Shake Those Hips In My Direction

Top 5: Musicals

5. On The Town
Firstly, any film that features both Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly really needs to be seen. On The Town is the story of three naval officers who are on leave for just one day in the Big Apple, and hilarity, love and, of course, singing and dancing ensues. I remember I first saw this film was back in my post-drop-out, slacker days, and the last time was to get me in the mood for my holiday to NYC.

4. Hairspray
I'm not gonna lie, I only took in an interest in the movie of this because a certain Mr Efron was in it. This will be a shocking fact to precisely zero percentage of anyone who has already read a post on here before. I once went to Sing-A-Long-Hairspray with my Mum and I LOVED it. If you have never been to one before, they play the movie on a screen, with the words coming up on the screen for the songs, but you are also provided props for each song to dance with. It is a-ma-zing!

3. Sound Of Music
I had this on VHS when I was a young-un and watched it again and again and again and again, much to the delight of my family members. I maintain that it has educational value though, as it taught me important life lessons such as all the musical notes, Nuns will hide you from the Nazi's, clothing can be made from unwanted curtains and it is not socially acceptable to summon children using a whistle.

2. Lion King
Considering I don't own this film, and don't recall us owning it when I was little, I don't know how I have managed to see it as many times as I have. Back when I was a particularly cool Primary School attendee, me and my friend used to sing the songs on the coach on the way to swimming lessons. If you haven't seen the stage show, you really, really should. You will laugh, sing and even cry a little bit.

1. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
Back in the days before the VHS over-use and the coach entertainment, I had the cassette of this and I am fairly certain that other than Take That, it was the only thing I listened to. I still own the tape now (with Jason Donavon singing), a VHS starring Donnie Osmond and have also gone all high tech and have downloaded a copy on iTunes. Just in case that doesn't make me seem obsessive enough, I have also been to see the stage show starring Lee Mead. I bloody love this musical!

Music Vids

Craig David - One More Lie

Mr David is back. He keeps disappearing and making comebacks. I do own everything he has released, but I am not sure a comeback is due. He isn't doing anything that no-one else could do. But it's always good to see a familiar face.

Friday Night Boys - Disney Medley

Who doesn't love Disney songs? Who doesn't love sweet, (not so) lil boys singing along while playing the piano? Okay, so this is definitely a girlie video.

Friday Night Boys - Stupid Love Letter

To balance out the girlieness. Or at least make some vague attempt to. Although this video also appears to be a promo for what looks suspiciously like a rom-com. So maybe it fails on that count. The fan girls are brilliant though.

Jason Derulo - In My Head

For some reason, I am highly amused when videos, particularly R&B ones, start off the beginning of a music video by playing music from a completely different song. Promo for two songs in one = genius and very economical.

The Blackout - Children Of The Night

To celebrate the fact I am going to see them tomorrow. Woop Woop!

Top Five: Disney Live Actions

5. Cool Runnings
The story of the first Jamaican bobsleigh team. Sounds lame. Really isn't. Doesn't end the way you expect sports movies to. Christmas is not complete without this film, which is odd as it actually has nothing to do with xmas. Unless you count the ice, which is kinda like snow, which supposedly happens on Christmas Day. But I think I am clutching at straws.

4. Remember The Titans
Another sports movie, this time based on a racially integrated US football team. Saw this for the first time late night on TV. Loved it so much I went out and bought it on DVD the next day. Part of the charm is in seeing the familiar faces with younger faces, such as Hayden Panettiere and Ryan Gosling. And Turk from Scrubs.

3. Mary Poppins
Penguins, Julie Andrews, chimney sweeps, merry-go-rounds, snow globes, pigeons, umbrellas, tape measures, banks, kites, crazy captains, suffragettes, singing, dancing and one of the worst accents ever featured in film (but that's a whole other countdown). The pure joy of singing the songs is one of the reasons I have watched this so many times.

2. High School Musical
I was/am a little obsessed with the HSM films and I was very tempted to put this at number one, but there is one reason why it isn't. The third film. It seems to forget about most of the characters storylines and mostly focuses on Troy and Gabriella, which is also a problem because Vanessa Hudgens annoys me. Not sure why. She just does. On the plus side, Zac Efron and Ashley Tisdale more than make up for it. Although for very different reasons. What time is it?

1. Pirates Of The Caribbean
As you have probably gathered by now, I don't have the most sophisticated of tastes when it comes to cinema (just wait until you see my music opinions!). I am pretty much guaranteed to want to watch films that feature explosions, fights, romance and comedy. But mostly explosions. I can't think of a lot to say about it really. Other than it is pretty much my number one by default (see above), but still worth a watch. Although they are a bit long.