As most of you know, I was pretty pumped to see Mamma Mia this weekend as it opened in theaters from coast-to-coast. Several people asked me what I thought about the film. Of course, this is AFTER they realized I paid $7 to see a movie musical instead of Batman, but that’s neither here or there.
Did I like the movie? I give it an affectionate, “Meh.” Which translates into a B- in my book.
I love movie musicals. I grew up singing and dancing to Sound of Music, Bye Bye Birdie, Singin’ in the Rain, Grease…One and Two. Clearly I am hard core. I’m pretty sure that I am able to give an accurate position when grading current movie musicals.
It’s simple really. I ask myself, “Would I buy the DVD? Would I purchase the soundtrack?”
For instance, if the opportunity arose, I could have Madonna singing, “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” in 2.5 seconds. Do I own the whole Evita album? No. Do I own the movie? No.
Here’s another example: Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring the effervescent Donny Osmond. Do I own the movie? Yes. HOWEVER…it’s in VHS format, which is a great big red flag that I don’t love it THAT much, or I would have upgraded to DVD by now.
You see where I’m going here? Donny and Madonna are certainly worthy…but I’m not a die hard fan of their musicals.
In the last 20 years, I think there have been five modern movie musicals that are worthy of both soundtrack and DVD purchase. It’s been extremely difficult and a little painful, but I have narrowed it down and they ARE in a particular order. Again…there will be no judging on this website. And please note that this does NOT count animated movies. We would be here all day if that was the case. Am I right?
#5: Dreamgirls
Jennifer Hudson singing, “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” is one of my favorite songs. I also like how I am able to channel my inner black woman when I sing the closing “Dreamgirls” number. It’s amazing. Especially in my car. Trust me.
#4: Moulin Rouge
C’mon people. Ewan McGregor? “Elephant Song Medley,” “Come What May” and “Your Song.” One of the few movies that Nicole Kidman doesn’t get on my nerves. Definite plus.
#3: Chicago
I must have been brain dead when this came out, because I never saw it in the theater. But when I rented it for the first time, I believe I bought the CD and DVD the very next day. One of the few CDs that I enjoy every song. I love “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango” and “Mr. Cellophane.”
#2: Hairspray
Love the entire movie. Love the entire soundtrack. Everyone was perfectly cast. In fact, I think I prefer John Travolta as a large, curvy woman. And Michelle Pfeiffer hasn’t been THIS good since Grease 2. Oh yeah…I went there.
#1: Newsies
I know what you are thinking. “Seriously Lincee? You put Disney’s 1992 mega hit (in my eyes) as your first place movie musical in the last 20 years?”
My answer would be, “Heck yes!” But just to be sure, I called my friend Jill.
Jill: “Hello?”
Lincee: “I have a question for you. If you had to rank movie musicals that came out in the last 20 years, what would be…”
She answers before I have time to finish my sentence:
“ANNIE! Oh I loved that movie. I remember…”
I interrupt her.
Lincee: “I know! It’s one of my top ones too, but the rule is the last 20 years.”
Jill: “Right. Annie. With Aileen Quinn? That has to be your number one.”
Lincee: “Annie came out in 1982.”
I believe Jill’s words were, “Shut up.” Or something along those lines.
Lincee: “Yeah. We are old.”
Jill: “Then I would have to go with Newsies.”
Thank you. A total unbiased opinion from an outside source. It has nothing to do with that being a perfect example as to why Jill and I are friends. I’m just saying.
I saw Newsies in high school. I fell in love with Christian Bale and am a complete sucker for boys dancing. I wore out both the cassette and VHS tapes. I can sing every song and have mastered a pretty decent New York accent as a result. It’s that good. Think about it…a cassette, a CD, a VHS tape and a DVD. Would I steer you wrong?
So where does Mamma Mia fit in? Definitely not a top five. I contemplated purchasing the CD, but I already have the Broadway version and ABBA GOLD, so there’s really not a need. And I don’t think I can stomach hearing Pierce Brosnon singing “SOS” again. I’ll probably squish it up in the Top 10 behind Rent, Phantom of the Opera and Sweeney Todd for good measure.
What do you think? Did I totally miss the boat? Did you enjoy the movie? Should I give it another go? Did you rewind your VHS tape a million times when Christian Bale does a pelvic thrust while singing “Carrying the Banner” in the opening number of Newsies? Was that just me? Are there musicals that I left out? Are you going to judge me because I don’t care for Rent other than the song about five trillion twenty-one hundred six billion minutes?
Feel free to discuss below.
Not a comic book fan at all and such a chick flick goer and musical lover BUT you totally should have gone to Batman! It was awesome and Heath Ledger is amazingly insane. So funny and yucky at the same time. Crazy. But worth your low price of $7 did you say? wow. I am jealous of your ticket price. Lucky you. In so many ways. You are blessed.
I feel you on the channeling of the inner black woman while singing to the Dreamgirls soundtrack. Something about the amazing acoustics in my car… so fun!
I might be in the minority here…I LOVED Mamma Mia! And now I am dying to see the Broadway version. I love Moulin Rouge, Chicago, Dreamgirls and Hairspray too…..I have to rent Newsies….never saw it. ~avoiding things thrown~
I went out at midnight Friday night (after getting out of the movies) and went and bought an ABBA album and the movie soundtrack. I loved, loved, loved the movie! In fact, I’m taking my mom to see it (she was a 60’s wild child) next week!
God bless you Lincee for always allowing us a little insight into your colorful life!
I, too, fell in love with Newsies in high school and because my purchases of tapes were few and far between, I did the good ole fashion recording. I stuck my jambox really close to the tv and recorded the songs straight from the movie! The best soundtrack I ever had…and did I become one heck of a dancer after memorizing those moves.
I also gave the movie this weekend an affectionate “meh.” I think it was ok… BUT…. compared to the actual live production that was in Houston last year, it’s hard to compare. Definitely a much better show when you can stand up in the aisle and dance to the live music. So all in all a good show, but better live!!! Lincee… what movie theater are you going to that costs only $7??? I still use my student ID and even that is $8!!
I was not planning to see Mamma Mia after hearing so/so things about it even though I am a pretty big ABBA fan (Gold & More Gold on CD, plus three or four actual records, you know the things people played before tapes…), but I didn’t realize Pierce Brosnan was in it…I love Pierce Brosnan, but I cannot for the life of me picture him singing anything, let alone ABBA. My morbid curiosity may get the better of me….
I loved Mamma Mia - for what it was. Nothing they could have produced would stand up to the musical - or the soundtrack with the original cast. Meryl Streep was a little too old to play Donna (in my opinion), and Pierce Brosnan was painful to watch singing S.O.S.
BUT!
It was FUN. And it was cute. And I hope against hope that when I’m Meryl Streep’s age I have the grace and energy to sing and dance like that!
I bought the soundtrack on iTunes last week, so I had a few days to get used to the cast’s singing voices. I wasn’t a fan of Pierce Brosnan’s, but watching him sing was THAT much worse! Poor guy, he was trying so hard, I just couldn’t get past the fact that the suave 007 and Thomas Crowne was singing his guts out.
I’ll see it again in theaters (I went with my mom, and I have a bunch of girlfriends who still want to see it), and I’ll probably buy it on DVD. But then again, I also own all sorts of movies other people would consider crap.
I thought Mamma Mia was good fun. I liked and had a blast singing along to Dancing Queen (along with everyone else in the theather). Not DVD purchase worthy, but fun in the moment. If in 5 years, I was flipping channels and I passed it on TNT, I probably would stop and watch until the first commercial. I’m not an ABBA fan, but I may buy the soundtrack, becasue i thought some of the lyrics were awesome (some…not all!). And, I probably would not buy the movie merely for the fact that hearing Pierce Brosnan sing was like fingernails on a chalkboard. Lucky for him, he’s pretty.
Oh, and Lincee, i also channel my Inner Black Woman while listening to the Dreamgirls soundtrack when driving. Now, I AM a black woman, but I can’t hold a tune, so i have channel one to pinch hit! LOL!
Ah, Newsies. Brings back many fond memories of staring at Christian Bale and wondering if I wrote him a letter if he’d come to my 5th grade birthday party.
He didn’t.
But I still heart him. And Newsies.
I own GREASE, GREASE 2, HAIRSPRAY, NEWSIES, RENT, and almost every major studio musical of the 50s and 60s (not STATE FAIR, for example - boring!) I am sure I will buy MAMMA MIA! IT was good, but not great. I wish they had made a musical of MURIEL’S WEDDING - all the ABBA music and love, great story, so much fun…
NEWSIES is the best. Not my fave of the last 20 years…mine is probably HAIRSPRAY. But I will always be “carrying the banner” for NEWSIES!
1.) Wow. All of my favorite movie musicals are more than 20 years old: Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, Annie.
2.) I much preferred the stage version of Rent to the movie. And 525,600 Minutes is def the best song in the show.
3.) I saw the Mamma Mia movie on opening night, too! I liked it. It made me laugh and cry. It really moved me. Meryl Streep rocks, and Colin Firth’s solo song on the boat with his guitar was awesome. I also thought the actress to play Sophie was adorable and had a gorgeous voice! I want to buy the CD, but don’t think I’ll buy the DVD. We don’t really buy any DVDs, though. We’re renters.
4.) As far as movie musicals of the past 20 years go, I think you’ve done a fine job at picking the top 5. I adored Moulin Rouge. I agree that the entire sound track of Chicago rocks, but I have a special place in my heart for “Cell Block Tango”.
5.) Hairspray was, indeed, perfectly cast, and as you pointed out to me when we saw it in the theater, Link sings my my very own love song!
yes, but did you see Dr. Horrible’s Sing-a-long Blog this weekend?
ps. i love newsies!!!
Newsies and Moulin Rouge? You, Lincee, are my hero and possibly the love of my life :o) But… one question… Rent? Have you *heard* that soundtrack? Light my candle? Tango: Maureen? Out Tonight?!?Maybe just expand your list to the Top 6…?
Lincee, I concur with your summation. As usual, you and I are on the same wave length!
#7 addy - I too was thrown a bit by Meryl’s age and Pierce’s chest hair and lack of 007ness. It detracted from my ability to fully suspend my disbelief and enjoy the movie for what it was.
#11 starshine - I thought the actress that played Sophie was the best part of the movie. She was believable, loveable and she could sing!
I wouldn’t buy the DVD or the soundtrack. I’d just stick with the original ABBA CD. I wouldn’t pay to see it again but would watch it if it was on a cable channel in the future.
I loved Mamma Mia when I saw the musical so I was stoked about the movie. Although the movie didnt have the same effect that the musical did, I was really entertained. I think anyone who hasn’t seen the musical will LOVE the movie and those who have will enjoy the movie…maybe not love though.
I did the $7.50 matinee (what is that??) and I thought Sophie was fantastic!! She was a doll and I pretty much want to be her. Meryl Streep did a great job! And poor James Bond…it was a little akward to hear him sing but I still liked it.
The best part of the whole experience was the audience…all women, singing and clapping along…and they literally stood up and danced at the end…it was hilarious!
Chicago. BEST. MUSICAL. EVER!!!!!!!!
I saw it on Broadway, and met the cast afterwards - including Bebe Neuwirth. (She was Lilith on Cheers.) I have the soundtrack - and know almost every single word. So great!!
Great picks, Lincee!!!!
oh, and I couldn’t put my finger on where I knew “sophie” (Amanda Seyfield) from and she was in Mean Girls. haha.
OMG! Lincee, this is why I love your blog!! I love Newsies. In my top 5 it’s also #1 on this list. (it’s also on my list of guilty pleasures.) I think that I would have to rank Phantom of the Opera in my top 5 right under Newsies. IMHO, Gerard Butler is one hot Phantom. I’m not sure that this one would count, but there is a DVD of Oklahoma preformed by the Royal National Theater Cast. The reason I count it on my top 5 is because Hugh Jackman is in it, and he’s great in his roll as Curly. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it.
Lincee - so happy to know that the Newsies love is alive and well in other people. I was so infatuated with it that I actually used a Newsies medley for my floor routine in competitive gymnastics in middle school. huge dork, but I have a feeling that’s where my deep-seated love of Christian Bale comes from. love you girl!
Ah, musicals. Probably my movie genre of choice. But like #11, I think that it is hard to compete with the classics. Meet Me in St. Louis, An American in Paris, Singin in the Rain, Easter Parade, White Christmas, Bye Bye Birdie (We love you Conrad….sigh). Heck, I even find a guilty pleasure in Elvis movies (although I would like to think that my movie and musical tastes are much more developed than this, I just can’t help but smile when I see them). I do love Dreamgirls and Chicago! I don’t think I’ve seen Newsies since it came out. Can you include the animated Disney movies in the mix?
“-’Dat’s my cigar!
-You’ll steal anotha
- Hey brothers, we got work to do!
- Since when did you become me mutha?
- awww stop your bawlin’
- (together) WHO ASKED YOU? ”
clearly, I am in total agreement. I can sing all the songs. Spot Collins is my hero. I actually hate the solo Christian Bale does when he rides a horse through the streets and talks about going West, though. It’s my only problem with the movie. Oh, and the girl…. she’s annoyingly fake. but as for the music and dancing, love it.
And Chicago as well…
Good choices!
Lincee, I am a huge fan of the Bachelor recaps, and I have been reading about you in liu of the Bachelorette being over. I was compelled to tell you that I also have a DEEP LOVE of Grease- more importantly Grease 2. Cheesy. Badly acted. Garbage singing. I love every moment. Can I get an Amen for “C-O-O-L-R-I-D-E-R”?
I saw Mama Mia live and I know I am not going to like the movie - Meryl, bless her heart, can’t sing.
Yes, I used “bless her heart” it seemed appropriate.
ok…sorry to say I’m not a fan of movie musicals at ALL. Can’t say I’ve heard much about Newsies. But the fact that Christian Bale was in it, makes me want to go out and rent it tonight, because I was one of the many people that went to see The Dark Knight this past weekend. As much as I was loving Heath Ledger as The Joker, Christian Bale as Batman was truely a treat!
just when i thought you couldn’t BE any cooler!
i scrolled down my screen as slow as i could go in anticipation of the Number 1 spot.
and there it was. you pulled through for me.
My vote? Newsies on BROADWAY. do you think you could talk to some people who could talk to some people??? It would be brilliant. Of course they’d have to bring the Christian back for it, but I think he might consider it.
I’m with Lorraine (#18), that I’d put Phantom in the #2 spot, after Newsies!! LOVE that movie!! I have the cassette, CD, VHS & DVD as well, so I’m right with you, Lincee!! I didn’t get to go see it in the theater in college, but my roommates & I were going to do a ‘movie night’, and that’s what I picked up to watch. Imagine my horror when the VHS tape didn’t work! So one of my roomies and her boyfriend went back to the video store to get a different one, and instead came back with ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ because they didn’t want to watch a musical. I was NOT a happy camper.
I knew it was going to be passable, but barely. I’ve seen the Broadway production twice and it’s playing at Bass Hall in September. Might have to go again. At least the matinee at one of the local cinemas is only $4.00…I can spend that to see Pierce. Maybe I should take my iPod and run the musical soundtrack as they are singing. Thanks for the review and saving me some $$ on girls’ night out.
