I got the DVD for Christmas and, after watching it five or six times, I decided I had to give it a page. But I had already made one for the music, and that’s a huge part of the reason I love it. Almost exactly half the reason, in fact. The other half is the characters. So here’s the other half of the Newsies page.

(Arvie Lowe Jr.) Sort of caught between the older and younger sets of newsies, Boots can be counted on to speak his mind and makes a fairly good “embastard.”

(Dominic Lucero) He rarely says anything, but boy can he dance. And watch him twirl on the fan (and nearly take out Blink’s other eye)

(Gabriel Damon) The regal leader of the Brooklyn newsies, Spot is feared by many of the other characters. He is shrewd but fair and can be counted on to help out when the chips are down.

(Marty Belafasky) Definitely the most polite of Jack's coterie (and, in fact, seemingly Jack’s best friend), Crutchy is a really nice guy who hates the idea of being beholden to anyone. And even with his crutch, boy can he dance.

(Bill Pullman) A reporter for The Sun, Denton picks up the newsies strike story. In the process, he develops a close relationship with the boys, which is eventually tried by his occupational duties. The boys win.

(David Moscow) Bright, realistic, and protective, David is wary of the whole strike issue but eventually becomes its spokesman. He, like Crutchy, is a truly good guy, which may account for why he and Jack become close so quickly (that and the fact that it’s a 121 minute movie...)

(Luke Edwards) David’s younger brother, Les is an idealistic cutie. He holds Jack in solemn reverence and is crushed when things don’t go as planned.

(Ele Keats) The obligatory love interest, Sarah is David and Les’ older sister. She’s a decent enough character for being the token female.

(Christian Bale) His dreams of bigger things often cloud his vision when it comes to what he actually has. But at the end of the day, he realizes how lucky he is to have such good friends. And “Santa Fe” is the movie’s high point.

(Trey Parker) Blink is passionate (generally in terms of anger) and rather overeager for a hot chick. But he’s got a gorgeous voice and honestly cares about his friends. He also seems to be the most affected by Jack’s betrayal.

(Anne-Margaret) The owner of a musical theater of sorts, Medda helps the newsies out any way she can. Which is great. Now keep your hands off Jack ;^)

(Aaron Lohr) Wow...boy’s really quite muscular. His deepest desire seems to be a pair of new shoes with matching laces, which I think is cute. Especially when contrasted with Blink, Race, and Snipe’s... But he still seems interested in the young ladies.

(Max Casella) A gambler, a joker, a fabulous tap dancer, a great singer, in his own way. Race has the older, smarter kid conceding to hang out with the younger kids attitude and generally works alone. He becomes rather protective of Les over time. And he’s pretty funny.

I know they’re an attractive bunch, but you can’t hang around all day.
Created January 18, 2004.