Bye Bye Birdie (1995)

Review by All Movie Guide
Television adaptations of Broadway musicals received a brief revival of sorts in the 1990s, led by the Bette Midler version of Gypsy. Although their quality varied, most were notable for being very faithful adaptations. The 1995 Bye Bye Birdie is no exception. Three new (and not very good) songs were added, and a few lyrics were changed here and there, but for the most part this version preserves the stage script and score intact. And that's one of the problems. On-stage, the musical zooms by; onscreen, it's less consistently zippy, perking up every so often (especially when Vanessa L. Williams is singing or dancing) and then trudging along for a while (often during production numbers that go on too long). Another problem is that director Gene Saks often uses the material to comment upon the 1950s or 1960s in general rather than on the specific subjects being satirized -- a perspective that robs the material of much of its heart. That said, the production does benefit from a generally strong cast. Williams is an absolute knockout, whirling through a shriner's ballet and spitting out "What Did I Ever See in Him" with delectable gusto. Jason Alexander is not a perfect Albert -- his charm and sincerity are forced rather than natural -- but he sounds good and is well paired with Williams. Chynna Phillips is a disappointing Kim, but the rest of the supporting cast is solid. Overlong and occasionally pokey, this Bye Bye Birdie still entertains. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide