We start the Top 7. You finish the Top 10.
Sometimes we want to move our feet and tap our toes, but we don't realize it until the moment is upon us. Thankfully, movies are here to rescue us. Sure, there are the full-out musicals like Evita, and Singin' in the Rain. I'm not talking about those. And then there are the films like Saturday Night Fever, Dirty Dancing and Footloose. But those are films that thrive on a soundtrack and dance numbers within the dramatic story. So, even though the remake of Footloose is the reason I thought of this TOP 7, we're going deeper. For this TOP 7, we're hitting the dance sequences that came out of nowhere, made you recheck which genre you're sitting down for, then wish the characters wouldn't stop moving and/or grooving. Not surprisingly, comedy makes its presence known.
7. Young Frankenstein (1974)
Recap: Dr. Frankenstein's grandson (Gene Wilder) inherits the castle and decides to repeat the experiment that made his grandfather famous. Reason: I understand Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein is funny, but it's not comic gold for me. Yes, I just recently rewatched it to make sure, and frankly there aren't as many jokes as you'd think. However, when it comes to "Puttin' on the Ritz," all of that changes. You see, at this point in the film we assume the Monster (Peter Boyle) isn't capable of much. It's funny enough when we see the Monster nail the dance steps, but what puts it over the edge and in my TOP 7 is the Monster belting out "Puttin' on the Ritz."
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ-aRwEbp5I
6. Pretty in Pink (1986)
Recap: A girl (Molly Ringwald), who doesn't fit in with the popular crowd, must choose between her sweet, but annoying childhood sweetheart (Jon Cryer) and a rich guy (Andrew McCarthy). Reason: Duckie (Cryer) is in full force when he bursts out of nowhere and lip-syncs Otis Redding's classic "Try a Little Tenderness." Andie (Ringwald) and Iona (Annie Potts) aren't impressed, but we are. It's impossible not to love this confused kid. As soon as he starts dancing, we hope Andie will love his effort, but at the same point, we realize there's just no chance.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNGIg8f-0Wc
5. There's Something About Mary (1998)
Recap: Ted (Ben Stiller) gets another chance with his dream girl (Cameron Diaz) from high school. Unfortunately, other guys are after her as well. Reason: Ending a comedy with bloopers is nice. Ending a comedy with a song and dance number is smart and bold. There's Something About Mary did it before 40-Year-Old Virgin and pretty much just made a music video out of it. Jonathan Richman controls the musical vignettes perfectly throughout the film, but The Foundations steal the show. "Build Me Up Buttercup" is fun, and that's enough of a reason to put it on the TOP 7 list.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-g7yosMKdw
4. Wall-E (2008)
Recap: Wall-E is a small waste collecting robot, who meets a robot named Eve and has a space journey that may decide the fate of mankind. Reason: Wall-E and Eve are one of my favorite love stories in film. It's so freaking sweet. The musical score is beautiful and this song known as "Define Dancing." It starts with a kiss and will officially put you in a good mood. Yes, officially. Like most of the film, we don't need to stinking words to make beautiful music.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsQFuesfaoI
3. (500) Days of Summer (2009)
Recap: Summer (Zooey Deschannel) doesn't believe in true love. That doesn't stop Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) from trying to change her mind. Reason: You make my dreams come true. Yes, I know that's the name of the song, but I'm actually making that statement to Joseph Gordon-Levitt and director Marc Webb. For ten seconds, we think we know what we're getting with this moment. Tom is happy he got laid with someone he's in love with. Then, slowly we realize he's in full-out fantasy mode complete with Han Solo. The Hall & Oates song "You Make My Dreams" lights up the morning after with such absolute joy Tom can't contain himself and we can't either.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tJoIaXZ0rw
2. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Recap: Two hit men (Samuel L. Jackson & John Travolta), a boxer (Bruce Willis and a gangster's wife (Uma Thurman) intertwine in tales of redemption. Reason: I actually requested this song at a frat party, performed it flawlessly (there is no video to prove otherwise) and this impressed my date ... if you know what I mean. I mean, I don't remember her laughing at all. Anyway, this moment was the ultimate cool. Travolta's comeback was in full effect. Chuck Berry was able to connect with a new generation, proving the lyrics to the song, "You Never Can Tell."
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik-RsDGPI5Y
1. ¡Three Amigos! (1986)
Recap: Three unemployed actors (Chevy Chase, Steve Martin and Martin Short) accept a job and head to a Mexican village to fake fight bandits, only to realize it's real. Reason: You know who performed "My Little Buttercup" originally? No one else. It was an original. I saw this film with my family when I was 10 years old. I loved it, and remember my mom laughing like crazy. I've probably randomly sang this song more than any other in movie history. It's an insanely addictive song and dance number, which only gets better during the second verse when Lucky (Martin) and Ned (Short) get the locals to join in on the fun. The Blu-ray comes out in November and I can't wait to see what extras they have in store for this 25th Anniversary addition.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5T8FJ7TldU