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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Five Best: Non-Musical Sing-a-Longs

courtesy of dailypostal.com

Not sure why this idea came to my mind. We all give musical films a "pass" and suspend our disbelief when they break into song. But what about films that aren't technically musicals? Why can't they break into random song? Well, here's that list. These are the most memorable scenes from non-musicals where the characters are singing, but not to necessarily move the story forward. So, feel free to disagree, but these are my choices, in chronological order.





Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

The movie itself is just a tad, well, stupid. But Audrey Hepburn, sitting in her window singing "Moon River" is a beautiful, lasting image of a wonderful actress who doesn't always get the credit she deserves. Like I said, the movie is a little "purposeless,"but this scene is as enchanting as they come.
I can't show this one here...it's a bit graphic. So, if you want to see it, go ahead at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWvWyYz9ttk

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

From beautiful to horrifying, Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of the Anthony Burgess novel is scary, but surprisingly lyrical. Alex DeLarge and his "droogs" enter a house and attack the couple living inside. DeLarge happily beats the man and prepares the woman for sexual assault, all to "Singin' in th Rain." Rumor has it that the song was only chosen because it was one of the few songs actor Malcolm MacDowell knew all the words to.

My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)

A tame, somewhat trite romantic comedy, the film is completely stolen by Rupert Everett. Specifically, this scene showcases his charm, as he leads the entire wedding party in "Say a Little prayer for You." Even if you hate the movie, this scene can't help but put a smile on your face.

Almost Famous (2000)

A vastly underappreciated film, Almost Famous features brilliant performances from Jason Lee, Billy Crudup, and Kate Hudson. Easily the most memorable scene in the film, an impromptu singalong on the bus to Elton John's immortal "Tiny Dancer" is the perfect way to remember a touching, emotional film about growing up and finding yourself.

Note: This is the music video version. The version within the film is much better.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy (2004)

It's crude, stupid, and a bit mysoginistic, to say the least. But it's Will Ferrell at his best, before he exploded. Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, and David Koechner discuss women, love, and mid-day sex as they sing a hilarious version of Strawberry Alarm Clock's one-hit wonder "Afternoon Delight." And in brilliant fashion, it's just business as usual afterward.

BONUSES

I couldn't include them in the top five, but felt they needed a mention.

Wayne's World (1992)

Queen is one of the greatest bands to ever walk this planet (in my opinion). The scene that popularized the headbang, Mike Myers, Dana Carvey and friends have a blast in the car, singing along to the pitch-perfect classic "Bohemian Rhapsody."

Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)

I may be the only person who loves this film. Maybe it's because I grew up on the music on the mixtape in this scene. And yes, I have sang along plenty of times with Wilson Phillips.

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