Few film genres are as unique as the movie musical, utilizing the limitless power of the visual arts while using song to tell a compelling story. At their best, these films become more of an experience than a moving picture, with music enhancing emotion and storytelling. However, when done poorly, the music may feel forced, leaving an audience wondering: Did this film need to be a musical?
“Wicked,” Jon M. Chu’s long-anticipated adaptation of the renowned Broadway production, avoids this flaw and is brought to life through its impressive songs, strong performances and dazzling production design. The film soared right into the top tier of the movie musical genre since its release on Nov. 22nd, 2024. “Wicked” has garnered ample praise for its grand, practical sets, which transport audiences into the world of Oz without being a CGI mess. Stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande both deliver notable performances as the iconic roles of Glinda and Elphaba. The pair put their own unique stamp on each song in the celebrated soundtrack. With its magical visuals and emotional acting, “Wicked” raises the standard for musical movies.
“Chicago,” Rob Marshall’s 2002 classic, is a prime example of how to craft a movie musical correctly. As the most recent musical to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, “Chicago” is an inventive spectacle, presenting its storied songs in a distinct way that augments the storytelling. The subject matter and setting are jazzy and dark, pulling the audience right into the heart of the film. The film thrived as a blockbuster, setting a high bar for future musicals to try and touch.
“La La Land” is a modern classic of the genre, which carries a constant rhythm and mood through a bittersweet story of love and ambition. Director Damien Chazelle crafted an incredibly vibrant world with the film, where color bounds off the screen and characters feel undeniably real. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling have electric chemistry with each other, which leaves a lasting connection with the audience. With “La La Land,” Chazelle uses song to grow his film into something truly memorable.
On the other hand, “Cats,” Tom Hooper’s infamous 2019 blunder, has solidified itself in recent years as perhaps the biggest failure in the history of the genre. The film has an impressive cast, but the execution is difficult to understand and the characters appear rather uncanny. It remains a cautionary tale of how not to make a musical movie.
“Joker: Folie à Deux,” also suffers tremendously as a musical. The film mainly struggles with drastic tonal differences throughout its runtime, switching back and forth from gritty realism to fantastic musical numbers. The musical parts feel forced and unnecessary, making it easy to see why the film flopped critically and financially.
Movie musicals often falter when they lack the ambition and patience required to seamlessly integrate music into storytelling. However, when these films embrace bold creative choices and rely on their musicality to truly shine—like “Wicked” does—they can soar off the screen.
