Ready, Willing and Able: A Lot of Tapping, Not Much Else

Is this thing worth a watch?

If you have a soft spot for 1930s musicals where everyone talks in a slightly weird, clipped way, you’ll probably have a decent time. If you need a plot that makes sense or characters who don’t act like they’ve had five cups of coffee before every scene, skip it. It’s basically a series of excuses to get to the dance numbers.

There’s this whole thing about wanting a British star to save the show. It’s a very 1937 problem, right? Like, who actually cares if the lead is from London or New Jersey as long as they can hit the mark?

Ruby Keeler is in this. You know she’s going to tap dance. You know exactly what she’s going to do before she even moves. There’s something strangely comforting about that, even if it feels like watching a rerun of a show you haven't seen in years.

The "Wait, What?" Moments

• The scene where they mistake a total stranger for the big British star goes on for an eternity.
• The dialogue is so fast it sounds like they’re trying to finish the movie before the film stock runs out.
• Every time someone opens a door, it’s like they’re expecting a parade.
• I swear, the background extras are just wandering around looking for the exit in half these shots.

The musical numbers are huge. Like, comically huge. At one point, there are these giant typewriters being used as props, and I couldn't stop staring at how awkward they looked. It’s the kind of over-the-top stuff that makes you wonder what the budget meeting looked like.

Comparing this to something like The Nest is pointless, but it makes you realize how much cinema shifted even in just a few years. There’s a lightness here that feels almost fragile.

I found myself zoning out during the dialogue and just waiting for the next song. That’s probably the best way to watch it. Don't try to follow the romantic entanglements. They don't matter. The only thing that matters is the rhythm of the heels hitting the floor.

It’s not a masterpiece. It’s not even trying to be one. It’s just a polished piece of fluff that knows exactly what its audience wants and gives it to them with a smile and a tap shoe. Nothing more, nothing less. 🎩✨