"The Producers"(2005) - Susan Stroman
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0395251/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0395251/
This movie is definitely flawed: over-the-top performances that didn't translate well to screen, weird pacing, and some questionable costume and set choices. Despite its problems I think "The Producers" is some of the best of Mel Brookes's work and this newer film adapts the Broadway show very well. From "Der Guten Tag Hop Glop" to "Springtime for Hitler" musical comedy doesn't get much better than this. Nathan Lane and Mathew Brodrick are fun as the title characters but the supporting cast really shines with Will Ferrell as the Nazi Franz Liebkind and Gary Beach as the flamboyant Roger DeBris. While the original 1967 movie is probably an overall better film which didn't fall victim to an overblown budget, this is the version that you'll find me watching over and over again. If you love unabashed camp humor, this movie delivers it tenfold along with some delightful musical performances.
"Rocky Horror Picture Show"(1975) - Jim Sharman
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073629/?ref_=nv_sr_1
I know that most of 'Rocky Horror"'s reputation is attached to its status as a midnight movie, but my love for it is totally separate from it being a cult classic. I genuinely enjoy the quirky story and world that Richard O'Brian created and how creatively it was translated to film. Part tribute to b-movies, part tale of the dangers and pleasures of hedonism, "Rocky Horror" is an undefinable film. This is why I enjoy it so much, never has there been a film that is so erratic yet so consistent in tone. The music is fun, the performances have so much energy, and the story is actually pretty interesting once you get past all the insanity happening before you. Richard O'Brian's passion project is THE midnight movie, but maybe its worth a watch without toast and newspaper sometime, you'd be surprised how much is there behind the props.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073629/?ref_=nv_sr_1
I know that most of 'Rocky Horror"'s reputation is attached to its status as a midnight movie, but my love for it is totally separate from it being a cult classic. I genuinely enjoy the quirky story and world that Richard O'Brian created and how creatively it was translated to film. Part tribute to b-movies, part tale of the dangers and pleasures of hedonism, "Rocky Horror" is an undefinable film. This is why I enjoy it so much, never has there been a film that is so erratic yet so consistent in tone. The music is fun, the performances have so much energy, and the story is actually pretty interesting once you get past all the insanity happening before you. Richard O'Brian's passion project is THE midnight movie, but maybe its worth a watch without toast and newspaper sometime, you'd be surprised how much is there behind the props.
"The Boy Friend"(1972) - Ken Russell
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066858/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Probably the most obscure movie on this list, I think this is easily one of the most underrated movie musicals of all time. Ken Russell, who is most famous for his 1975 film version of The Who's
"Tommy", is well known for his controversial and visually interesting films. "The Boy Friend" was Russell's attempt to make a family film and he did not sacrifice his love of striking visuals. Production designer Tony Walton, who happened to be Julie Andrew's first husband, created beautiful art-deco influenced set pieces which work perfectly with the Busby Berkeley style fantasy sequences sprinkled throughout. Loosely adapted from Sandy Wilson's 1952 parody of 1920s musicals Russell chose to make a loving tribute to the genre of musical film. With a surprisingly compelling first-time performance by supermodel Twiggy and a cast full of other underrated greats such as Tommy Tune, Russell was able to re-frame this satire of 1920s musicals into a compelling ensemble piece. Much like "Rocky Horror Picture Show" does with b-movies, "The Boy Friend" is a visually striking and loving tribute to early movie musicals that adds a layer of depth and character to the source material.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066858/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Probably the most obscure movie on this list, I think this is easily one of the most underrated movie musicals of all time. Ken Russell, who is most famous for his 1975 film version of The Who's
"Tommy", is well known for his controversial and visually interesting films. "The Boy Friend" was Russell's attempt to make a family film and he did not sacrifice his love of striking visuals. Production designer Tony Walton, who happened to be Julie Andrew's first husband, created beautiful art-deco influenced set pieces which work perfectly with the Busby Berkeley style fantasy sequences sprinkled throughout. Loosely adapted from Sandy Wilson's 1952 parody of 1920s musicals Russell chose to make a loving tribute to the genre of musical film. With a surprisingly compelling first-time performance by supermodel Twiggy and a cast full of other underrated greats such as Tommy Tune, Russell was able to re-frame this satire of 1920s musicals into a compelling ensemble piece. Much like "Rocky Horror Picture Show" does with b-movies, "The Boy Friend" is a visually striking and loving tribute to early movie musicals that adds a layer of depth and character to the source material.
"Singin' in the Rain"(1952) - Gene Kelley/Stanley Donen
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045152/?ref_=nv_sr_1
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045152/?ref_=nv_sr_1
This movie is one of those classic films which has remained fresh more than 60 years past its release. Part of this may be due to the fact that it wasn't made to be the hit that it has become. There is an air of effortlessness to it that is not seen in the big blockbuster musicals of the same time such as "An American in Paris." Its 1920s setting may have been the film's greatest grace as it was not subject to the trends of the time(with the exception of Gene Kelley ballet sequences). There's not much I can say about this movie that hasn't already been said. The snappy writing and comedic performances combined with stunning dancing talent and choreography makes this a film that I can watch over and over again. I often describe "Singin' in the Rain" as my cinematic chicken noodle soup, if I'm feeling down I know it'll make me feel better.
"Fiddler on the Roof"(1971) - Norman Jewison
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067093/?ref_=nv_sr_1
I can't think of a single thing about this movie that is poorly done. It certainly has aspects which age it but in most ways it is still just as powerful as it was in 1971. This is partially due to the quality of the source material, but this film is able to transcend the stage musical due to its use of visuals and setting and really embrace film as a medium. The landscape of Yugoslavia and the set design gives the whole production an authentic feeling despite the fact that the entire cast has a tendency of bursting into song. Certain more "Broadway" numbers were cut from the original,including "The Rumor" and "Now I have Everything", which does nothing but improve the tone and consistency of the film. Even the controversial casting choice of Topol instead of Zero Mostel plays in the film's favor. An Academy Award winning song score adaptation by John Williams is the final element which makes "Fiddler on the Roof" a breathtaking and sweeping piece of musical film. Even though I have seen "Fiddler" countless times it never ceases to move me.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067093/?ref_=nv_sr_1
I can't think of a single thing about this movie that is poorly done. It certainly has aspects which age it but in most ways it is still just as powerful as it was in 1971. This is partially due to the quality of the source material, but this film is able to transcend the stage musical due to its use of visuals and setting and really embrace film as a medium. The landscape of Yugoslavia and the set design gives the whole production an authentic feeling despite the fact that the entire cast has a tendency of bursting into song. Certain more "Broadway" numbers were cut from the original,including "The Rumor" and "Now I have Everything", which does nothing but improve the tone and consistency of the film. Even the controversial casting choice of Topol instead of Zero Mostel plays in the film's favor. An Academy Award winning song score adaptation by John Williams is the final element which makes "Fiddler on the Roof" a breathtaking and sweeping piece of musical film. Even though I have seen "Fiddler" countless times it never ceases to move me.
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