TV & Movies
WithWonka,The Color Purple, andMean Girls, can this seasons fare compete?
Ive only clapped in a public movie theater once, following the opening scene of 2007sHairspray.
Whether theyll inspire a similar reaction is anyones guess.
Its rare to get a trio of star-studded musicals intended for theater audiences around the holidays.
Theres usually one; sometimes itll get a competitor, like whenAnnieandInto The Woodsboth premiered in December 2014.
Theres clearly an appetite for the genre, but for bothWonkaandMean Girls, the films trailershid their musicality.
Chicago(2002)
Chicagohas everything: murder, sex, jazz, gin, Christine Baranski.
I always forget about Dominic Wests early cameo, and get excited when he pops up on screen.
And thats just the start!
The movie has show-stopping ballads, disco stompers, and a gripping story that makesScandovallook like high school.
It was also a revelation for Hudson, who started herEGOTby winning an Oscar for her role.
(Then there’s Beyonce, arguably giving her best acting showcase.)
(In my latest watch, it was the womens peasant blouses, which look pulled from Doen.)
But really, its all about Chaim Topol.
The story is based on Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous stripper who started in vaudeville and burlesque.
Disney was stupid not to release this in theaters from the jump.J.V.
La La Land(2016)
Mamma Mia!
And expect a shadow cast, fans in full costume wholl lip sync as the movie plays.
First-timer at the Frankenstein Place?
In Broadway Ballet, Cyd Charisse delivers a master class in sultry seduction, donning that forever-recognizablegreen sequin dress.
Thats not to mention the standout dance numbers in Moses Supposes, Gotta Dance and Make em Laugh.
And who doesnt love a young Rita Moreno as Zelda Zanders?L.S.
Tick, Tick… Boom!
(Admit it, youre hearing those snapping fingers in your head right now.)
For as long as the movie-musical exists, there will always be a place forWest Side Storyin it.J.D.
This article was originally published onDec.
