Newsies

In the early 20th century the labor unions began to take over and there was a publishing war between the newspaper barons, and when the newpapers decide to make up some of their profits by taking money away from the already struggling newsies the kids get inspired and decide to fight back.

Newsies is a fan favorite, uplifting, musical starring a very young Christian Bale in the main role. In concept this film is quite odd – teens being forced to work before child labor laws were in place, newspaper barons, trolley strikes, fancy foot work and show tunes; yet, Newsies works because it completely commits to what it is and never flounders for a second.

While Newsies is silly at points, and definitely hurries some plot points along like any show stopping musical, it is full of a great set of characters that make the film memorable, and songs that drive the point home without being stuck in your head for days afterward.

What is perhaps most jarring to me about Newsies is the realization that Christian Bale’s early career was more than just Empire of the Sun - Bale was a full fledged child actor that has managed to morph into one of the biggest stars today. I can only hope that Bale will continue acting for many years to come so that the audience can continue to watch his progress through the silver screen and see what Bale will be like when he is the next Sean Connery.

Director: Kenny Ortega
Writers: Bob Tzudiker & Noni White
Jack Kelly: Christian Bale
David Jacobs: David Moscow
Denton: Bill Pullman
Pulitzer: Robert Duvall

Jack Kelly: You only took 20 papes; why?
David Jacobs: It's a bad headline.
Jack Kelly: Well, dat's da foist thing ya gotta learn - headlines don't sell papes. Newsies sell papes.