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revrew · 04-01-2020, 11:56 AM

The Court Jester - 8/10

Speaking of oldies, watched this one again last night with my kiddos (including my 21-year-old son, for whom it is his favorite film). My 7-year-old was rolling on the floor he was laughing so hard.

Now, it's an old-school musical comedy, so it's cheesy as all heck, and the "special effects" are laughable all by themselves, they're so bad. But for those who know and appreciate Danny Kaye, this may be his most complete performance. He has at his disposal his wide-grinned, goofball humor and his quick-tongued rapid-fire lyrics that made him famous, but also his soulful beautiful voice on the ballads and a suave, swashbuckling, leading man persona that he developed later. This was not the best script he had to work with ("Walter Mitty" might qualify there), nor his best film ("White Christmas" - duh), but it may be his best performance.

Plus, it's hilarious. From the opening credits to the epic sword fight at the end, it's Danny Kaye at his best. Only reason I give it a 8 instead of a higher score is that it is very, very aged. Don't make this an introductory foray into old movies - way too cornball for that.

04-01-2020, 11:56 AM	#7142
revrew Team Chaplain Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Just outside Des Moines, IA	The Court Jester - 8/10 Speaking of oldies, watched this one again last night with my kiddos (including my 21-year-old son, for whom it is his favorite film). My 7-year-old was rolling on the floor he was laughing so hard. Now, it's an old-school musical comedy, so it's cheesy as all heck, and the "special effects" are laughable all by themselves, they're so bad. But for those who know and appreciate Danny Kaye, this may be his most complete performance. He has at his disposal his wide-grinned, goofball humor and his quick-tongued rapid-fire lyrics that made him famous, but also his soulful beautiful voice on the ballads and a suave, swashbuckling, leading man persona that he developed later. This was not the best script he had to work with ("Walter Mitty" might qualify there), nor his best film ("White Christmas" - duh), but it may be his best performance. Plus, it's hilarious. From the opening credits to the epic sword fight at the end, it's Danny Kaye at his best. Only reason I give it a 8 instead of a higher score is that it is very, very aged. Don't make this an introductory foray into old movies - way too cornball for that. __________________ Winner of 6 FOFC Scribe Awards, including 3 Gold Scribes Founder of the ZFL, 2004 Golden Scribe Dynasty of the Year Now bringing The Des Moines Dragons back to life, and the joke's on YOU, NFL! I came to the Crossroad. I took it. And that has made all the difference.