I’ve never actually seen Newsies, but I definitely agree with the rest of your top 4, so I will have to go out and rent it immediately. Clearly, we have similar taste! And the fact that Christian Bale is in it means I DEFINITELY need to see it! He’s HOT!!! Go see Batman…It was amazing, and Mr. Bale never disappoints in the eye-candy department.
well i haven’t seen all your top 5 and am unsure if i’ve even heard of newsies. sorry. but i love me some grease 2. though it could be b/c that was the only vhs tape i had back in the day when my mom bought us our first vcr. needless to say it got watched. a lot. like more times than we played frogger on the atari. (yes i am old.) i’m still contemplating mamma mia. i loved the musical when i saw it on broadway and i quickly bought the cd soundtrack of the original cast. love it. chicago i also saw on broadway before it came out on film. but i did buy that dvd and the soundtrack so i’m definitely in agreement on that one. i LOVE mr. cellophane! i think i’ll even upload it as the current song to my blog though no one will understand why…
I LOVE Mama Mia- on stage. I try to see it every time we are are in the same town/country. I also LOVE Colin Firth. So I had to see the movie just out of loyalty. The theater was so packed that my husband and I couldn’t sit together. Bummer. I have to admit that as I sat next to some random person I kept thinking “I wonder what Lincee is going to think of this?”. Maybe I read your blog too much!
Anyhoo, I didn’t love or hate it. I was so sad that they made Harry gay. How dare they do that to my beloved Mr. Darcy??? I wouldn’t have minded if that was in the original story line but pretty sure that it wasn’t. Did I miss something the previous 4 time I have seen it?
# 11 starshine - my favorites are older than 20 years also, and I first saw them on TV- reruns on lazy Sunday afternoons. Sound of Music and My Fair Lady - thats when I discovered Audrey Hepburn.
If you really wanna know, what I want in a guy….
Good lord I love that freaking movie! How can you argue with a movie with lyrics like “Let’s do it for our country!”
Sorry ya’ll, but Mamma Mia was PAINFUL…I actually giggled uncontrollably every time Pierce started singing. But the real moment that killed it for me…when the boys came out of the water in speedos and flippers. Seriously?? There are no words…
I knew I loved you for a reason Lincee!
I worked at Blockbuster in highschool and insisted that we watch Newsies at least once during each of my shifts! I used to imagine that I was Sarah (the sister that Christian Bale sings to on the rooftop). And…to complete my complete descent into geekdom, I did a presentation on the movies of Christian Bale for my college film appreciation class. To my horror, most of the class had not even heard of Christian Bale (I won’t say how many years ago that was!)
And Ewan McGregor in Moulin Rouge…Hello!!! I made the mistake of telling my husband how much I loved Elephant Love Medley (at the beginning when Ewan sings “All You Need is Love” 3 times, the third time when he does the little run, drives me CRAZY). He kept trying to sing it and it just wasn’t the same. I never had the heart to tell him…got to love him for trying though!
Lincee,
I think you’re being a little hard on Mamamia but, you are much more well versed on the musicals. I totally thought it was so super fun and bouncy. I actually had a moment where I thought of you when Meryl Streep was singing with her buddies…they kept zoning in on each friend singing the backup…totally had a flash back of you singing back up to a random song bc your sister always sang the lead. I think I laughed out loud just thinking bout that! I think you should try Mamamia again girl. It was good:)
This is in a totally different vein (if you will) - but “Once” ( http://www.oncemovie.com ) is an amazing present day movie/musical that is unlike any of the above mentioned productions but wonderful in its own right. Glen Hansard is yummy and the songs resonate with you for many moons after its over. Plus the two leads are actually true loves in real life - it’s the coolest…
I have seen the musical twice - one of my FAVORITES! I haven’t been able to see the movie yet because of my stupid work schedule…..I’m going insane! We were going to go tomorrow (Tuesday) night before I leave town with a gaggle of church teenagers for 4 days, but there are no good early times after my friend gets off work and I get done with a paid radio survey….. Grrrrrrr…………..
LOVE LOVE LOVE Newsies!!! I still have a thing for Christian Bale. Mmm hmm. Way to give it a shout-out, Lincee!
Thanks for convincing me to wait for MammaMia to come out on DVD, too. I think I’ll go see Batman instead. Like I said…Christian Bale…
Hello…. Michelle Phiffer in “What Lies Beneath”. Her BEST work…
I love me some Newsies. However, minus Pierce’s singing, I did love Mamma Mia. Mainly because I found Meryl Streep’s energy inspiring. Oh, and Amanda Seyfried has rocked in my mind since Veronica Mars. Of course, I love Grease 2 so what do I know!
Lincee you are my favorite person and now I know why…. you love Newsies too! I was just mentioning to a coworker today how long I have loved Christian Bale (long before his Batman days). I think Newsies would be my number one too. And don’t think I don’t own the Newsies DVD! Good pick!
#20 csw I agree!
I love many old musicals (it does not matter that they were before my time, Singing in the Rain, My Fair Lady, Hello Dolly, All That Jazz, The Way We Were, and some not quite as old, The Blues Brothers…I thought I had seen them all and I have seen all the Elvis movies I can rent. I even own a couple (the best ones - Jailhouse Rock and King Creole). It is inexplicable, but I am glad to hear that I am in good company. I went to see Momma Mia today, had to do some fast talking to get my husband to go! He must really love me. lol (I had to see it before Dark Knight! Much to his dismay.) I enjoyed it, the acting was very good, most of the singing was good, I give it a 7 out of 10. However, it was not in the same category as my beloved Moulin Rouge or Chicago.
I guess I missed one though - Newsies is now on my rental list…thanks Lincee! I would be interested in your list of the top musicals of all time. Now that would be a tough list!
I forgot to mention one of my all time favorites - Little Shop of Horrors!!
Animated…Mulan just one of my favs!
Modern musicals….does “Holes” count?
Old musicals…Gigi, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers…
#13 Erin is SO right on about “Rent!” Saw the stage show twice in Los Angeles, bought and wore out the soundtrack, then rented the movie and ran out and bought it the very next day! (Couldn’t see it in the theater because I have a young child and, as a single mom, I can’t go to ‘big girl’ movies anymore.) Love, love, LOVE “Rent!”
Xanadu anyone?
#44, you read my mind!!! LOVE Xanadu . alas. . that was more than 20 years ago (it was almost 30 years ago). I haven’t seen the stage version of it, but the movie ranks as my TOP guilty pleasure. . right alongside Flash Gordon (the one with the Queen soundtrack). GO FLASH GO!!!!
Oh Lincee. . that should be your new poll. . .top guilty pleasure movies!!! That would be a fun read!!!
let’s do animated movies…that’ll be fun…
Lincee, I absolutely agree with every one on your list! In middle school, some of my friends and I learned the choreography to the Newsies opening number. Yes, we were cool… But your (our) love of Christian Bale begs the question–why then have you not seen him wearing a rubber suit in Batman yet??
OMG - I LOVE Newsies…I can’t believe someone else actually likes that movie as much as I do!
In my 27 yrs, I’ve found that all my friendships really come down to one thing…. Were you once and are you still in some capacity obsessed with NEWSIES?
Everything after that is back-burner.
Newsies…of course…there was never really a competition!
Thought MammaMia was delightful, As bad as Pierce’s voice is he can sing to me any time any place! Meryl has a beautiful voice and Christine Baranski and Julie Walters were terrific. I loved how it celebrated middle age women and their sexuality. Agree that “Once” is one of the best musical/sweet love stories ever! Highly recommend it.
LOVED Mamma Mia the musical and I loved the movie. There is no comparison between the two, but it’s tons of fun to go to a movie and have the whole audience singing along and clapping and dancing. Singing was meh, but it was still hilarious and Sophie totally made the movie!
