Sunday School Musical

So I finally saw Sunday School Musical. It's so-so but it's a little endearing. It was also full of lulz and disappointment. I think the movie focused on solo singing, or duets and paid less attention to choreography. It didn't seem so much like a musical at all except for this part where Savannah and Miles were bickering about not being boss of each other. To me, that was the highlight of the whole film and it could have been the benchmark to the quality of production numbers they performed. Savannah and Miles had exaggerated dance moves and big movements, were walking and prancing around  to maximize the set and props, and had chemistry. That was what I was waiting for, you know, to get that musical feel from it, and it just happened in the middle of film. Afterwards, it went stagnant again. The characters did not also break into song so much "in real life". I felt it lacking that the people around the kids do not participate in the singing and dancing at all like it's normal.

The lead character Zachary, as set up in the beginning, is talented. He can sing and dance, that's for sure, but I thought it wasn't enough. If anything, I thought it was Miles who was the best and most fitting character in the movie, not Zachary. That bitch Aundrea was even all talk and singing, blah. You'd think Savannah should have been the bland one, right?

Camera angles were lacking and misguided, except in Savannah and Miles' performance. For the sake of argument, let's just forget that scene for a while like it isn't part of the movie. I mean, come on, those much needed camera angles could have made Zachary and Savannah's friendship awkward when Zachary got an B- in an exam and Savannah hugged him. But what happened, we could only see Savannah's back. We couldn't see her squirm or what. She also had her back turned when she immediately picked up her books and went on to her class. I can't say it was the fault of blocking because damn, the camera's in the wrong place, that's what!

The music was alright, only if it were a singing movie, you know. I really expected music that reverberates and with lots of harmony and percussion in mind since it's choir music. More along the lines of tribal and rhythmic music and Sister Act. That kind of thing (no racist intent or what, are you crazy). I just thought that the music should have been more inviting, like hey, worship could be fun but touching, not that cheesy. Cheese is unavoidable, fact. Little cheese is ok. Cheese sauce makes you want to gag.

The movie had a slight Seventh Heaven feel to it, only we couldn't find a "perfect" family in it. I actually enjoyed Zachary's family sitting together at dinner, holding hands to say grace. I miss praying before eating. I think it makes you more appreciative of what you have been given if you thank for your blessings like food. I also liked the part where his father comes home from the military. LOL I kind of teared up because my own father has been away from home for a couple of days already and I miss him.

The bubble anecdote was ridiculous, but when Savannah remembered it and blew a bubblegum before the contest, it made me go "aww." Something about it was nice, I just can't explain it. Maybe because it was simple but gets the point across.

Overall, this project had huuuuuuge potential but it was poorly executed. Like I said, the bickering scene was the highlight of the movie. They could have been more consistent and taken more time to choreograph the dance moves. It doesn't really give off that feel of theatre which I was really looking forward to. I don't think budget was the problem. A lot of theatre groups lack funding but they can produce a high quality production because they're a creative a lot. I think the movie lacks inspiration. They were supposed to "imitate" High School Musical or even a 1/10th of it, then at least make an effort in the production numbers. Sigh.

Anyway, you can watch the shitfest online. Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3  | Full movie . Have fun. Or not.

/edit: Those green robes they are wearing in the poster? They didn't even wear them in the movie.

tags: sunday  school  musical  worship  musicale  

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