Enjoyable if you think 'out of the box'

Rating: Null/10 (21 March 2002)

It took me a few showings, but I admit, it was pretty good. The first time I saw it, I was rolling my eyes and gagging during the fist minutes. But if you stick with it, you might be surprised.
Many people here complain about the plot. Yes. It's overused and a bit weak. However, just about *ALL* the movies that Hollywood churns out are no exception either. A lot of the other musical movies out there weren't necessarily new and fresh either. While, without a doubt,it's not a musical masterpiece, it certainly is entertaining. This film simply takes the contrived love story, and puts a colorful, dizzying twist. While I still dislike some parts, the good parts were just worth sticking with Moulin Rouge! for the whole 2 and half hours.
The bad points: *Smells Like Teen Spirit-- I loved that song.. and.. oh, it's just un-nerving to hear it done by anyone else then Nirvana.
*Some of the weak plot points--oy.. I explained above
*Nicole Kidman-- yes, she can sing better then I expected and can act.. but her portrayel of the overly used minxy, sobbing, terminally ill woman stuck in a serious emotional rut made me hate the stereotypical character even more.
Good points: * The rest of the cast-- I think everyone else did the best with what they had. Jim Broadbent, John Leguizamo, Richard Roxburgh, Ewan McGregor (especially-- I was pleasently surpised)--ah, I think it was pretty top notch!
*The Humor-- it was so off the wall and zany at times that I couldn't resist giving my kudos for that.
*The Scenery-- wow... with that and the cinematography, I was dizzied and dazzled... like a major sugar high. I thought it was insanely cool, and was perfect!
*Most of the songs-- It's quite funny, but two guys singing like a virgin, whilst waiters frolicked around did get me quite giddy. It was a bit of a parody on all those numbers in other musicals (think "I'm Gonna Like It Here" from Annie). Ewan's not the greatest singer, but I didn't expect him to be as good as he was. And I loved the use of Roxanne by the Police... who knew it'd seem so right for the movie!
So..
In short, if you can forgive it's flaws and try not to be some rigid little weiner who thinks he's smart if he analyzes and trashes a movie merely meant to entertain, then you may very well enjoy it for it's artistry and orginality (at least when compared to garbage that most studios push out). I certainly did! It's a shame that it is not as appreciated here in the states that it is in other places.
Typical American Audiences to can something that's just different.