WAYNE’S TOP 10 MUSICAL MOMENTS OF 2011

Scores and soundtracks can make or break a movie, but it’s a special treat when a film infuses a song or dance number into its story. This Top 10 celebrates the most memorable moments of musicality, through song, dance, or both, in the films I watched in 2011.

I’d like to give an honorable mention to The Artist. It still hasn’t opened in my area so I was unable to include it in my Top 10. From the trailers it appears that, had I seen it by now, it would definitely wiggle its way onto the list.

10. BELTING THE BULLYING BALLERINA IN THE CHANGE-UP.

When Mitch becomes the daddy to Dave’s kids, he has got some not-so-fatherly advice for the eldest daughter, Cara. It isn’t until she takes his words to heart and puts a little wannabe Black Swan thug in her place that Not-Daddy Mitch is touched by the impact he’s had on the kids.

9. MARY AND MISS PIGGY’S ME PARTY IN THE MUPPETS.

Is it true that I love me some Amy Adams? Yes. Is it also true that the radiation generated by her smile could power a mid-sized city? It hasn’t been proven, but most likely. It’s unfathomable why Gary would leave Mary high and dry, but it gives Mary a chance to shimmy, shake and smile opposite Miss Piggy as they happily lament their solitary lives.

8. CHARLIE… THAT’S HIS NAME IN HORRIBLE BOSSES.

Before Horrible Bosses, I had never before experienced the hurricane of hilarity that is Charlie Day. I doubt I’ll find him sitting in a Prius, strung out on cocaine, singing along to the Ting Tings on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, but thanks to that scene, I will be tuning in to see how he can amuse me next.

7. A BOY AND HIS ROBOT IN REAL STEEL.

After Atom proves to be more than just a heap of junk, Charlie finds Max “teaching” the sparring bot some choice dance moves using its shadow feature in a fun, touching scene. This connection between boy and bot gives Atom personality, and fresh-to-death dance moves that hype the crowds and strike fear into the servos of his opponents.

6. DANCE WITH THE TIGER IN CEDAR RAPIDS.

Dean Ziegler is loud, abrasive and the best friend that Tim Lippe has ever had. When Tim’s world is crumbling beneath him, it’s Deansy who explains the essentials of business although not in the most professional manner. To dance with the tiger, you’ve got to show a little teat is a lesson I won’t soon forget.

5. COLE PORTER IN MIDNIGHT IN PARIS.

When Gil’s midnight stroll through Paris lands him in the 1920′s, he doesn’t get it at first. He should have really started to realize he wasn’t in Kansas (or present day Paris) anymore when he fraternizes with the Fitzgeralds at a party while Cole Porter tickles the ivories.

4. VERBAL SEDUCTION AND NIPPLE CONFUSION IN YOUNG ADULT.

Buddy is psyched to watch his wife Beth lay down the drum beat for her band Nipple Confusion. Mavis is psyched to accompany Buddy to the event, but when the new moms’ quartet start rocking out to “their song,” Mavis gets a little psycho. Reminding the happy father of past flings in front of his wife really isn’t the most effective method of seduction.

3. MARILYN’S PERFECT TAKE IN MY WEEK WITH MARILYN.

Michelle Williams’ characterization of Marilyn Monroe begins with a heatwave and ends with a touch of that old black magic. However, her best musical moment is when she re-enacts the solo dancing scene from The Prince and The Showgirl. This perfect take as well as Sir Laurence Olivier and the crew’s reaction remind us all why Marilyn still mesmerizes.

2. MAKING THE CRIMSON BOLT BLUSH IN SUPER.

In planning his war on crime, the Crimson Bolt never planned to defend himself from the lustful determination of his pint-sized sidekick. Though he tries, the Bolt cannot withstand her awkward and unyielding seduction skills. I know sidekicks are supposed to be great at keeping you company on those long nights on patrol, but not like this.

1. MAN OR MUPPET IN THE MUPPETS.

I’ve got three great reasons why this scene walks away with the top prize. First, I’m a huge fan of Flight of the Conchords and the musical stylings of Bret McKenzie are undeniably awesome when paired with the Muppets. Secondly, seeing Jason Segel Muppet-ized is freaky, but in a fun, surprising way. More surprising? Humanized Walter = Jim Parsons. Bazinga!

Do you have any musical favorites? I want to know!

Remember, we here at Man, I Love Films don’t do definitive lists. We do our favorites and we want to hear yours. So, make sure and tell us about them in the comments section below.