it between Satine and Christian. They certainly had a lot of romantic scenes, but I've felt a LOT more chemistry between characters that rarely, if ever, get romantic scenes together (Ex: Mulder and Scully from The X-Files). I apparently missed the passion between these two.
All in all, Moulin Rouge's was interesting, and certainly entertaining, but I just didn't think it was as great as some of the reviews make it out to be.