Wow...was I disappointed. I saw "Funny Girl" just a few weeks ago and really liked it--even though the story often bore little resemblance to the real-life Fanny Brice. I scored that film a 9. Here, once again, the true story takes a back seat but unlike the first time, this one just isn't fun. It's depressing, unnecessary and much of the music really isn't enjoyable because instead of integrating it into the film naturally, it looks more like they had Barbra Streisand do a concert and just shove these songs into the film. Also, instead of being cute and innocent, often the film is crude and unlikable. It's a shame, as SOME of the music is quite nice and there are a few moments that shine. But too often the film is flat and unappealing due to a lackluster script and indifferent direction. In my opinion, it's purely for Streisand fans who are not particularly demanding.
They could have improved the film by: cutting several of the songs, at least TRYING to get her relationship with Billy Rose right (there WAS no happy ending like they implied at the end), cut out the coarse language (it makes the characters much more unlikable) and make Fanny Brice not look so pathetic. All in all, a sad waste of talent.
They could have improved the film by: cutting several of the songs, at least TRYING to get her relationship with Billy Rose right (there WAS no happy ending like they implied at the end), cut out the coarse language (it makes the characters much more unlikable) and make Fanny Brice not look so pathetic. All in all, a sad waste of talent.