A Triumph of Style over Substance

Rating: 5/10 (22 January 2002)

This is a film which epitomizes what is wrong with so many movies today. Let's dazzle them with rapid film images, scrupulously designed cinematography and loud music. This film, once you get over the excitement of these features, leaves you with nothing to think about or be emotionally moved by. The story is nothing but a rehash of the classic melodramatic story plot of most 1930s' musicals. Fortunately, in those musicals, we had memorable and creative music. This film's music is one big disaster and the story is basically idiotic.
The most embarrassing moments in the film are the ones in which Nicole Kidman sings. Her attempt to be Marilyn Monroe in her opening number is the worst piece of film music I have ever had to sit through. Even the poor singing Ewan McGregor is not as annoying. The relative lack of musical imagination in this film is staggering. Except for two moderately original song and dance numbers, this film is a musical nightmare.
I can not really understand the hype regarding this film. It is mediocre and ultimately unsatisfying.