Judy: A Spectacular Performer

Rating: 6.5/10

With an incredible performance by Renée Zellweger, Judy, though lacking direction, is an engrossing movie that showcases not only the talent of Judy Garland but the disturbing demands of the entertainment industry.

Highlights

• Zellweger perfectly emulates Garland

• The flashbacks provide a deeper understanding of Garland

• The costumes and set feel like the sixties

Lowlights

• Very sad (not necessarily bad, but be prepared)

• The plot lacked direction

• Should have had more backstory

Judy will make you reconsider what you think you know about Garland and other celebrities. Though the plot seemed to lead nowhere, the film was engrossing. I enjoyed the flashbacks with the young Garland from the Wizard of Oz, though I wish there had been more. All that Garland went through, both as a young and older woman, shows the incredible price of beauty and fame as mandated by the materialistic entertainment industry. The intense lifestyle she was forced to adopt shows the extent to which she had to act, constantly putting on a brave face even when she was struggling. Judy will change how you look at entertainers and reveal the horror behind what often seems to be an easy and fun life.

Did you watch the movie? Do you want more? Check out Judy Garland on Judy Garland: Interviews and Encounters, put together by Randy L. Schmidt. Though Garland passed away before her autobiography could be published, this book contains what snippets she wrote.

Watch the trailer!