“The Wizard of Oz”. “West Side Story”. “Mary Poppins”. “Singin’ in the Rain”. These are some of the all-time classic movie musicals. But many of those from yesteryear were primarily filmed on soundstages. They simply didn’t have the scope and freedom of those released today. Continuous movement, high energy and, therefore, incredible editing, are all components that make-up the fearless musicals that have graced the silver screen over the past 10-15 years.
There are several new entries in the genre currently in development: Disney’s live-action “Beauty and the Beast” and the Emily Blunt-led sequel “Mary Poppins Returns” have been making headlines recently. Broadway vet Hugh Jackman will play P.T. Barnum in “The Greatest Showman on Earth”, set for release on Christmas Day 2017. And this December, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling star in “Whiplash” writer/director Damien Chazelle’s L.A. romance “La La Land”.
The actors in those films will have a lot to live-up to. Here’s my list of The Most Fearless Movie Musical Performances of the Decade:
1. Tom Cruise – “Rock of Ages” (2012)
Completely embodying the persona of rocker Stacee Jaxx, mixing obsessions with women and alcohol with egotistical opinions and quirky dialogue, Cruise delivered a mind-blowing performance. He was, by far, the most interesting element of this otherwise bland adaptation.
2. John Travolta – Hairspray” (2007)
The casting was bold – having the “Grease” and “Saturday Night Fever” star playing Tracy Turnblad’s mother Edna, but Travolta, amazingly, immersed himself in the character – and became the heart and soul of the movie.
3. Amy Adams – “Enchanted” (2007)
The five-time Oscar nominee’s breakout performance was as sweet and sensitive Princess Giselle. A classic Disney Princess story, with more than a couple of twists, this role allowed Adams to take The Big Apple by storm, and audiences around the globe found her irresistible.
4. Anne Hathaway & Hugh Jackman – “Les Miserables” (2012)
Hathaway earned an Oscar – mainly for her memorable version of Fantine’s “I Dreamed a Dream”. Jackman was equally powerful in the physically-demanding, emotionally grueling role of Jean Valjean.
5. Meryl Streep – “Into the Woods” (2014)
Streep was fun to watch as Donna in “Mamma Mia!”, but she was captivating as The Witch in “Woods”. Director Rob Marshall provided her with the most versatility of all the multi-talented cast members: she belted out three show-stoppers, delivered compelling dialogue, participated in a few dramatic wardrobe changes, and hers was the only character in the film with a legitimate arc.