Stormy Weather (1943) Review

 

Yesterday night I watched Stormy Weather (1943) and put it simply, it was absoutely fantastic from start to finish. I decided myself to review the film.

This film was one of two musicals released with an All-African American cast, the other being Cabin In The Sky (1943). This was such a great decision to be made, because I'm all for talents in different racial groups. I loved almost everything in this film, I can thank this movie for introducing me to such marvelous people. I really loved Lena Horne a.k.a Selena's singing, it sounded so heavenly. I also admired Bill Robinson's tap-dancing. The dialogue and interactions are also really great too, they feel like real interactions and it just makes it all the more fun. 

While there isn't too much storyline, it makes up for it's great musical numbers and acting alone, so why need a deep narrative? There was alot of moments I could recall that were enjoyable, I love Cab Calloway and Fats Waller and never saw them interacting before, I really liked it. Jumpin Jive was also in this movie and still continues to be my favorite songs, alongside Waller's excellent performance with his song Ain't Misbehavin'. I also liked the soothing calmness and sudden intensity of the Stormy Weather song. 

All the other songs were just great, a few I actually moved along to, Diga Diga Doo in particular is too good. There was one weak spot I didn't love from this film and that was that one minstrel show act where their car was busted, didn't felt entertaining to me, but at least it was short so I didn't complain too much. 

The final bits of the film were easily the best moments because it's mostly Cab Calloway and his geniuely cool style, the zoot suit bit was like nothing I ever seen in other performances, and his singing is powerful to the extent. I could listen to him sing and scat all day and never get sick of it. For being a black and white film the house in the Ain't That Something sequence looks gorgeous. 

It ends with everyone joining along and dancing, this has got to be the most exaggerated way to end a movie I ever seen. 

So, that's my final thoughts on Stormy Weather, this was a magnificent work of art, a true virtuoso, a real gem of talent. I'm easily giving this a 10/10. Movies like this are important to me, they're really easy to appreciate with it's good vibes and spirited energy, these are films I enjoy the most and this movie is a perfect example of that. 

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Conej Steps Out Review

This is what I'm talking about, we're getting praise for classic animation more than ever. We have Cat Burglar, The New Looney Tunes Movie and now this.

When this was released on YouTube this month, I needed to watch it. It has simple designed characters and it was a short film.

First of all, I love the designs. They got their own model sheets. We even get a description of the character's personality.

See my characters, these are model sheets of the upcoming Artmania shorts I'm planning to make. 

I know I'm not forcing everyone to animate in this style, but it's really rare to see anyone paying homage to old cartoons nowadays. It's the best. 

These are all expressive and well-drawn. Also noting Conej has a love interest, wonder how that'll be.

Now, let's get into the actual cartoon, this is all spoken in Spanish, which kinda disappointed me, but there was subtitles so that was a relief. 

Off to a good start, I'm starting love how rubbery and playful the animation is. We get a MGM parody. Love it.

The title card is also inspired by classic cartoons, with the amount of characters it's got. 

The duck looks like Daffy.

It reminds me of those rare color rhapsody cartoons. 

 

Those realistic titles in the old cartoons are my favorites mostly because of how sweet, and elegant they look.

So far this cartoon has been treating me unexpectedly. There is so much vibrant and pleasing colors and the fact that this is on 4:3 aspect ratio really makes me happy.

As a fan of The Marx Brothers this reference slaps.

My Overall Thoughts

As far as story goes, it's alright, I guess, didn't think it was that special, but I did admire alot of the spirited energy in this, it has some decent music, and I'll admit it some of the voices were kinda funny. 

With most animated shorts today, everything has to be either sad or dramatic or a character talking worthless garbage. 

This cartoon was in fact, good.

The talents who made this knew their audience. No over-saturated colors, barely stiff animation, it's all just good fun and is coherent, which is all what I need in entertainment.

My Rating

I'll give this an 8.5/10. While there was some parts I didn't like, almost everything was absolutely enjoyable, the hard work and homage this cartoon pays tribute for is one of the best decisions in modern animation history. 

I'm doing it too.

In a more Preston Blair fashion.

I'm planning to animate in this sorta style.

I'm glad to see animation like this come back. Characters like Droopy, Bugs Bunny, and Mighty Mouse are timeless because their cartoons are well-drawn and straightforward making it easier to track your time by watching something your willing to enjoy.