Two youngsters from rival New York City gangs fall in love, but tensions between their respective friends build toward tragedy. Ok, I’m going to be completely honest: I do not like West Side Story. It is my least favorite movie musical, possibly of all time (right up there with Annie). But, seeing as the film comes in at number 51 on this list, I had … Continue reading 51. West Side Story (1961)
If you know me at all, you know that one of my favorite films is 1964’s Mary Poppins. I put off watching Mary Poppins Returns for ages because I just had a feeling that I would be disappointed. Then, one day, the movie arrived at my door because I, stupidly, forgot to decline it from the Disney Movie Club. I realized, realistically, I was never … Continue reading Movie Musical Monday: Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Plain and simple, Rent is one of the best known musicals, internationally, of this day and age. The musical took Broadway by storm, and when they made a movie musical in 2005, the popularity of Rent soared to new heights. The movie version differs from the stage version in one main way: the stage musical is done completely in song, mimicking the opera that it … Continue reading Movie Musical Mondays: Rent
And, we’re back with Movie Musical Monday’s! I just had to start off the New Year with an MGM Golden Age Musical On the Town, starring my favorites, Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. And, let’s not forget Betty Garrett and Ann Miller. I think it’s clear, right away, that I do love this film. Honestly, I love anything that allows me to watch Gene Kelly … Continue reading Movie Musical Monday: On the Town
The Greatest Showman is a movie musical based (read loosely) on the life of PT Barnum and the creation of Barnum Circus. The liberties that are taken in the telling of this story are disgusting, honestly. But, hey, at least the music is good. Look, if you’re going to make a musical out of the story of PT Barnum and his circus, you have to … Continue reading Movie Musical Monday: The Greatest Showman (2017)
Full disclosure: I have a very strong dislike for the musical Annie. Like, I really really don’t like it. That being said, I tried to watch this film without letting my personal feelings get in the way. Not sure that I was successful, though. Overall, the cast is good. I mean, Carol Burnett playing Ms. Hannigan, Tim Curry as Rooster, Bernadette Peters as Lily, Albert … Continue reading Movie Musical Monday: Annie (1982)
If you know me in person, chances are you have already heard my opinions on this film. Due to the sequel being released this upcoming weekend, I find it fitting that Mamma Mia! be this weeks Movie Musical Monday. I will start with my issues with the film, and then end on a good note. PIERCE BROSNAN CAN’T SING. There. That’s my biggest issue with … Continue reading Movie Musical Monday: Mamma Mia!
A female girlie club entertainer in Weimar Republic era Berlin romances two men while the Nazi Party rises to power around them. One of my absolute favorite things about movie musicals from the 1970s is that most of them explore sexuality in a way that movies before them did not. Cabaret is no different. In fact, the exploration of sexuality is one of the main … Continue reading 63. Cabaret (1972)
This post could also be titled: The Phantom of the Opera: Gerard Butler wasn’t a terrible Phantom. I said it. I don’t think Gerard Butler did a terrible job as The Phantom. Like, in comparison, he’s miles ahead of Russell Crowe in Les Miserables and they’re both ahead of Pierce Brosnan in Mamma Mia! Yes, Butler’s voice isn’t as operatic. In fact, it’s not operatic … Continue reading Movie Musical Monday: The Phantom of the Opera
Let’s tackle the ultimate movie musical classic, Grease, shall we? As much as I want to hate this musical (and trust me, I want to hate it, a lot), I just can’t. The songs are too catchy, the dancing is wonderful, and the one-liners are constant. HOWEVER, like a lot of people, I do have a major problem with the overall message of the film … Continue reading Movie Musical Monday: Grease
