April 1, 2006

Top 25 Musical Sequences, Part II

21.From An American in Paris, "I Got Rhythm" - Performed by Gene Kelly


One of the super funnest musical bits is this little ditty from the outstanding An American in Paris. Just watching Gene Kelly is like a gift from above, but watching him do his little tapdance and singin' this song. Aah, bliss.

20. From Sweet Charity, "There's Gotta be Something Better (I'm Gettin' Out)" - Performed by Shirley MacLaine, Chita Rivera & Paula Kelly
[No Image Available]

I didn't too much care for this movie, but two musical sequences in particular just burst from the screen - I can only imagine what they must've been like on stage. This song is oh-so-catchy and the scene itself is just filled with colour and zest. Bob Fosse knows how to direct musical sequence - as evidenced by the fact that 6 of the musical sequences on the list are from Fosse-directed film (this being the first) and two others from Fosse-choreographed shows.

19. From Aladdin, "Never Had A Friend Like Me" - Voiced by Robin Williams for the character of 'Genie'


This Oscar-nominated song is one of the first in the film if memory serves me correct, and it's my favourite. Robin Williams did so much with Genie and the songs he sings are excellent. It's so full of energy that you can't help but tap your toes, non?

18. From Chicago, "He Had It Coming" - Performed by the Cast of Chicago


Perfectly edited musical sequence that was my fave of Chicago. It's phenomenal piece that (while I haven't seen the stage version) just feels like it's opened up, yet remained theatrical. The lyrics and choreography are just wonderful (obviously) and the cast does it justice (or, so I think, whatever). This song is definitely, to quote Kander and Ebb, not a crime. Infact, it's sublime.

17. From The Fabulous Baker Boys, "Makin' Whoopee" - Performed by Michelle Pfeiffer


Ummm... is this the sexiest scene in a film ever? Possibly, but it's definitely a contender - that's for damned sure. I mean, DAMN! Michelle is smokin' - and she sings her ass off too!

16. From Grease, "You're the One that I Want" - Performed by Olivia Newton John, John Travolta & Chorus


The start of this sequence is great enough (him in preppy hear, her in hot leather) but when the song starts it's just... *sigh* Also helps that the song is wonderful fun too. The trip through the carnival house thing makes the scene work so much too. How hot was Olivia, too! Yowza.

15. From The Wizard of Oz, "We're off to See the Wizard" - Performed by the Cast of The Wizard of Oz


God I love this movie. All the songs are special and phenomenal. This one (each time it's sung) is music to my ears. There's really not much else to say on the matter. It's just perfect.


That's all for now. More tomorrow.

1 comment: