Song Lyric of the Day:
It’s tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that’s right on time / It’s Tricky
Run-DMC / “It’s Tricky“
Wow, it’s been longer than I realized since I put together one of these lists. So here I am. If you read this blog even occasionally, you know how much I love my music. To that end, I thought I’d share some of my favorite movie scenes set to music. These are the scenes I inevitably think of whenever I hear the songs associated with them. I will say there are some glaring omissions (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off‘s “Twist and Shout,” to name one) thanks to some strict copyright enforcement. Party poopers. Anyhoo, here are some of my faves. That I legally found online. OK, legally that I know of.
“Puttin’ on the Ritz” – performed by Gene Wilder and Peter Boyle, Young Frankenstein
If there’s any scene in this classic comedy — which I’ve pretty much memorized I’ve watched it so much — that epitomizes its warped sense of humor, this is it. And to think Mel Brooks didn’t think Gene Wilder’s idea would work. Good thing he caved, though, since the movie is richer for it.
“Build Me Up Buttercup” – The Foundations, There’s Something About Mary
I love the silliness of the cast lip-synching to “Build Me Up Buttercup” as the end credits roll. Not only is it memorable in that it’s a catchy song, but for me it really embodies the heart of what is, despite the zaniness and gross-out jokes, a really funny movie with a genuine sweetness to it. Added bonus: Even the smallest bit players get their moment to shine.
I love the silliness of the cast lip-synching to “Build Me Up Buttercup” as the end credits roll. Not only is it memorable in that it’s a catchy song, but for me it really embodies the heart of what is, despite the zaniness and gross-out jokes, a really funny movie with a genuine sweetness to it. Added bonus: Even the smallest bit players get their moment to shine.
“It’s Tricky” – Run-DMC, Road Trip
Take one seriously skinny, tall, gawky white kid and have him attempt a step dance with an African-American fraternity (set at UT Knoxville, no less), and what do you get? DJ Qualls’ hilarious quasi-Irish dancing in Road Trip.
Take one seriously skinny, tall, gawky white kid and have him attempt a step dance with an African-American fraternity (set at UT Knoxville, no less), and what do you get? DJ Qualls’ hilarious quasi-Irish dancing in Road Trip.
“Canzonetta sull’aria” – Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro, The Shawshank Redemption
One of the most beautiful, simple, and heartbreaking scenes I’ve ever seen in any movie, ever. Red’s narration that even though he didn’t know what those Italian women were singing, he “… like(d) to think they were singing about something so beautiful, it can’t be expressed in words, and makes your heart ache because of it.” Which sums up the scene perfectly.
One of the most beautiful, simple, and heartbreaking scenes I’ve ever seen in any movie, ever. Red’s narration that even though he didn’t know what those Italian women were singing, he “… like(d) to think they were singing about something so beautiful, it can’t be expressed in words, and makes your heart ache because of it.” Which sums up the scene perfectly.
“Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen, Shaun of the Dead
One of my all-time favorite bands plus my favorite romzomcom equals awesomeness. A pool-cue beating keeping time with the music makes for a fun moment right before the perfect storm of zombie shotgun killings to come.
One of my all-time favorite bands plus my favorite romzomcom equals awesomeness. A pool-cue beating keeping time with the music makes for a fun moment right before the perfect storm of zombie shotgun killings to come.
“Paradise City” – Guns N’ Roses, Can’t Hardly Wait
Of all the associations I have with movie scenes set to music, this is the one that makes me laugh the hardest. I blame it on Charlie Korsmo’s awesome leap back onstage after passing out when two girls flash him. Of course, he may also be the reason Loveburger never did get around to performing.
Of all the associations I have with movie scenes set to music, this is the one that makes me laugh the hardest. I blame it on Charlie Korsmo’s awesome leap back onstage after passing out when two girls flash him. Of course, he may also be the reason Loveburger never did get around to performing.
What are some of your favorite musical movie scenes?
