A famous stand up comedian once said: "I don't get musicals. First, they talk and then they sing. But when they sing, they actually repeat what they were saying the first time." He really nailed it. It's like sometimes, these movies don't want to end. Hours and hours of pointless singing and dancing while the plot is at a standstill can make for one big snoozefest. If any musical can rock a woman's socks off, most guys see them as entire parts of their life that they'll never get back. There's a target audience for musicals as there is one for hardcore horror movies - they're just not for everyone. The truth is, musicals are essentially marketed to a young female audience and the feminine side of the male audience. There's no rule that says musicals have to be only aimed at teenage girls. Unfortunately, for the most part they are. Even the recent Frozen gives us two princesses for the price of one. Interestingly however, a large part of the Disney catalogue relies a lot on musical numbers. And many of these cartoons are not only critically acclaimed, they also appeal to both genders. Likewise, apart from Disney animated movies, there are some great screen musicals out there that are worth watching even if you're not into the genre. So, if you're getting tired of corny lyrics, sappy characters, and soppy love stories, well, you're not alone... First, here's the link to six 'alternative' musicals that you might enjoy, but if you're still hungry for more, have a look at this fresh list of eight new entries.
8. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
When their car breaks down in the woods during a stormy night, a young couple seeks refuge from the rain in a strange castle. They are greeted by a gathering of debauched partygoers, led by a mad scientist. What follows is too wonderful to spoil, but Rocky Horror needs no introduction. If you've never watched it, you must be aware of its infamous reputation. This low-budget sci-fi/horror cult midnight movie has been playing all over the world since the early 1980s. Lines of loyal fans who know the film by heart dress up as their favourite characters, dance on stage, and sing along in unison. At home, without the audience sideshow it's still a thoroughly original piece of filmmaking, packed with bizarre and colourful musical numbers, silly dialogue and cheerfully campy acting. And who can forget Tim Curry's fearless performance as lingerie clad transvestite Dr. Frank N. Furter? Adapted from the stage musical created by Richard O' Brien who also plays ghoulish butler Riff Raff Rocky Horror is a spectacular combination of catchy showtunes, elaborate costumes, and bizarre surroundings wrapped in transgressive sexual energy. From the title sequence, where luscious red lips sing in homage to classic sci-fi and B movies, to Tim Curry's notorious "Sweet Transvestite", the musical numbers are as delightfully creative as they are provocative. Especially, the "Time Warp" song, which becomes both an example and a parody of the genre when the dance step instructions are given over to the audience by a matter-of-fact narrator.
It's just a jump to the left. And then a step to the riiiiiiight!