As a rule I hate musicals. They're sappy and just plain stupid. Despite my impulse for carrying a burning hot hatred for all scenes where people irrationally break into song and dance, not all musicals stink. Here's a few that are spared my wraith.

I know, I know, The Sound of Music should be my choice of the greatest film musical. Well, I hate The Sound of Music, the music is almost as irritating as the kids and for crying out loud, who wants to listen to Austrians sing? No, I back Singin' in the Rain. This hodge bodge of spare parts put together to make a full movie works so well and is a delight across the board. Even for people, like me, who are loathe to sit through anything that even remotely acts like a musical, this is a good pick. The dancing is mesmerizing, the music enjoyable and most importantly, the story, surrounding the lives of silent film actors as they attempt to make the jump into sound movies is brilliant. The humor in the film makes the gaudy moments excusable.


It has the benefit of being one of the best movies ever made. This is a rare film where the musical numbers enhance the story and seem completely logical. I guess if you're going to sell me a guy dressed up like a big, flabby lion you may as well have him sing.




If I had a gun to my head and had to finish picking my three I'd have to take this classic. I know, I know, where's Sound of Music, West Side Story or Godspell? You can keep all of those, there's something about this one I've always liked.

Labels: movie recommendations