Right Cinema

After watching the movie ‘Charlie Bartlett’ the other night, I was inspired by Hope Davis’ performance as Charlie’s mother. She was hilarious and the scene with the two of them at the piano is particularly entertaining. You can see it below. In honor of that wonderful duet, I’ve compiled a list of the ten best movie music scenes. Some are funny, some are classic, but they are all worth watching.

10. Best Movie Music Scenes - ‘Adventures in Babysitting’

Who knew Elisabeth Shue could sing? A better question might be, who knew ‘Adventures in Babysitting’ was released over twenty years ago? The scene below shows Elisabeth and the three kids she was watching when they stumble into a blues club. They are forced to sing so they break into an impromtu song chronicling their night entitled ‘Babysitting Blues.’ Definite classic.

9. Best Movie Music Scenes - ‘The Wedding Singer’

The ‘Wedding Singer’ has some great music scenes in it with Adam Sandler, but I decided to go with the one starring Ellen Dow. It’s a short scene, but anytime an 80-year-old woman can rap Sugar Hill Gang it’s worth a mention. The woman was educated at Cornell and will turn 90 in November. Talk about a cool grandma.

8. Best Movie Music Scenes - ‘Beetlejuice’

I think this scene actually deserves a higher ranking than 8, but the movie as a whole knocks it down a few notches. Am I the only one who thought this movie sucked? I’ve been involved in more than one reenactment while sitting at a dinner table so I’m probably not the only one. Day-O!

7. Best Movie Music Scenes - ‘Reality Bites’

Reality Bites gave a face to Generation Xers everywhere. Winona Ryder made it ok to graduate from college and struggle over what life is really about. In fact, you can work at The Gap, call 1-900 numbers, and survive on a gas credit card. Just don’t forget to stop, turn up “My Sherona” and dance. You won’t be sorry!

6. Best Movie Music Scenes - ‘Top Gun’

Meg Ryan is one of my favorite actresses of all time, which makes this music scene in ‘Top Gun’ the best in the movie. Tom Cruise singing “Loving Feeling” is obviously a classic but it doesn’t beat Meg saying, “Hey Goose you big stud, take me to bed or lose me forever!” Plus, Tom is a little bit off his rocker these days so I’m giving the nod to Meg.

5. Best Movie Music Scenes - ‘Pretty in Pink’

Technically, Jon Cryer doesn’t sing “Try a Little Tenderness” in ‘Pretty in Pink’ but the lip syncing he does in this scene is worthy of the #5 position. Not to mention, he performs the scene in one of the best movies ever made. By the way, did people really dress like that in the 80s? Annie Potts looks like high fashion gone seriously wrong and Duckie is just a hot mess. Except for the shoes. They have a little Michael Jackson flavor.

4. Best Movie Music Scenes - ‘The Sweetest Thing’

This scene was actually cut from ‘The Sweetest Thing’ and didn’t even make it on the dvd unless you bought a certain version. The lyrics are a little graphic as the entire song revolves around a certain part of the male anatomy, but it’s hilarious. Christina Applegate, Cameron Diaz and Selma Blair are fantastic together and this movie, along with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, can turn any bad day around.

3. Best Movie Music Scenes - ‘10 Things I Hate About You’

‘The Dark Knight’ releases this friday with Heath Ledger’s last performance as The Joker before his untimely passing. Ledger was a brilliant actor and also makes this list with his performance as Patrick Verona, the high school bad boy in ‘10 Things I Hate About You.’ This particular scene has Ledger serenading Julia Stiles in front of the women’s soccer team, the band and a few bystanders.

2. Best Movie Music Scenes - ‘27 Dresses’

Katherine Heigl and James Marsden have an unbelievable chemistry in this movie which is what makes this scene so great. The sexual tension between the two has been building all movie and it culminates with the help of a little alcohol and Elton John. I used to change the channel when “Bennie and the Jets” came on the radio. Now I just turn it up. Check out the video below and the wonderful new lyrics the movie gives the song.

1. Best Movie Music Scenes - ‘Superbad’

Superbad is the teen movie for this generation. It really has no redeeming qualities as a film and you feel bad laughing because it’s so vulgar. It’s also one of the funniest movies ever made and the scene with Michael Cera singing at the party is below. It’s probably a little much to give this scene the #1 spot, but I laugh everytime I watch it. Instant classic.

The ones above are my favorites, but Julia Roberts singing Kiss by Prince in ‘Pretty Woman’ definitely deserves a mention. That movie put Julia on the Hollywood map and in a position to follow Vivian Ward up with many more unforgettable roles. Also, two scenes in ‘Dan in Real Life’ were great. The Ruthie Pigface Draper song at the piano and Steve Carell with Dane Cook singing ‘Let My Love Open the Door’ during the family talent show. What are your favorites?