'It's Always Fair Weather' had so much potential from the get go, with the amount of talent involved. And on the most part, while all have done better it lives up to it.There are better musicals generally out there than 'It's Always Fair Weather', and outside the dance sequences and dancing it's somewhat of an uneven film. However, it does boast some of the best choreography and dance sequences in film musical history, and they are the film's main attraction. Despite its faults though, 'It's Always Fair Weather' is enjoyable as an overall film too.Not perfect by all means. The script has many great moments of a witty satirical edge and remarkably dark cynicism unusual in musicals at that time, but some of it is sappy to the point of making the toes curl and occasionally it's ponderous. Pacing also slackens in scenes where dancing isn't featured, and the more upbeat, slapsticky ending with the fist-fight is overdone and silly, also not quite fitting with the tone of the rest of the film and it isn't as funny as it should have been. Michael Kidd is underused, and comes over as a bit bland.From a more subjective point of view as well, Cyd Charisse did deserve more than just one dance, that is superbly choreographed and one of the film's highlights but too short, and she and Gene Kelly were seriously robbed of a dance duet together, as they were a fantastic partnership which should have been more obvious here. Both instances were featured in outtakes, and to be honest the film would have been even better if they remained intact and were included.However, it is dazzlingly filmed in CinemaScope and costumes and sets are very lavish. While there isn't a hit or timeless classic among the songs, they are still very pleasant to listen to and there isn't a bad egg among them at the same time. Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly direct with an assured touch and avoid being too overblown or heavy, while the clever and sardonic satirical wit, in its poking fun at television, advertising and sports, contrasts well with the darker and more cynical edge 'It's Always Fair Weather' has.Kidd aside, the cast are great, Kelly is charismatic, Dan Daily shines in his scene-stealing drunk dance, Cyd Charisse dazzles with her dancing (and legs) and Delores Gray is a sheer delight with the best singing voice out of everybody.What really captivates here, as aforementioned, are the dance sequences and the dancing. Kelly's roller skate dance in "I Like Myself" has been described as his last truly great solo dance number and it is easy to understand why, he makes something that is so difficult to do, almost impossible, and intimidating, look so easy and while the dance is closely indebted to the routine in 'Shall We Dance' Kelly's is perhaps done with more abandon and more daring. The number with the bin lids is also incredibly clever, while "Baby You Knock Me Out" and "Thanks a Lot But No Thanks" showcase Charisse and Gray's talents to show-stopping effect.In conclusion, a good if uneven film worth seeing for the spectacular dance scenes. 7/10 Bethany Cox

This film was definitely a feast for the eyes. I loved the dance sequences, who does not like a good Chyd Charisse dance? I also loved the roller-skating number. I am a big fan of movies like "Singin' In the Rain" but to be honest, I had never heard of this film until I had to see it for a film class. This movies differs from those classic musicals though. In "It's Always Fair Weather" the three main characters are always drinking and smoking. This is a sign of the times but I can see why it would not be considered wholesome fun. Also, it is such a bittersweet musical while others are more of a classic, "tie it all in a bow" ending. I think this might have hurt its ability to become a classic. The music was alright, nothing extremely unique but definitely still enjoyable to watch. I did some research and it seems that "It's Always Fair Weather" premiered towards the end of the musical era. So I think it is fair to say that if you are a fan of this genre, it is a must see. Gene Kelly is fabulous as always, I am sad that we do not have talents like him anymore. I also wish this phase of Hollywood cinema would come back! It is such fun to watch. In conclusion, if you are expecting a completely happy musical, you may want to reconsider. These friends realize just how much they have grown apart which is a bittersweet truth for everyone. However, I would see it for Gene Kelly alone as well as the fabulous dancing by the other actors.

It's Always Fair Weather is kind of a cheesy film. I wasn't much of a fan of it just because it was so absurd. I mean the whole first scene where they have just returned from the army and all of a sudden they break out in song and eventually they are tap dancing with trash can lids. And given this is supposed to be a musical, I get that, but at least make the musical somewhat realistic. Don't have the characters just returning from war break out into some cheerful song. War has the exact opposite effect on people, most people are psychologically disturbed from the events that have occurred during their time. I know they are happy to be home, but I do not think anybody is that happy on any regular day. Probably the most significant thing about this film is the fact that, at the time, the film industry was trying to fight it's battle with television. With televisions in homes all over America, the film industry was losing business, because all the citizens had to do was wait until the film was broadcast on television to actually see the films. Nobody wanted to pay money to go to the theater to see a film. So the film industry responded by creating the anamorphic widescreen picture, which could only be shown in the movie theaters and on a big screen, it would cut off part of the picture if it was shown on a television. This sort of revolutionized the way films were made. Filmmakers were able to bring more elements that might be vital to the artwork of the film into the picture. And while the overall story of this film is unbelievable and jut not very good. I think the way the film was shot and how they were able to bring tons of people into one scene really spoke a lot about the revolution of the film industry.

Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen's It's Always Fair Weather is a musical unlike any other. This film contains not just comedy, but drama as well in this musical. This film was a hilarious, but at certain points in the film they have serious moments to make it that this movie isn't all comedy and no plot. This film is about three GI's who go to a bar to celebrate that they are done with serving in the military and it will be their last day together. At the bar they make a bet with the bar tender that in ten years they will meet at this same bar and still be best of friends. Ten years come and the GIs meet once again, but to find out how there lives have completely changed and that time apart had them to talking about their life after the war, but they all seemed to irritate one another, and problems grow and grow and throughout the movie they end up on a show that showed the people about their bet and all three of them end up fighting against the mob who fixes boxing matches, goes on and they then realized why they were best friends and go on to be best friends again and go celebrate at the bar from the beginning. This movie was directed as well as choreographed very nice, all the dances and songs were perfect for each other. This movie was very enjoyable to me and if you like musicals that include bar fights this may be a good choice for you to watch. Because this films both has a lot of fun for the whole family to watch. Overall this movie was enjoyable to watch, and it honestly couldn't have been much better than it already is.