Top 10 Most Underrated Dance Scenes in Modern Movie Musicals
#10: “Planetarium” “La La Land” (2016)
A favorite with critics and boasting multiple Oscar wins, “La La Land” is one modern musical that we really can’t describe on the whole as underrated. A homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood, it may not measure up to the classics, however there are still some great dance moments. The opening number and the “Lovely Night” sequence are iconic, but the observatory scene - where Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling dance together among the stars - gets a bit overlooked. This balletic dream sequence gives a nod to the Gene Kelly era of musicals and is even reminiscent of a certain “Sleeping Beauty” scene.
#9: “(You’re) Timeless to Me” “Hairspray” (2007)
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Like the dame in pantomime, the role of Tracy’s mother in “Hairspray” has traditionally been performed by a man. However, when John Travolta took on the role for the movie, he didn’t just play it for laughs. Edna Turnblad is a loveable character who grows in confidence throughout the film and Travolta’s chemistry with on-screen husband, Christopher Walken, is surprisingly touching. Their duet “(You’re) Timeless to Me” is a great piece of comedy, but also really sweet. From Danny Zuko and “Greased Lightnin’” to a Baltimore housewife tangoing in the backyard, Travolta definitely has range.
#8: “From Now On” “The Greatest Showman” (2017)
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“The Greatest Showman” may not have had the critical success of “La La Land,” but the public took this musical inspired by the life of P. T. Barnum to their hearts. “This Is Me” and “Rewrite the Stars” are instantly recognizable, but there are so many great songs that a few of them go under the radar. “From Now On” takes place at the point in the movie where Hugh Jackman’s Barnum has learned his lessons and is promising to appreciate the life that he has. Beginning as a thoughtful ballad, it picks up a third of the way through and ends as a joyful dance number with a real party atmosphere, lifting the mood just in time for the big finale.
#7: “A Cover is Not the Book” “Mary Poppins Returns” (2018)
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“Mary Poppins Returns” had some seriously big shoes to fill. What is “Mary Poppins” without Julie Andrews and the Sherman Brothers’ classic songs? The long-awaited sequel got right into the spirit, lovingly referencing the sixties classic throughout. The lamplighter song “Trip a Little Light Fantastic” recalls “Step in Time” and “A Cover is Not the Book” harks back to “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” which itself was referencing the music hall tradition of the 1910s. “A Cover is Not the Book” ramps this up with a music hall stage, a dash of innuendo and great comic-musical turns from Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
#6: “Boogie Wonderland” “Happy Feet” (2006)
A jukebox musical epic about penguins who sing and dance, “Happy Feet” is definitely an unusual film. Yet it hits all the emotional beats, especially in the “Boogie Wonderland” scene, which marks the turning point of the movie. In a world where every penguin has a heartsong, Mumble can only tap dance, while Gloria has the most beautiful voice in the colony. We hear snatches of her heartsong earlier in the movie, but it’s not until this pivotal scene that the words of the chorus are revealed and it becomes obvious that Mumble was her true love all along. The film may be animated, but motion capture was used for the tap dance scenes, which were heavily choreographed, with the dancers trained to move like penguins.
#5: “No Life Without Wife” “Bride and Prejudice” (2004)
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Directed by Gurinder Chadha, who also brought us “Bend It Like Beckham” and “Blinded by the Light,” “Bride and Prejudice” is a modern day retelling of Jane Austen’s classic novel. It could also function as a kind of a gateway Bollywood movie. There are some great ensemble dance sequences, too. Lalita finds herself accepting a dance with Mr. Wickham at the Garba. But one of the movie’s most memorable dance moments features the four Bakshi sisters, following an awkward dinner with distant relative Kohli, who has his sights set on Lalita. Intended to be a light-hearted, girly scene, reminiscent of “Grease’s” “Sandra Dee,” it’s definitely a lot of fun.
#4: “Does Your Mother Know?” “Mamma Mia!” (2008)
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Although ABBA’s greatest hits are guaranteed floor-fillers, when you think of the first “Mamma Mia!” movie, it’s the songs, rather than the dancing, that first spring to mind. Nevertheless, the characters in this joyful jukebox musical give us some memorable moves, from the Greek chorus of locals to a bachelor party in swimwear. One scene that isn’t talked about enough is “Does Your Mother Know?” This gender swapped version of the classic is sung by Donna’s thrice-divorced friend Tanya after a night of passion with groomsman Pepper. There’s a lot of drama going down in the main plot, and this tongue-in-cheek dance scene is just what’s needed to lighten the mood.
#3: “I Don’t Dance” “High School Musical 2” (2007)
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A breakout Disney Channel original, “High School Musical” was a bit of a cultural moment. Even the critics liked the first film, but the later installments don’t always get the love they deserve. The second movie has some truly memorable dance moments, however, the top underrated scene goes to the supporting cast once again, with Ryan and Chad’s baseball number, “I Don’t Dance.” This is theatre kid Ryan’s attempt to bring Chad over to his team - the drama team that is. The message of the song? That we don’t have to stay in our boxes and it’s okay to try something new. Basically it’s this movie’s “Stick to the Status Quo,” but with even more memorable moves.
#2: “We Both Reached for the Gun” “Chicago” (2002)
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“Chicago” is arguably the movie musical that brought the genre back into the mainstream after a long hiatus. With its Oscar-winning performances and vampy edge, you can understand why. Director and choreographer Rob Marshall retains the Broadway show’s setup of musical numbers staged like vaudeville acts, in the style of Bob Fosse, who choreographed the original 1975 show. “Cell Block Tango” and the “Hot Honey Rag” are maybe the most recognizable numbers, but “We Both Reached for the Gun” in which lawyer Billy Flynn makes puppets of the press, is original and darkly captivating. Speaking for Roxie - shown here as a ventriloquist’s dummy - Richard Gere’s Billy spins a story of her innocence and gets everyone dancing to his tune. Before we unveil our top pick, here are some honorable mentions: “So Close,” “Enchanted” (2007) Giselle & Robert Dance Before Parting Ways at the Ball “Kingdom Dance,” “Tangled” (2010) Rapunzel & Flynn Begin to Realize Just What They Mean to Each Other
#1: “No Dames!” “Hail, Caesar!” (2016)
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This Coen Brothers comedy is set in the world of the Hollywood studio system, back in the 1950s. Is it a musical, strictly speaking? Maybe not. But its great song and dance sequences make it way too good to pass up for this list. Scarlett Johansson gets to be a mermaid and there’s also a country ballad, “Lazy Old Moon.” However, the most unforgettable scene features Channing Tatum as a Gene Kelly type, filming a dance sequence in full sailor rig. The song is tongue-in-cheek and full of innuendo, but the dancing is seriously good. Someone get Channing Tatum in another musical already!
