In the realm of musical films, I find myself immersed in grand, flamboyant, and theatrically exaggerated acts that seem to leap from the screen. These cinematic masterpieces often showcase extraordinary work by legendary actors. Interestingly, while some of the most impressive original movie musicals were born on the silver screen, numerous others were spawned from stage musicals. Performing in a musical play is an entirely distinct experience compared to acting for film. On stage, it’s crucial for performers to convey their thoughts and emotions to even those sitting far away in the theater. With cinema, however, this constraint isn’t present, leading some actors to deliver performances that might appear a bit too grandiose at times.
While not everyone might enjoy musical movies due to their unique style, some people may find them quite entertaining. It’s essential not to dismiss this genre because numerous movie musicals have won the Best Picture award at the Oscars, demonstrating its significance in cinema. As time passes, these films and the actors who made them are often reappraised and remembered warmly by both critics and audiences. These productions are widely cherished.
8. Dick Van Dyke – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
As Caractacus Potts
In the captivating children’s film titled “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” the talented actor Dick Van Dyke portrays the ingenious character Caractacus Potts, who is a father figure. Brimming with enchantment, thrilling escapades, and catchy tunes, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” showcases Van Dyke’s unique flair for the role of Caractacus. Though his performance as Bert in the 1964 hit movie “Mary Poppins” remains iconic, Van Dyke shines brightly as Caractacus across the entirety of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
In “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” although Dick Van Dyke doesn’t adopt a flamboyant Cockney accent, he still gets to work with amusing props and set pieces that make the film entertaining. The whimsical nature of the movie allows for larger-than-life performances, so Van Dyke seamlessly blends into the narrative world, despite other actors being more subdued. While “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” might not be Dick Van Dyke’s most famous musical, it remains just as enjoyable to revisit now.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) | 70% | 71% |
7. Will Smith – Aladdin (2019)
As Genie
Every Disney live-action remake film has encountered difficulties, despite their success at the box office. It’s tough to match the enchantment and sentimental value of the initial animated series. For instance, the 2019 version of Aladdin, which featured Will Smith as the amusing and touching Genie, was no exception. Unfortunately, Smith could not escape being compared to Robin Williams, the first Genie, whose performance is often hailed as one of the greatest examples of voice acting in history.
It seems Smith may have tried to make his portrayal unique compared to Williams’ version, which could be beneficial. Regrettably, this approach resulted in a performance that was as extravagant as the movie itself, appearing slightly excessive when looked back on. The visual effects are equally impressive as Smith’s Genie act, possibly contributing to the mixed reception of the production. However, compared to other live-action adaptations, Aladdin does a fairly good job in preserving the essence of the original story.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Aladdin (2019) | 57% | 94% |
6. Nicole Kidman – Moulin Rouge! (2001)
As Satine
Nicole Kidman delivers an outstanding performance in the vibrant musical production “Moulin Rouge!” directed by Baz Luhrmann, a film that, much like Luhrmann’s other projects, is bold in its stylistic choices, setting, and dramatic intensity. As a result, Kidman is challenged to match this flamboyance with her portrayal of Satine. Set amidst the romanticized era of Paris during the Belle Époque, “Moulin Rouge!” narrates the tragic love affair between Satine and Christian (played by Ewan McGregor). The story heavily emphasizes the melodrama and heart-wrenching romance that unfolds.
In the captivating world of Moulin Rouge!, Nicole Kidman portrays Satine, a character who navigates a treacherous love triangle and learns she has tuberculosis right from the start. Singing timeless pop anthems amidst such tumultuous emotions is no easy feat for any actress. Kidman delivers a powerful performance, yet the flamboyant essence of Moulin Rouge! necessitates some degree of exaggeration. By the end of this enchanting film, it’s highly unlikely that viewers won’t be moved to tears.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Moulin Rouge! (2001) | 75% | 89% |
5. John Travolta – Hairspray (2007)
As Edna Turnblad
The 2007 movie version of Hairspray, which was a remake of the 1988 cult classic by John Waters, has a distinct identity compared to its predecessor. While it maintains the satirical and edgy elements that were characteristic of the original, this updated version is more authentic and mainstream in its appeal, making it enduringly popular. Notably, John Travolta plays Edna Turnblad, a role that has been historically portrayed in drag but represents a return to musical roles for Travolta, reminiscent of his earlier works like Saturday Night Fever and Grease.
