Burlesque (2010)

Ali is a small town girl from Iowa working as a waitress who daydreams of being a performer on stage. So she takes a trip to Los Angeles to pursue her dream but doesn't have much luck. Until she discovers and is enthralled by Burlesque, a fancy showgirls nightclub. Tess the owner of the club isn't interested in her at first, so Ali stays there instead waiting tables while longingly dreams of being on the stage. Until when one of the dancers can't perform, Ali begs Tess to let her audition to show her what she can do, and eventually she gives in, wowing not only Tess but the other dancers as well. The music numbers are somewhat entertaining enough to sit through, but the acting, especially by Aguilera is unimpressive in a story that's cliche and a rip-off of other films that've come before it (think Coyote Ugly and Showgirls). Starring Cher, Christina Aguilera, Eric Dane, Stanley Tucci, Alan Cumming, Peter Gallagher, Cam Gigandet, Julianne Hough, Kristen Bell 5/10

Best Musicals

West Side Story - 1961
Chicago - 2002
Guys and Dolls - 1955
Hair - 1979
Bye Bye Birdie - 1963
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street - 2007
The Phantom of the Opera - 2004

Guys and Dolls (1955)

Nathan Detroit is a gambling man who loves the crap game, but he is broke and needs money to finance it. So when he sees Sky Masterson, the slickest gambler in New York, Nathan comes up with a plan; he makes a thousand dollar bet with Sky that he can't take missionary Sarah Brown to Havana with him. So Sky takes the bet, but doesn't plan on falling in love with her. A colorful musical, with catchy tunes; and who can resist Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando in the same film? Starring Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Jean Simmons, Vivian Blaine, Robert Keith, Stubby Kaye 9/10

The Producers (1968)

Broadway producer Max Bialystock used to be great, he produced great shows but now he's broke he's been romancing wealthy elderly women in exchange for money for his next play. His eccentric accountant Leo Bloom tells him that it's possible that a producer could make more money with a flop than with a hit. So they cook up a scheme to produce the worst play ever written called Springtime for Hitler, have it starring the worst actors, directed by the worst director and they think they'll be rich after it opens. But their plan backfires when the show is a surprise smash hit. A crazy, hysterical, satirical dark comedy written and directed by the great Mel Brooks. A word of advice though; skip the remake because it's hardly as memorable as the original. Starring Zero Mostel, Gene Wilder, Dick Shawn, Kenneth Mars 8/10

Wayne's World 2 (1993)

In the sequel to Wayne's World, Wayne Campbell now lives in an abandoned doll factory in Aurora, and their Friday night television show still a big hit. But Wayne wants to put on a concert. That night he has a dream where he is led by a weird naked Indian and meets Jim Morrison, where Jim tells him that putting on the concert is his destiny and that "if you book them, they will come." So Wayne and Garth decide to do it, calling the concert "Waynestock", however when signing the bands and selling the tickets are unsuccessful, Wayne thinks that maybe it wasn't such a good idea. Garth meanwhile has an affair with a seductive blond whom he finds out is already married. And Cassandra has a new producer by the name of Bobby Cahn. When Cassandra finds out that Wayne was spying on her with Bobby, they break up and Bobby marries Cassandra only to be interrupted when Wayne goes to get her back. Even funnier than the original, Wayne and Garth are two memorable and funny characters that you'll love. Starring Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Tia Carrere, Christopher Walken, Rip Taylor, Ed O'Neil, Kevin Pollak, Kim Basinger, Chris Farley, Aerosmith 7/10

Wayne's World (1992)

Wayne Campbell lives in suburban neighborhood with his parents in Aurora, Illinois, and has his own Friday night public access cable show with his friend Garth Algar. When a television station executive named Benjamin Kane sees them on television one night, his girlfriend tells him how popular the show is, he tells his producer Russell Finley and they think they have a great opportunity for a huge sponsorship. The next week Benjamin visits Wayne and offers to buy the rights to the show for ten thousand dollars. Meanwhile Wayne falls for a bassist named Cassandra who is also the leader singer of a rock band called Crucial Taunt. But Benjamin has an scheme up his sleeve and unbeknown to Wayne, he plans to steal Cassandra away and ruin their show. Hilarious and fun; based on the character skits from Saturday Night Live, Mike Myers and Dana Carvey are a riot. Starring Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Rob Lowe, Tia Carrere, Lara Flynn Boyle, Brian Doyle-Murray, Robert Patrick, Ed O'Neill, Chris Farley, Michael DeLuise, Meat Loaf, Alice Cooper 7/10

Airheads (1994)

Chazz is a struggling musician who just wants to have the demo tape of his band The Lone Rangers heard on the radio so he can get a record contract. But it's not an easy task, especially when security keeps throwing him out. So along with his band buddies Rex and Pip, they do the only thing they can think of; they decide to take the Rebel Radio Station hostage so their song can be heard. But when the disc jockey puts them on the air without them knowing, it gets the attention of everyone listening and soon the police arrive outside the station to see what Chazz' demands are. A wacky, fun and hilarious music comedy. Starring Brendan Fraser, Steve Buscemi, Adam Sandler, Joe Mantegna, Michael McKean, Ernie Hudson, Amy Locane, Chris Farley, Judd Nelson, David Arquette, Michael Richards 7/10 

