Customer Reviews

That's Entertainment, Part 2

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Like its predecessor, THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT II offers two hours of film clips from memorable MGM movies featuring the likes of Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Lena Horne, Louis Armstrong, and Doris Day. Unlike its predecessor, which organized the film clips into thematic sequences introduced by different MGM stars, THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT just throws the clips out willynilly without much rhyme or reason--and saddles narrators Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly with some of the clunkiest, corniest material imaginable. In consequence, it lacks the cohesion and the excitement of the original.

But it still has its charms. Many of the individual clips are knock-outs: Ethel Waters performing "Taking a Chance on Love" from CABIN IN THE SKY, Bobby Van doing the famous "hop dance" from SMALL TOWN GIRL, Judy Garland belting out "I Got Rythmn" from GIRL CRAZY. In addition to such musical treats, the film also offers a look at the Marx Brothers with the famous "State Room Scene" from A NIGHT AT THE OPERA, a sequence of famous lines from famous films (such as Garbo's "I want to be alone"), and an extended tribute to Spenser Tracy and Katherine Hepburn. Most viewers will probably feel the film drags due to the uneven way in which the scenes are introduced and edited together, but just about every one will find plenty to enjoy. Recommended with reservations.

There are some gems in this 1976 edition of "That's Entertainment", but seeing Fred and Gene trying to dance and clown was hard for me to watch. Although they were energetic and supreme in their craft in their heyday, they are obviously trying too hard to be entertaining within the context of introducing the clips. It was heartwarming, but somehow painful to watch them TRYING to be great again. I would have much preferred them to simply introduce the clips in dignified fashion... and surprise... that's exactly what the producers did in "That's Entertainment part 3" in 1994. It worked as beautifully as it did in the first edition. Both 1 and 3 also concentrated on MUSICAL numbers, and part 2 does not... it seemed to mock the old musical style more than present it. Having said that, there are some real gems here... so I gave it only 3 stars. Part 1 and 3 are 5 star movies.

This sequel to the 50th Anniversary compilation from 1974, is a treat. Some critics dissected Gene Kelly on the account he was producing is own memorial service... Morbid indeed... It is a flawless, wonderful compilation. Many studios have tried to copy the excellense of these films, but they don`t have the legacy nor the artistery so if u wanna c revisit history of the Hollywood that was.... check out this compilation-series...

when are the powers that be going to get their act together and issue this great series in a deluxe box set-the three TE films as well as That's Dancing. As long as they give it the treatment it deserves, and re-master it properly.

When you get old and remember seeing the originals the week they came out, there is absolutely nothing comparable to re-living the memories this collection ignites. The selections are wonderful, the renditions just right. Oh if they would make just one more---but hurry!

I enjoyed That's Entertainment PT. 1 a great deal. Part 2 was disappointing in that it was too much like part 1, but not as good, and had little new to commend it. Few new stars, few new ideas.

Bought this for my 87-year-old father-in-law as a gift. What's not to like about Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, and Bing Crosby?

Loved this musical the first time I saw it and always do each time I watch it over and over, again! Can't beat the upbeat singing, dancing, clever banter and repartee. One of MGM's finest films!

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT PART 2 is not quiet the caliber of the first film in the series, but it still has a great deal to offer. Like the first film, it has all sorts of great clips from MGM musicals. For musical lovers makes this film intriguing is that unlike the first film it's not a collection of the best known scenes, but secondary scenes that are treasured by audiences. For example, the Fred Astyaire/Cyd Charisse number in THE BAND WAGON is in the first film but ask anyone who loves this film what one of the best scenes would be, it would bee the "Triplets" scene which part two includes. Ann Miller's dancing among the musical instruments in SMALL TOWN GIRL makes the first film but the effervescent scene where Bobby Vann believes he's headed to stardom and hops his way through the town makes part two and if you're a fan of the MGM musical, this stuff is great.

One of the potential drawbacks of this film, at least today, is the Fred Astaire/Gene Kelley narration and dance collaboration. Today it's kind of hokey and distracting, but I'm sure when it was released, their loyal fans probably thought it was great to see them again, and even if it is a bit overdone at times, it's evident how much they loved being song and dance men and how much they did contribute to film in general.

Now if someone from MGM (or Warner Home Video) is reading this, I'd like to make a suggestion. In the overture an excerpt from LILI ("Hi-Lili Hi-Lo") can be heard. We also become nostalgic for SMALL TOWN GIRL and it makes me wonder whether or not it's time for MGM to look at some of the classics included in all the THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT series and do some re-releasing in DVD. I'm sure amny film buffs would appreciate it.

I found this movie to be great! The 'That's Entertainment' series get better by each movie. They have unique clips in them that are just as good as buying the different tapes because they show the best of the best! I would recommend this to anyone!