Showing posts with label musical monday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label musical monday. Show all posts

12.26.2011

Musical Monday: The Little Mermaid - Poor Unfortunate Souls (#1).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

That's right. Of all the songs in all the films on this list, some of which include some of my all-time favorite films, the number 1 spot for my favorite musical number ever... is in The Little Mermaid. I've beaten the "villains song" thing to death, but out of all of them, I'd have to say this is one of the best ones ever written. It's whimsical yet menacing. It consists of dreams and danger. It's old school Faustian brought to a Disney setting. It moves from a catchy, talky tune to one of the most sinister-sounding chants. The animation is fantastic, from the witchcraft to the ultimate transformation. It starts slow, builds, evens out, builds more, and gives us a bang of an ending.

Unfortunately (no pun intended), it's not available to embed. So click here to check it out!

Thank you to everyone who followed along with this feature. I know it wasn't the most popular thing I did all year, as it didn't get a whole lot of comments. But there were those of you who enjoyed it. And to those I say thanks!

12.19.2011

Musical Monday: Moulin Rouge! - El Tango De Roxanne (#2).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

For the longest time, this was in the #1 position on this list. It really is not only one of my favorite musical numbers of any movie ever, but one of my favorite scenes in any movie ever. The music is strong, the visuals are great, and the editing is ungodly magnificent. It's dark, it's gritty, and it's powerful. You may hate this movie, and I know a lot of people do, but you can't deny this is a fantastic scene. Even the Nostalgia Critic, who hates everything, recently did a fantastic musical review of this movie... and even HE couldn't deny the awesomeness of this scene. I've been a long time fan of Doug Walker, and I have to say that's the first time I can recall his Nostalgia Critic character ever saying anything positive about a film (that was in a legitimately good way, not a 'this is so crazy it's awesome' kind of way). So yeah, if you've never seen the movie, at least check out this scene. It's that good.

So what could possibly be #1? Check out next Monday to find out!

12.12.2011

Musical Monday: Little Shop of Horrors (TIE) - Feed Me & Mean Green Mother From Outer Space (#3).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

We all know that one of my favorite movies of all time is the 1986 musical version of Little Shop of Horrors. Needless to say, it was very difficult choosing which songs to put on this list. When it came down to it, I had to put a tie for third. And there's really no surprise either that both are essentially "villain" songs.

The first is "Feed Me (Git It)," the song that Audrey II and Seymour sing when Audrey II first starts speaking. It's a "Devil on the Shoulder" type song, with the plant talking the good-natured Seymour into committing murder in order to feed it. Not only is the song great and catchy, but the camera work and blocking is great. Seymour is excited at the beginning and is, thus, close to the plant. Then the plant says what it wants, and for the bulk of the rest of the song, Seymour is on the opposite end of the room (unless Audrey II forces him closer). It's not until the breaking point when he finally makes Seymour snap that he gets closer to the plant once again--almost too close--showing they are finally in the same mindset.



Then there's the finale song, Mean Green Mother From Outer Space. This song is actually absent from the stage version, written especially for the film version. It's the showdown between Seymour and Audrey II, where the plant reveals everything and what it's really there to do. It's a David and Goliath battle that David was originally supposed to lose. And it's also one of the freakiest and most menacing songs on this list. I also love the short segment where Audrey II references other monster/alien movies. And it also has some outstanding puppetry and practical work going on here. Anyway, here you go!

12.05.2011

Musical Monday: It's Not Over Yet & Zydrate Anatomy (#5 And #4).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

NOTE: Sorry about last week! I completely forgot to put this up thanks to a lot of busy-ness and writing of other things. So I'm putting #5 and #4 on this post to catch up. So here we go...

#5: A Very Potter Sequel - It's Not Over Yet

"What? Your #5 of all time is from an internet video and not an actual movie?" To that, I say... so what? To be fair, it's a hugely popular set of plays that stars Darren Criss who is now one of the stars of Glee (take that however you will). I've said many-a-time I love villain songs, as well as opening numbers. This just happens to be both. It's super catchy, and I'll listen to this song more than any other from either play. It's that fantastic... and meta (though... the entirety of both plays are incredibly meta... but still).




