This week for the Friday 5 I wanna look at musical scenes in non-musical or music based films. So a scene involving a musical moment when the plot isn’t centred around a music, so no movies about struggling musicians or musicals will appear. So no Star Will Be Born or anything like that. The scene must feature a performance on the actors or character performing the song in some way, not just a song that appears in the background.
There were many close calls to make the list but here are my top 5 Musical Scenes in Non Music Movies:
5. Monsters Inc. Throwaway Joke Turns Into A post credit Musical of “Put That Thing Back Where It Came From, Or So Help Me”
In the Monsters Inc. there is a scene in which Mike and Sully when trying to return “Boo” back to her room but before they can Mike loses it on Sully yelling “put that thing back where it came from, or so help me.” After discovering it was drawing attention they lied and said they were rehearsing a company play by that name. Cut to the credits and Mike had actually made and stars in the production that turns out to be a hit. God bless Pixar for doing this.
4. Ferris Bueller’s Parade Performance of “Twist and Shout”
In the ultimate sick day comedy, Ferris Bueller fakes sick to have fun with his best friend and girlfriend around Chicago. In a scene where Cameron and Sloan are talking about their futures and the question is posed “I wonder what Ferris will do” then cuts the him on top of a parade float he previously jumped on and singing “Twist and Shout.” Though Ferris is lip syncing he is still selling the performance.
3. The Mask Turns Getting Cornered Into Musical Fun
The Mask stars Jim Carrey as Stanley Ipkiss who comes across the mask of Loki. The wearer turns into a mischievous version of themselves. Once “The Mask” is cornered after leaving the park by what appears to be the entire police force, he transforms and begins to perform “Cuban Pete” which distracts and entices the police force into joining in. The massive conga lines and partying is enough for him to slip away before detective can break up the party.
2. Anchorman – “Afternoon Delight” to Explain Love
After Ron Burgundy hooks up with Veronica Corningstone, he yells to the office he is in love. When the rest of the news team wants to know what it feels like to be in love Ron only has one way to explain it, by signing “Afternoon Delight” by Starland Vocal Band. The rest of the news team joins in before quickly dispersing afterwards. This is the scene that includes the popular quote “I Love Lamp.”
1. Hardball – “Big Poppa” in the Semi-Finals
Taking the top spot is the scene from the 2001 movie Hardball starring Keanu Reeves. In the movie a little league pitcher can only focus when he is listening to music and the only song that plays is “Big Poppa” by The Notorious B.I.G. When an opposing coach discovers this he has the ump band the use of the headphones as a safety concern. When called upon to close out the inning the coach (Reeves) then starts singing “Big Poppa” and the team and fans join in and it refocuses the pitcher.
– Everett
