GamerTab That was an excellent one.

Phonearl Good start, but then it gets ruined

Erica Derrick By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Maleeha Vincent It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

HotToastyRag The beloved Cole Porter stage musical was adapted to the screen in 1953, starring Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson, the dynamite duo who won audience's hearts in Showboat two years prior. I don't know how it's possible, but the finished result of Kiss Me Kate is terrible. It's so bad, I didn't buy a copy to keep on my musical film shelf, which boasts over twenty classics.Kathryn Grayson, normally beautiful, endearing, and possessing a gorgeous soprano voice, is extremely disappointing. She wears a terribly unflattering wig, and the hair color and style make audiences forget how pretty she is. She tries to belt "I Hate Men" and it just doesn't work. Ann Miller takes the second lead and absolutely ruins the part. Kiss Me Kate is a musical adaptation of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, and the part of Bianca is normally sweet, adorable, and irresistible. I've never liked Ann Miller; her conceit and dance style always rubbed me the wrong way. She turns Bianca into an arrogant, stage-hogging character with extended dance sequences that bore the audience to tears. However, if you feel differently about Ann Miller, you'll obviously feel differently about what she does to the role.The good news is there's nothing wrong with Howard Keel's performance. As you can imagine, he's wonderful in the role of Fred. Fred has to be larger than life, just as much an actor onstage as he is off; he's charming, boisterous, and it doesn't hurt if he's handsome. Howard Keel earns his title as the king of musicals, giving all the elements of a wonderful performance despite his lackluster costars. His timing is impeccable, and he sells a song with his expressions as well as his beautiful voice.If you can find a taped version of a live production of Kiss Me Kate-there are several out there-you can give one of those a try for a better rendition. It really is a cute musical, but the 1953 film doesn't showcase it properly. I'm a bit biased, though. I've seen tapes of my mom playing both the Kathryn Grayson and Ann Miller roles onstage; it's no wonder I was so critical of the film's leading ladies. I know what it looks like when it's done properly!

efisch I've always thought this was a great musical and saw it in 3D over 30 years ago. In 2D it was great--in 3D it's a wonder. Now that it is available on DVD in 3D it is a must. I bought my 3D TV 5 years ago hoping they would release this film in 3D. It here and it's great-- probably the best movie ever made in 3D. The depth of 3D is amazing, the film frame just disappears in the 1:75 DVD release (there is no picture loss in widescreen), and the print that is used is flawless-- even better than the 2D version that accompanies it. Fabulous stereo sound that sounds like it was recorded yesterday. A brilliant musical with great performances in a adaptation that is even better than the stage show. Trivia--Kathryn Grayson's red wig in the Kate sequences looks exactly like the wig worn by Eleanor Parker in "Scaramouche" from earlier in 1953.

yawnmower1 Kiss Me Kate may be the greatest musical on film. Certainly, the dancing has never been equaled.The songs by Cole Porter are classic, of course, and the orchestral arrangements are glorious. The book and lyrics cannot be topped. That's a good start.But the cast makes this a shining gem. Howard Keel is handsome, debonair, and mischievous. Kathryn Grayson is at her most beautiful and in perfect voice. They have their usual wonderful chemistry.But, for me, it is the dancing that shines brightest. The choreography is stunning -- much of it done by the dancers themselves (Bob Fosse, Bobby Van, Tommy Rall) because of their specific abilities. They are exuberant, athletic, and artistic. Combine them with the extraordinary Ann Miller and you have the greatest dance team ever born. The producers saw what they had and devised special numbers just to highlight the talents of this amazing group of dancers.The pacing is fast and furious. The music is classic. The ensemble is great and they seem to be having the time of their lives.

TheLittleSongbird Seriously, Kiss Me Kate is a truly splendid movie. My only complaint is that there are one or two slow scenes in the middle half. People might say it just lacks the energy and pizazz of a musical like Singin' In the Rain, maybe so. Singin' In the Rain is one of those wonderful, energetic and irresistible films. But Kiss Me Kate sparkles in a truly delightful and somewhat unique way, not only in the production values but in its performances, music and choreography.The film looks absolutely fabulous. The cinematography is fluid, the sets colourful and the costumes lavish. Director George Sidney is right at home here, and makes splendid use of his stars by using cleverly disguised long takes. The music and songs by Cole Porter is outstanding, from a musical AND choreographic point of view Too Darn Hot and Brush Up Your Shakespeare have always stood out for me. The plot reads of a musical version of Taming of the Shrew, and is very effective.The choreography is energetic and never pedestrian. And the performances are wonderful. I can never get enough of Howard Keel, he just has a charming screen persona and a beautiful singing voice. Here, as Fred he has rarely been better. As Lisa, Kathryn Grayson looks stunning and acts "difficult" perfectly. Comic gangsters James Whitmore and Keenan Wynn are also great in the saucy waltz Brush Up Your Shakespeare, but with Too Darn Hot it is Ann Miller who steals the show. All in all, splendid. 9/10 Bethany Cox