#4: Repo! The Genetic Opera - Zydrate Anatomy

It's my favorite song in the movie, and it's the song that got me interested in seeing the movie in the first place. It's catchy, it's fun, and it's just plain bizarre. It's Zydrate Anatomy. Unfortunately, I can't embed this video, so you'll have to go to a link. Click here.

11.21.2011

Musical Monday: Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog - Brand New Day (#6).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

There's very little to talk about here. It's my favorite song in the movie. It's awesome. Dr. Horrible finally snaps, realizing how he can get everything he's always wanted in one plan. So... yeah. Just check it out.

11.14.2011

Musical Monday: Annie - It's A Hard Knock Life (#7).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

Easily one of the most memorable and catchy songs from a classic musical. It's a fun yet strong number. It's sung well by such a large cast of girls. It's also choreographed very well. And there's moments of sarcasm and smart-assery, which people like me will always appreciate. There's not much more to say about it. It's " It's A Hard Knock Life" from Annie.

11.07.2011

Musical Monday: Man of La Mancha - The Impossible Dream (#8).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

Sorry. I damn near forgot about this. it's been a crazy day (and I'm not feeling 100%). Anyway, I'll keep this short. This is a great film with some great music. This particular song (and its reprise) is incredibly powerful. It has a great message and is sung beautifully and emotionally. It's The Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha.

10.31.2011

Musical Mondays: Pirates of Penzance - I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General (#9).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

It's been many years since I've seen the full film, but I've always not only loved this song, but been amazingly impressed with it. It's a fantastic number lyrically alone. There's not much more to say than that. Interestingly, I actually prefer this stage rendition than the film rendition, so I'm going to link to that instead. But don't worry--It's the same guy who does it in both versions. Check it out! It's insane.

10.24.2011

Musical Monday: Once - Falling Slowly (#10).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

We made it! We're in the Top 10!

Now, I've only seen this movie, well... once. And I'll be honest: I didn't really care for the overall film. However, it's also one I think I need to revisit, as well. That aside, I feel this song is not only the film's highlight (it did win an Oscar), but I think it's one of the most beautiful songs ever written. And that's why it ended up in my Top 10.

10.17.2011

Musical Monday: Little Shop of Horrors - Skid Row (#11).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

Well... it was inevitable, right? Little Shop of Horrors was going to show up on this list. (And no, this isn't the only song that will appear.) What's probably most shocking is that this is only #11. What could possibly be in my Top 10? Anyway, we all know my unending adoration for this film and everything that goes with it. This song in particular is super catchy and lets you get to know not only the lead male and female, but also the setting (which in and of itself is pretty much a character). And I just love how uber-dramatic this song gets, even with its more upbeat music. It's "Skid Row" from Little Shop of Horrors!

10.10.2011

Musical Monday: Moulin Rouge! - Elephant Love Medley (#12).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

Some people love this movie. Some people hate it. Me? I love it. And while this particular song might not be my favorite in the movie (that'll be later on the list), I still love it, mostly because it is what it's titled--a medley. A bunch of love songs strung together into the ultimate love song... all coming to this epic crescendo with "I Will Always Love You."

10.03.2011

Musical Monday: Repo! The Genetic Opera - Night Surgeon (#13).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

This was a very difficult one to choose. I knew it would be from this movie... but which one? Obviously not the one that will be a little higher on the list, but there are so many others (I could have really done at least half the other songs in the film). The big ones, of course, include the catchy "Let the Monster Rise," the emotional pain-filled "Legal Assassin," and the damn near almost winner, "Chase the Morning." But I went with this one for a few reasons. First, yeah, it's catchy... and it's a haunting and creepy tune with a man fighting with his inner demons. Second, they use a very easy and basic set to great atmospheric effect. The overall visual of the scene mixed with the song just won me over the others.

Unfortunately, the video is not allowed to embed. So Click Here to go see the video.

9.26.2011

Musical Monday: Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog - Laundry Day (My Freeze Ray) (#14).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

I can assure you this isn't the only song from this short film on this list. But I included this one because it's a good introduction to the character and his main struggle. He wants to be a villain and rule the world, but he's also a human with needs and is in love with a woman who doesn't notice him and who he has trouble even talking to. Not to mention it's a catchy song with some clevery writing and good cinematography to go along with it.

