Perfect Harmony (1991)

A Brilliant Conflict

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

Nice TV movie I first saw in high school, about (summary thanks to an IMDb member), a new choirmaster who tries to reduce some of the prejudice and hostility of some of the students. Paul, a bully who feels he should be lead choir person, is the villain who torments a newcomer. However, fellow student Taylor Bradshaw is impressed by the music of newcomer Landy, the grandson of Zeke, the school caretaker. Zeke joins in some of the activities of the black community known as River Town. Sanders is also impressed by Landy's abilities and attempts to get him involved with the choir. It's a good movie that gives the message of friendship, acceptance and courage, and it also gives a message about prejudice and overcoming adversity. Overall, not a masterpiece due to somewhat plot, but it's a nice film for everyone nonetheless.Grade B-

The song goes that I'd love to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony. Unfortunately, in the area of racism and segregation, perfect harmony has yet to be achieved.This film takes place in a South Carolina elite private school for boys in 1959, when segregation was the in-thing down south. The school supposedly prepares boys to take their place in the world-a world where they will continue to practice segregation.The best performance in the film is given by Darren McGavin, the headmaster, who epitomizes the old southern tradition of bigotry. His daughter conveys an absolutely phony southern accent and her attempt to emulate Scarlett O'Hara is outlandish at best.You would certainly think that the conflict between the new choirmaster and McGavin would come to the front due to the former's liberal ideas but this really doesn't happen. By the way, who was that brat of a young Klansman who attacks our white hero, Taylor, so viciously? We never find this out.The film also deals with the coming friendship of Taylor and a black child, an orphaned grandson of the handyman, played nicely by the usually reliable Moses Gunn. Miscast in the film is Cleavon Little, as the town preacher. His call for justice is made in a voice that sounds too familiar from "Blazing Saddles" in 1974.It has to be said that the boys exhibit beautiful choir singing.Paul, the promising student, is consumed by hatred. We see his typical rebelliousness due to being insecure, parents who never come to visit and his trend to sneaking a smoke in private areas.The film should be praised for its attempt to wipe out bigotry. Unfortunately, this problem is too big to be conveyed in 1:33 minutes.

I've loved this movie since I was a kid and saw it for the first time.I'd watch it every day, then sing myself to sleep with the songs I learned from it, whether they were in English or Latin (jibberish when I'd sing them). This is a great movie for musicians, a great movie to take to school, full of awesome music and lots of eye-openers. Music is as prominent a character as Taylor and Landy in this movie and the different types of music and where they are played in the movie represent the issue of racism, but not as directly as the storyline in the movie. Most people who watch it with friends will tear it apart because it's a little predictable and there are some cheesy parts, but those are inevitable in any movie. Watch it and you'll end up loving it too. It's not a waste of your time, just watch it and you won't regret it.

Honestly I started watching this film with the attitude that the cheese was just going to squeeze out of my VCR, but I would get out some good laughs. But much to my suprise the movie is well written and very believable. Justin Whalin (D&D and Lois and Clark) gives the best performance. The music is really for those who appreciate all forms of music, otherwise...you probably will laugh. All in all this is definately one for the family, with good acting and a heartwarming story.