Having seen the original Broadway play (with my parents when I was about 14 . . . and to this day), Dick Gautier "was" Conrad Birdie! This guy . . . and the one they had play him in the movie . . . don't get it . . . and neither did the casting directors.And, whoever played the Chita Rivera part . . . she's fine but flat.Jason Alexander is OK but . . . Paul Lynde was superb in the stage version . . . and so many others. Don't feel like researching it . . . need to type enough lines for this to get posted . . . and, if it doesn't . . . oh well.Nice try.

Why? Because for one reason, there has never been a more adorable scene in any film than Ann Margret singing "Bye Bye Birdie" at the opening. She reprises it again at the ending, too (in a different mood!). Both wonderful. Rent it and see. Even if that's all of it that you watch. You'll agree, I'm sure.Everything about the original was so excellent it just didn't need a remake, sorry! Jason and Vanessa gave commendable performances, as well as Tyne and Chynna. In fact, all the actors and singers in this new version were giving their 'all,' but it's like trying to improve on "Casablanca" -- it just can't be done! It's even annoying finding yourself comparing the two mentally as you try to appreciate the remake, and it just falls short, through no fault of the actors.

I just recently bought the DVD of the original Bye Bye Birdie with Ann-Margret and Dick Van Dyke. Then I noticed the horrible casting of the 1995 version!! Let's face it. I'm Jewish but this is another movie where white Anglo Saxon Protestants should rule! Dick Van Dyke is a charming man. Even more so in his recent Diagnosis: Murder and Murder 101 series. (No, I am not gay.) The guy from Seinfeld was better in the chicken commercials. He's fine but he cannot replace Dick Van Dyke. And I seriously doubt whether anyone can replace the vivacious lovely Ann-Margret! Many people liked Paul Lynde but a heavy overweight guy like George Wendt does not so service to this series> Bad things about this musical: too much cariacature of "Birdie." He was so one-dimensional and only one weird song! Overplayed also is the stereotypical Jewish mother of Maureen Stapleton. I preferred seeing a stronger more present "Birdie!"And the ending where he's hit by the boyfriend does bother me!!

Saw this as previous viewer by accident, I have watched it twice now. I thoroughly enjoyed it, no silly thought provoking messages just plain good fun entertainment, good songs, good characters and a just a feel good film Highly recommended to those of us that just like to enjoy films and not dissect them Great Fun for all the family here. I didn't realise Rosie Alvarez is played by Vanessa Williams, she is excellent and very sultry. The songs like One Boy and One last Kiss are really enjoyable to listen to and to tap your feet to Jason Alexander is the complete contrast to his character in Pretty Woman ans is very good. Tyne Daley still sticks in my mind from Cagney and Lacey and her voice and accent still had that remembrance in it. Overall I just loved it and will be looking to purchase it if it is available