I loved the play version of Mamma Mia. Cringed with embarrassment for the actors and hid my face behind my hands many times during the movie version. The only one with a nice voice was Sophie. I second Lincee to wait for the dvd, if you even see it at all. Highly recommend the play instead. Is it still running?
Re best movie musicals: Did anyone else love the songs on O Brother Where Art Thou? (And George Clooney thrown in for good measure)?
Regarding your pick of Newsies …
“I say that what you say … Is what I say”.
I LOVE THAT MOVIE!!!!!!! My sister & I can practically sing the entire soundtrack.
@ #21 Kacie YES YES YES!
I am gonna be singing Carrying the Banner all day today and it’s gonna be GREAT!
We are having a special girly viewing party for Newsies… a girlfriend of ours has NEVER SEEN IT!
CHEERS Lindz! Love you!
I fell asleep listening to the Newsies soundtrack every night for almost a year and wore out our VHS tape of Newsies. I still remember every word to the soundtrack and most lines from the movie. I have LOVED Christian Bale since Newsies (check out his bio on the Biography Channel) and will see him in any move at any time. Hands down….Newsies is the #1 musical.
I definitely like the original Hairspray WAY more than the most recent one. They tried to add stuff for John Travolta that was just boring (in my opinion). The original was filled with relative unknowns and the story was more of the focus.
HOWEVER, I would definitely put Moulin Rouge as #1 and certainly ahead of Chicago. I think that Chicago got lots of attention because the Academy Award folks and media realized how great Moulin Rouge was AFTER the fact- so they lauded all their praise on to Chicago. It was a decent movie but not nearly as good as ML.
I have never seen Newsies- but after that glowing review I will!!
Lincee, seriously, I think I might have just had heart failure. I thought I was the only poor sap who absolutely loved the Newsies movie more than any other musical ever. I loved Annie too don’t get me wrong but nothing compares to Newsies. For those who haven’t seen it, please go rent it it is so worth it! And might I add as a mom of four boys a great educational watch with some history and action and gosh just everything. Even my kids love it who range in age from fifteen to four. I can not tell you how many times I have recommended this movie to friends. I thank you for making me feel not so strange in my love for Christian Bale and the kid with the incredible blue eyes. I remember when we went to see batman at the theater I sat there for like half the movie trying to remeber where I had seen batman before. When I figured it out I was so excited to see him back on the big screen. I thought my husband was gonna have to remove me from the theater because i was being to loud in my efforts to enlighten my family about how special batman really was. Love that movie. Just can’t explain it enough!
To those who said they liked Rent, I agree the movie was great! I went to see a broadway production of it but was to far back to really enjoy it. I loved the part in the movie where the gay guy dances!
What did you think of the recent Disney movie Enchanted? With Mcdreamy? I loved that one as well and although the story line was sappy the music was great! If you haven’t seen it you should.
Love your blogs keep em comin!
#54—completely agree!! Ha!
It is so good to see other Newsies fans out there. Who doesn’t love Jack Kelly!!! And I loved Christian Bale’s solo…and him. Also loved him in Little Women (though not a musical), surely I wasn’t the only one who (despite knowing how the story goes) thought Jo was crazy for turning him down. And I agree with those who commented before…if you love you some Christian Bale, you must see Batman! Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne…whoa, hot.
And as a side note– my high school drill team did a military routine to “Seize the Day”, complete with newboy outfits and hats. We were so cool…
I think we all need to petition itunes to get the movie soundtrack online…and the movie!
I am all about Grease2. Talk about a cheesy guilty pleasure!
Anyone remember ‘The Pirate Movie’ with Christopher Atkins?? Yummy!! I still can sing all the songs in my sleep! Scary!
I love all of you! Who knew we all were on the same track with these movies (for the most part)? You guys are so great! Newsies definitely is #1. Moulin Rouge #2. My sister and I had the theater to ourselves for Newsies and were dancing up and down the isles during every musical number. I think we saw it 7 times in the theater. That was of course when movies were like $3. Ahhh the good ol’ days. We do need to have them do a Broadway version of it. And Ewan McGregor….. it goes without saying. Yummy.
