Wordiezett So much average

Senteur As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

Siflutter It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

Derry Herrera Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

rosscinema This fun little movie has many young singers performing in various scenes and as enjoyable as that is, it's the (all too brief) role of Joy Harmon that makes this film worth watching. What a body! Even though Joy wears a long dress it's still easy to see what a tremendous figure she had. Of course, later in her career viewers could get a better look in films like Village of the Giants and Cool Hand Luke. Everyday I wish that selfish husband of hers (Jeff Gourson of Adam Sandler's production company) would have not convinced her to quit acting. What a shame! Anyway, everyone enjoy this little film and I promise you won't forget Miss Harmon's unforgettable presence.

edagnew Other reviewers have discussed the music in detail. I would only like to say that there is great swing dancing in this movie. Especially the couple in the center of the screen. Some of their moves were astounding. From today's viewpoint it is ironic that some of the best examples of swing dancing on film is in these late 1950's rock in roll movies. At that time, however, many people thought rock was a new version of swing. About four years later rock went off in another direction, eliminating the saxophone and partner dancing. This, of course, eventually led to a rebellion against rock from 1995 to the present by many people who like to dance with a partner.

rusher-7 A very curious movie. Someone must have made LaRosa and Phyllis Newman an offer they couldn't refuse. Anyone familiar with Julius LaRosa or Phyllis Newman knows that neither was ever an exponent of Rock 'N' Roll, and despite this movie's ending, never did Julie or Phyllis experience such an "epiphany" in their own careers. Ironically, and despite this movie's premise of R&R supplanting MOR (middle-of-the-road) LaRosa's career continues to thrive to this day, long after the vast majority of the R&R artists of the time are either dead or forgotten (or both). The premise that the major labels had set about abandoning MOR artists in favor of R&R during this time is not true at all. In fact, it was 'payola', and the impending scandal over it, that had sustained R&R during this period, and which nearly resulted in R&R's demise upon its revelation, even as MOR artists such as Sinatra, Martin, Como, Doris Day, Peggy Lee, and many others, continued to thrive. It wasn't until the British Invasion of the mid-sixties, which coincided with the "Howdy Doody Generation"'s coming of age, that the major labels, and many radio stations, finally abandoned MOR, thus signaling the beginning of the long downward spiral in pop music culture that continues to this day.

JoeKarlosi Julius LaRosa portrays Tommy Adane, an acclaimed singer of ballads whose popularity has passed with the recent rock and roll craze. His manager (Conrad Janis) desperately tries to get his career recharged by having the apprehensive Tommy give in and record some rock music. The first question I have is: if this is a movie that's promoting the new rock and roll music, why do we have to suffer through a few of LaRosa's schmaltzy ballads? Anyway -- there's still the famous "Short Shorts" song, one tune from Paul Anka, some cool stuff by Roy Hamilton, and the choice moment of the film where Danny and the Juniors perform their classic hit, "At the Hop". I also liked some nice shots of New York's Central Park in the '50s. **1/2 out of ****