What are top 5 musical films of all time?
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M$4 Answers
Okay, here goes:
1) "Wizard of Oz" (1939): I appreciate it more every year, as I get older and the message seems less cloyingly sentimental and more determinedly upbeat.
2) "Singin' in the Rain" (1950): It's got effortless dancing and physical comedy, as well as sharp comedic banter between the principal actors.
3) "Mary Poppins" (1964): Forget the animation, which is a perfect fantastical touch. I vote for this because of the chemistry between Julie Andrew and Dick Van Dyke, and the under-appreciated "Feed the Birds," rumored to be Walt Disney's favorite songs.
4) "The Little Mermaid" (1989): Speaking of Disney, how can I not mention at least one Disney fully animated musical. I picked this one because it marked the second golden age of Disney animation, and therefore is a favorite of mine. The top-tapping numbers aren't bad either, with a special nod to "Poor Unfortunate Souls," a powerhouse song in the best tradition of Broadway musicals. I should probably give it to "Beauty and the Beast," but believe "The Little Mermaid" was the starting point of the Disney musical renaissance. Just watch both.
4) "Grease" (1978): Sure, people complain about this musical a lot, saying that it's overdone (particularly in high-school productions) or that poor Sandy needs to change to get her man. But the numbers are embedded in my brain, and I can always sing along with the cheesy good fun. And I must note that both Sandy & Danny Zucko change themselves for love!
5) "Moulin Rouge" (2001): Another musical about love? Well, yes. And if Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor aren't the strongest singers I've ever heard, they can certainly sell the songs through their emotion & chemistry. And big kudos to director Baz Luhrmann, who made me rethink what a Hollywood film musical could do in terms of editing, choreography, etc.
Films that *almost* made the cut:
"Rocky Horror Picture Show" (1975): It's so back it's good (and the music ain't half bad, either.) But I agree with the previous response that says it's best seen/should only be seen in a movie theater, at a midnight screening with avid fans. It's the fan participation that makes the film live!
"Sweeney Todd" (2007): Oh, how I love a dark musical and this one's got the quirky combination of director Tim Burton's vision with the performances of Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. It's good, albeit not as good as some stage performances I've seen, but it didn't make the list because you said you were watching it with your daughters & it may not be appropriate for them (dependent on their ages).
"Cabaret" (1975): Another film that isn't as good as staged versions I've seen – but memorable nonethless. I love how the script interweaves serious social commentary with strong musical numbers, and Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey are masterful in their roles.
"Once" (2006): Oh, this Irish musical about a busker and a Czech immigrant, deserved its Best Original Song Oscar for "Falling Slowly." It's a touching, romantic story with two strong acting and singing performances by unknowns (in the States).
Others that should be watched: "Top Hat," "A Hard Day's Night," "My Fair Lady," "West Side Story," "Meet Me in St. Louis," "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," "The Replacements," "Fame," "Gigi," "Funny Girl," "The Music Man," "Chicago," "Dancer in the Dark," and "Into the Woods."
Just had to share the list of 25 Greatest American Musicals compiled by AFI, a video found on YouTube!
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M$
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Jesus Christ Superstar
Godspell
Wizard of Oz
Runner-up: Hair
Bonus: My FAVORITE: Sound of Music (but I won't pick it because you already mentioned it)
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