Given the naturally extravagant nature of the production, it’s not surprising that the performers are putting in extra effort, even exceeding what might be required at times. While his portrayal is quite exaggerated, it ranks among Travolta’s finest recent roles, and it’s evident that he and the rest of the cast are enjoying themselves immensely. Travolta seems to strive to emulate the iconic portrayals of Edna by previous actors, and in his pursuit of capturing their essence for this project, he occasionally goes a bit overboard.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience |
| Hairspray (2007) | 92% | 84% |
4. Austin Butler – Elvis (2022)
As Elvis Presley
The audience may struggle to identify a subtle element in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, as the filmmaker and cast have transformed the tale of the rock icon into an extravagant, grandiose representation that mirrors his enduring legacy. Austin Butler’s portrayal of Elvis has significantly elevated his acting profile, ensuring a lasting association with this film. To stand out amidst the movie’s boisterous production choices, Butler had to deliver an exaggerated performance throughout, making his voice and acting shine above the loud spectacle.
The movie titled Elvis was a hit at the box office, and it’s not hard to understand why. Just like a thrilling roller coaster ride, this biopic immerses viewers deeply into its storyline with its blend of highs and lows. Given the fast-paced narrative and the captivating visuals that demand attention, it was impossible for Austin Butler to deliver a subdued, contemplative performance. Instead, he played Elvis in an exaggerated manner, ensuring his performance stood out against the vivid backdrop of chaos.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Elvis (2022) | 77% | 94% |
3. Rami Malek – Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
As Freddie Mercury
The genre of music biopics poses a challenge due to the fine line between accurately representing the film’s subject and conveying their on-screen essence. Given the legendary and dramatic persona of Freddie Mercury, Rami Malek had a challenging task ahead, and while not all aspects of his performance are universally well-received, he did manage to win the Academy Award for Best Actor in Bohemian Rhapsody. However, it’s undeniable that his portrayal of the pop star is divisive among viewers.
In the movie “Bohemian Rhapsody,” some of Rami Malek’s more unconventional portrayals of Freddie Mercury were not entirely his fault as an actor, but rather a result of how the film chose to narrate Mercury’s complex life story. The narrative is multi-layered, making it challenging to harmonize the music with the intense shifts in Mercury’s personal experiences, leaving both Malek and viewers struggling to grasp the overall mood. Given that Mercury was known for his unique expressions, styles, and quirks, these often overshadowed the profound emotional scenes.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) | 60% | 85% |
2. Shirley MacLaine – Sweet Charity (1969)
As Charity
As a supporter looking back at Bob Fosse’s illustrious career, I remember that his first significant step into filmmaking was with the 1969 release of “Sweet Charity”. Having already made a name for himself as a gifted choreographer on the stage, Fosse took the helm to direct this musical he had previously brought to life on Broadway, casting Shirley MacLaine in the role of Charity. Over time, “Sweet Charity” has been recognized for its groundbreaking qualities. However, MacLaine’s performance, though striking even by today’s standards, may seem a bit unconventional to some viewers.
Actresses often find charity significant, and their unwavering optimism might seem excessive to viewers. Yet, this is essential for her character and contributes to the storyline. As Sweet Charity unfolds, its over-the-top plot and MacLaine’s dedication to her larger-than-life role can be challenging. Nonetheless, one can overlook some of MacLaine’s dramatic scenes because they are integral to the stage performance. It becomes apparent that Sweet Charity is set in a realm of magical realism.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| Sweet Charity (1969) | 80% | 73% |
1. Gene Kelly – What A Way To Go! (1964)
As Pinky Benson
Today, the quirky and beloved movie musical “What a Way to Go!” is admired for its witty jabs at Hollywood and eye-catching designs in sets and costumes. However, when it initially hit the screens, critics had mixed opinions due to the film’s flamboyant elements, as no aspect of the production could be called understated. The movie follows Louisa (played by Shirley MacLaine), who recounts the unfortunate tales of her deceased spouses, with Gene Kelly making an appearance as one of her last loves named Pinky.
Kelly is well-known for being one of the remarkable performers in movie musicals, recognized for his exceptional dancing abilities as a performer and his impressive choreography work. As an actor, Kelly occasionally delved into overly dramatic performances, such as in the film “What a Way to Go!”, which is one of the reasons we adore him. The role of Pinky required an actor to be flamboyant and larger-than-life, but Kelly took this to another level at times. Although this performance was incredibly bold, it made him stand out in “What a Way to Go!” and served as a reminder of his significant impact on the musical genre.
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
| What a Way to Go! (1964) | 18% | 67% |
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2025-04-20 17:31