If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

We've been fans of MGM musicals for many years, but somehow we never got around to watching this. I'm afraid we were left wondering what went wrong, as it is a long way from MGM's best. The first half hour contains a far-too-long (and not very good) dance sequence and a lot of poor dialogue. Then the film sinks into a rather sour flavour and the second-rate song and dance routines do little to lift the mood. The stand-out segment (sadly much too short) is Kelly's 'I like Myself' on roller skates, which is a classic warm & happy MGM number with glorious, flowing music and lush orchestration. There is a happy ending, but not before a rather depressing TV show scene. I think this story would have been far better as a non-musical drama, as the bitter taste and social comment does not lend itself to the classic MGM musical style. It pains me to give MGM such a low score, but it's a 4 from me.

The age of the big MGM musical production was beginning to wind down by the time this film was made. It has more story to it than most MGM musicals, revolving around three G.I. buddies and their vow in 1945 to meet in a particular bar ten years later. They all keep their word and keep the date, but each is vastly disappointed in how the other two have turned out and initially have nothing much to say to each other. There's some interesting commentary here on life in the 50's and in particular the early days of TV and advertising's place in it. Gene Kelly is entertaining as always, but I was really surprised by Dan Dailey's talent as the ad executive that comes to a startling self-realization at an inopportune time and does quite a performance dancing and singing about his plight.This film was a product of the famed Arthur Freed unit, which made many lavish musicals in their time. Its fate parallels the fate of this film, due to the managerial chaos at MGM and changing audience tastes. Betty Comden of the Arthur Freed unit said that the staff was accustomed to seeing their musicals open at the best movie theaters, and were surprised when "It's Always Fair Weather" opened at numerous drive-ins! That's when they knew they were nearing the end of an era.

When I first watched "It's always fair weather" I expected it to be another 1950's typical Hollywood musical, and in some sense I was correct. Not being musically gifted myself, I find it hard to sit through an hour watching someone else sing, if I wanted that I would go to the opera. I don't mind musicals such as The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, or Charlie and the Chocolate factory, since I've never had the chance or the inclination to watch "Singing in the Rain" I really can't compare performances. In the movie, three soldiers returning from World War II, promise to meet up in their favorite bar, ten years down the road. Ignoring the bartenders scoffs, that they will never remember, they make a pact… each vowing to return with their dreams played out. Ten years pass, and the waited day arrives, only one of the three seems to have remembered, the other two through a series of luck, happen to be in the city that exact day, and head to the bar. It seems to me that the one who purposely came back, may have remembered because he wanted to show his two friends, that he, in his simple married life, has everything he ever dreamed of. His two friends, who had forgotten about the meeting, may have subliminally been making the decision not to show up, since their life was not the way they had hoped it would be ten years ago. The show also seems to project the fear that Hollywood had of television in the early half of the twentieth century, portraying the television show (on which the friends are going to be reunited) as a frivolous show, headed by a bunch of money/publicity hungry people. Quite like Hollywood at the same time, if truth be told. This portrayal shows how Hollywood felt threatened by the emergence of television and television show.

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.