9.19.2011

Musical Monday: Man Of La Manca - I, Don Quixote (#15).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

I really like this movie. Then again, I really like the Don Quixote story (and one day, I'll get around to reading the whole thing). This is one of the first songs of the film (it's been a while, but I actually think this is the first song). This version of the story gives us Cervantes (the writer of Don Quixote) arrested by the Spanish Inquisition, and he puts on the play for (and using) the other prisoners in the dungeon with him. This is the introduction of the Don Quixote story and character and the style of the film--going back and forth between the prison and the fantasy view. And... well... it's just a fun, catchy song! I hate that I couldn't find the film version with the entire lead-in, because it's the build-up that makes it really great. But here's just the song from the film.

9.12.2011

Musical Monday: Nine - Be Italian (#16).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

I did not like this overall movie. The songs aren't all that great. The visuals tend to be lacking (except for the women). The story is just not there. And if you took a shot every time somebody said "Guido," you'd be dead in 5-10 minutes. I think they say that damn name more often than The Room gives surprised salutations. But the best part of the movie? Fergie. That's right, with Oscar winners dripping from this movie's every facet, the best part of this movie is Fergie. And, of course, that's mainly because her song is the best, from the song itself to the visuals/cinematography and choreography. It's just fantastic. See for yourself...

9.05.2011

Musical Monday: Mulan - I'll Make A Man Out Of You (#17).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

This film might not be in Disney's Golden Era, but it's pretty much considered one of the best in the few years that followed. There are two songs everybody thinks of when they think of this film, and this one is the catchier of the two (and the fan favorite). It's essentially a training montage song, and Mulan (a woman) needs to show that she has the skills of a man (since she's pretending to be one), but is struggling even more than the men there with her. It's a very catchy song, and the visuals that go with it are fun, as well.



And just for giggles... here's the Chinese version of the song (along with a music video)... sung by none other than... Jackie Chan! No joke.


8.29.2011

Musical Monday: Beauty and the Beast - Gaston (#18).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

I really do love this song. It's fun and catchy and it's more of an upbeat "villain" song (it's not really a villain song, but it's with and about him, so that's why I call it such). There's a more evil and stereotypical villain song later in the film, but it's not as catchy as this one. It's just a number that tries to get Gaston over his depression by telling him how great he is. So here you go...



Also, I made this ages ago, and only a few people have seen it. It's super embarrassing, but I might as well. It was more of an experiment in editing than anything (each is a single take, and they all react to each other...). And I'll be using a method similar to this in the near future for another project some of you are privy to. Anywho, here you go:


8.22.2011

Musical Monday: A Very Potter Musical - Back To Hogwarts (#19).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

Note: Ironically, this is going up on the first day back for students here, as well...

This week I have a song that probably only the nerdiest of you have heard. It's from the first Harry Potter Musical, and it's the opening number. Before Darren Criss made it big on Glee and signed up to take over for Daniel Radcliffe on Broadway... he took over for Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in this stage musical he helped write, produce, and star in. Unfortunately, the audio for the actual footage is kinda hard to hear, so I'll give you three options of viewing. First I'll give you just the released version of the song with the lyrics. And then, if you'd like to see all the sight gags and visual humor that goes with it, you can check out the actual play version. And this song really sets up the tone of the play, as it shows you how it both makes fun of the story and its character while simultaneously loving them. So here you go:







And if all of that wasn't enough for you, here's a video of Darren Criss and a few other cast and crew just chilling with some fans singing it along together and having a blast.

8.15.2011

Musical Monday: Chicago - Cell Block Tango (#20).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

One of the longer numbers on this list, and definitely one of the more "talkie" ones. This scene is hands down one of the best moments in the entire movie. Going from cellmate to cellmate as they reveal how they murdered their lovers all while wearing skimpy little outfits... yeah, that's pretty much all that needs to be said. It's twisted, demented, sexy, catchy, and fun. It's the "Cell Block Tango" from Chicago.


8.08.2011

Musical Monday: Newsies - King Of New York (#21).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

Always my favorite from Newsies, this song is easily the catchiest in the film. It's such a simple number, too. And then the last minute of the number has some fun choreography... ending in my favorite bit--the kid spinning from the ceiling fan. Who hasn't wanted to try that at least once? Anywho, not much to say on this one besides that. So check out "King of New York"!