I absolutely LOVED Newsies. I totally fell in love with Christian Bale. My best friend Lindsey only had eyes for Gabriel Damon in that movie, though.
#22 - I agree! ‘We’re gonna sco-o-ore tonight!’.
Did you like Sweeney Todd? I haven’t seen that one, yet, but kind of want to–but am kind of scared, too…
Oh my word. Newsies is the epitome of wonderful to me. I totally forgot about it. I just went to itunes and bought my all time favorite (And the world will know!).
however, i disagree as i loved Mamma Mia! I thought it was just delightful and so energizing! My friends that I went with decided we needed a night of sequins and 70’s/80’s rock!
I totally support the Newsies choice - Christian Bale is the best!
Okay, these aren’t movie musicals, but I love, love, love the soundtracks to The Color Purple (talk about channeling your inner black woman!) and I can sing nearly every song from the Wicked soundtrack.
The scenery was the best thing about the movie. I love the girl who played Sophie, but I was brainstorming reasons to leave my girlfriends in the theater about 1/3 of the way into the movie…
Yo Lincee - Just wanted to say I totally enjoy your commentary on all things Bachelor. And thank you so much for the Newsies trailer link b/c that totally brightened up my Thursday morning (in LA it’s still morning).
But I can’t believe Mamma Mia would go behind Rent & Phantom of the Opera on your list! Those are two favorite stage musicals of mine, but I was NOT a fan of the movie versions. I thought Mamma Mia was delightful, if campy. And I’m totally behind Pierce Brosnan just sounding like a normal dude singing rather than a trained dude singing (though I would prob never buy this soundtrack, either).
Keep up the fun stuff!
I am SOOOO with you on Newsies! I knew every word of that move in high school, and I think I still have the VHS somewhere…even though I have no way to play it! That youtube clip brought a smile to my face and a nostalgic tear to my eye.
Lincee
‘Fame’ not in your top 5? C’mon! That would have to top my list.
I also recommend Across the Universe for anyone who likes the Beatles.
#22, Meryl sings beautifully! I loved the movie…..even if Pierce can’t sing…he was gorgeous and the movie was cute. I am dragging my husband to see it tonight and then taking my mom to see in on Monday….that’s how much I enjoyed it!
#71 FAME! Wow, I forgot about that one…..classic…
#20 csw named my favorite movie of all time— Meet Me in St. Louis. The Boy Next Door, The Trolley Song—Have yourself A merry little christmas?! Oh yes, it was wirtten for this movie. I love Judy Garland.
Loved Mamma Mia, but I’m a huge ABBA fan so it didn’t take much for me. Have you seen the movie Camp? Not so much a musical as a movie about teens who go to Broadway camp but it is awesome!!
#11 starshine, So psyched you mentioned Mary Poppins… my all-time favorite.
#22 “Meryl, bless her heart, can’t sing”…?!?! What? She studied singing (opera) and was considered for the Evita lead role! I thought she was terrific! Now poor old Pierce, that’s another story.
I’d have given Mamma Mia a 9 of 10 easily if only they’d dubbed PB’s voice! (Seriously, he was great but I just wanted his singing to stop…)
I’ll have to see Newsies now, I’m stunned by all the folks raving about it. Not sure how I missed it. (And boy, the director’s choreography credentials are sure impressive!)
I saw Mamma Mia opening night and the entire audience laughed out loud when Pierce opened his mouth to sing. The second time he started to sing, people screamed “oh nooooooo….”
I never saw the stage production, but there was a lot of hype about WONDERFUL everyone was….they weren’t. “Meryl should win an Oscar for her performance”….she shouldn’t. “You will be dancing in the aisles”……I didn’t. I should have gone in with much lower expectations and I probably would have enjoyed it more. With that said, I still may buy the CD so I can feel better about my own shower concerts.
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