#90: The Jazz Singer (1927)

Starring: Al Jolson
Director: Alan Crosland
IMDB

Emily says:
I completely understand why this movie is on the list: it was one of the first to feature synchronized sound.  And I think that is about the best reason for it to be on the list.

The relationship between the main character and his mother is somewhat creepy, and the acting is over the top.  When the singing comes along, more than being wowed by the technology, you're a little creeped out by how he's singing to his mom.

Paul says:
This is a very interesting entry on this list. This is one of the very first films to feature synchronized sound, which it only has in a couple scenes. (honestly, it's a little creepy when it does) The plot is relatively formulaic, with the main character being the son of a Jewish Rabbi whose destiny is to become the cantor at the local synagogue, but all he wants to do is sing jazz. The actors are decidedly silent-era and overacting is rampant. In particular the mother tries so hard to look earnest that I'm worried she's gonna pull a facial muscle. The music is pretty good, and the end is touching. (inevitably the father falls ill before the most important holiday of the year, the son returns home and takes up the mantle he's abandoned, forsaking his career) I can see why this movie is on this list, and it's not because it's a great movie (although it's not bad), but it does represent a landmark in cinematic history and that's gotta count for something.

Rating: 6.5/10