Flashdance (1983)

Alex Owens is a welder in a steel mill by day, and an exotic dancer in a bar by night. When her boss sees her on stage, he is fascinated by her and finds out that she works for him at the mill. Her one dream is to get accepted into a prestigious dance company, which her mentor Hanna Long, a retired professional dancer encourages her to audition for. But when she visits the actual place, she can't help but feel intimidated and out of place so she leaves. Despite a tragic loss in her life, she emerges from her sorrow and finally gets the courage to pursue her dream. A high energy dance film with a dynamite soundtrack. Starring Jennifer Beals, Michael Nouri, Lilia Skala, Sunny Johnson, Kyle T. Heffner 6/10

Death to Smoochy (2002)

Randolph Smiley is a kid show host who calls himself Rainbow Randolph. But when he is caught taking a bribe he is arrested and loses his job. Desperate to find a replacement for Randolph and fast, they hire Smoochy; a wholesome fuchsia colored rhinoceros created by Sheldon Mopes. As Smoochy becomes a hit and more popular than ever, Randolph begins to turn insane, and plans revenge to kill Smoochy so he can go back to being on television again. A bazaar and hilarious dark comedy, one of Robin Williams best comedic roles. Starring Robin Williams, Edward Norton, Danny Devito, Catherine Keener, Jon Stewart, Pam Ferris, Danny Woodburn, Michael Rispoli, Harvey Fierstein, Vincent Schiavelli 7/10

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Dorothy Gale lives on a farm in Kansas with her Aunt Emily and Uncle Henry. When a mean woman named Miss Gulch threatens to have her dog Toto put to sleep, Dorothy runs away with him. But when a tornado hits and she returns home, she gets knocked out and starts to dream. In the dream, she wakes up and finds she's in a strange and beautiful world with good and bad witches and munchkins. Wanting to go home, she asks Glinda the Good Witch for help, but she tells her the only person who can get her back to Kansas is the powerful Wizard of Oz. Only he is in Emerald City which is a long journey away. So with her dog Toto she begins to travel there, on the way meeting a Scarecrow (who wants a brain), a Tin Man (who wants a heart) and a Lion (who wants courage). She insists that if the wizard can get her home, then surely he can give them what her friends want. So they go along with her on the journey. But unfortunately the Wicked Witch of the West, wants to destroy her and possess the ruby slippers that Dorothy is wearing. Based on the L.Frank Baum books, it's an enchanting, magical and captivating. A timeless classic that all should see and enjoy. Starring Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton 10/10

Hair (1979)

Claude is a young man from Oklahoma who goes to New York City because he's going to be drafted into the Vietnam War. While in the city he is befriended by George Berger, the leader of a group of hippies. He begins to hang out with them and also falls in love with a rich girl named Sheila when Berger and his friends crash a private party. Despite George's objections, Claude still wants to go and serve in the war which George and the hippies are against. So George devises a plan so they can have one last get-together with Claude before going to war; so while Claude is with his friends, George stays on the base and poses as Claude. But unfortunately Claude doesn't get back in time and reluctantly George is shipped off to war. Based on the Broadway musical hit of the 60's, a vibrant and exciting film; the music is incredible and the dance numbers are amazing. A film not to be missed by musical lovers. Starring John Savage, Treat Williams, Beverly D'Angelo, Annie Golden, Dorsey Wright, Don Dacus 8/10

Babes in Toyland (1961)

Miss Mary Quite Contrary is about to marry Tom, the Piper's son. But on the night just before they're supposed to marry, evil miser Barnaby hires two bumbling henchmen, Gonzorgo and Roderigo to kidnap Tom and throw him in the sea. But instead they sell him to the gypsies so they'll get paid for him twice. They also steal Bo Peep's sheep, which is Mary and the children's livelihood so Mary has no choice but to marry the rich but mean Barnaby. He hires a band of gypsies to dance and entertain the townspeople, having no idea that they are the same gypsies that Gonzorgo and Roderigo sold Tom to. Tom escapes and disguises himself as an old gypsy who can see the future and sings to Mary and Barnaby. When he reveals his true identity, Mary and the townspeople are overjoyed, but that doesn't stop Barnaby from doing everything in his power to get his way and marry Mary, even if that means having Tom disposed of. When Bo Peep and the children get lost when they go looking for the sheep in the forest, Tom and Mary rescue them. They discover Toyland, which is where The Toymaker makes toys for the children of the world. When the toy machine that the Toymaker's assistant breaks, Bo Peep and the children help The Toymaker make the Christmas deadline. This Disney classic is wonderful fun; the songs are terrific, Annette Funicello is delightful and Ray Bolger is a perfect villain. Starring Ray Bolger, Tommy Sands, Annette Funicello, Ed Wynn, Tommy Kirk, Henry Calvin, Gene Sheldon, Ann Jillian 6/10

West Side Story (1960)

Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this time the play is set in New York City, the American Tony falls in love with The Puerto Rican Maria, while The Sharks and their rivals The Jets plan to set up a meeting point to have a rumble. This movie is fantastic; with a terrific score, great choreography, wonderful characters, and amazing songs. Starring Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, Simon Oakland 10/10

Cry-Baby (1990)

Wade “Cry-Baby” Walker is the coolest juvenile delinquent in his Baltimore high school. His ability to shed one tear drives all the girls wild, especially Allison Vernon-Williams. A beautiful rich Square, Allison finds herself drawn to the world of Cry-Baby and his Drape pals. She falls in love with Cry-Baby, but must choose which side she wants to be a part of, the Squares or the Drapes. A cute comedy/musical that will have you singing along with the catchy tunes and watching over and over. Starring Johnny Depp, Amy Locane, Susan Tyrell, Polly Bergen, Ricki Lake, Traci Lords, Kim McGuire, Troy Donahue, Iggy Pop, Willem Dafoe 7/10

Grease (1978)

Greaser Danny Zuko and good girl Sandy Olsen spend a great summer of love together, but when the summer ends Sandy has to go back to her home in Sydney, Australia. Danny goes back to Rydell High School and meets up with his buddies the T-Birds, What he doesn’t know is that Sandy has had a change of plans and is going to the same school. She makes friends with Frenchy, and also meets The Pink Ladies, led by the brassy and tough Rizzo. Danny gets the surprise of his life when at a pep rally, they reunite. But Danny trying to act cool in front of his friends, pretends like it’s nothing special. Social differences complicate their romance. One of the greatest and most enjoyable musicals ever to hit the screen, with interesting characters and a fabulous soundtrack, it’s a timeless classic. Starring John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Barry Pearl, Michael Tucci, Kelly Ward, Didi Conn, Jamie Donnelly, Dinah Manoff, Eve Arden, Frankie Avalon, Joan Blondell, Ed Byrnes, Sid Caesar 8/10

The Pirate Movie (1982)

Christopher stars as Frederic (without a K) a lovesick ex-pirate whose duty and honor has called him to devote his heart and soul to exterminating the pirates. Kristy stars as Mabel Stanley (also without a K), the youngest daughter of the Modern Major General, who dreams of one day finding love. They meet on the beach and want to marry but she can’t until her older sisters are. A fun spoof of The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan, with infectious music and lots of double entendre jokes. Starring Kristy McNichol, Christopher Atkins, Ted Hamilton, Bill Kerr, Maggie Kirkpatrick 7/10

Bye Bye Birdie (1963)

The small town of Sweet Apple, Ohio buzzes with excitement when the hip-shaking rocker Conrad Birdie (a parody of Elvis Presley) comes to their town. Young and wise Kim McAfee, a resident of Sweet Apple is chosen to be kissed by the swooning crooner on national television, despite her parents and boyfriend’s objections. Leigh and Van Dyke play Rosie and Albert, two people very much in love and want to get married, but Albert, a songwriter has yet to sell a song and considers quitting to become a chemist and also because of his demanding mother, played by Stapleton. From the Broadway hit, Bye Bye Birdie is great fun, with catchy songs and funny dialogue that the whole family will love. Starring Janet Leigh, Dick Van Dyke, Ann-Margaret, Maureen Stapleton, Bobby Rydell, Paul Lynde 8/10

Footloose (1984)

When city boy Ren McCormick moves to a Midwestern town, it isn’t easy fitting in, especially when he finds out that dancing has been banned because of an accident where drugs and alcohol were involved. He meets Willard and the rebellious minister’s daughter Ariel and they fight back to convince the citizens of the town, most especially the Reverend Shaw Moore who believes in keeping the peace that dancing can be a good thing. One of my favorite dance movies; the cast is hot, the soundtrack is awesome and it has a terrific story, loosely based on actual events. Starring Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer, Chris Penn, Sarah Jessica Parker, Dianne Wiest, John Lithgow 8/10

The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella (1976)

The classic story of Cinderella; her parents are dead, she lives with her horrible stepmother and spoiled, demanding stepsisters. In the tiny kingdom of Euphrania, the King and his royal court are very anxious to get the Prince Edward, heir to the throne to marry, but he wants to marry for love. So the King and Lord Chamberlain decide to have a bride-finding ball so he can choose one, despite Edward's objections. Meanwhile Cinderella is forced to move into the cellar or go to an orphanage. She stays and is assigned long and grueling tasks. But one day she meets a cheery fairy godmother who helps her complete the tasks. And with the help of magic, she gets to go to the ball in a fancy gown and a beautiful carriage. Edward and Cinderella meet at the ball and instantly fall in love. They want to marry but the King and Queen can’t consent because the Prince must make a marriage of alliance with a princess of royal blood, otherwise it could lead to war. This is by far my favorite tale of Cinderella; with an interesting plot, wonderful songs, and delightful performances. Starring Richard Chamberlain, Gemma Craven, Annette Crosbie, Michael Hordern, Edith Evans, Margaret Lockwood, Kenneth More 9/10