The world of movie musicals is a world where creativity knows no bounds, and sometimes this experimental terrain can yield some truly bewildering results. These films, which occupy a special place in the annals of cinematic history, are a testament to the untamed spirits of filmmakers who dared to push the envelope, often with hilarious, cringe-worthy, and downright mystifying consequences.
Stage Fright, a 2014 horror-comedy that playfully subverts the conventions of both genres, sets the tone for our journey through the most dubious movie musicals. We’ll explore the confounding choices that led to films like Can’t Stop the Music, From Justin to Kelly, and Annie, which, despite their good intentions, meandered into campy territory.
A Still From Cats, the 2019 film (Photo: Cats)
The Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Xanadu, and The Apple episodes, where filmmakers attempted to merge disparate styles and genres, will also come under scrutiny. Of course, no discussion would be complete without mentioning Cats, the 2019 film that has become a global laughingstock due to its perplexing visuals, tone-deaf music, and awkward humor.
Other notable misfires include Diana: The Musical, The Pirate Movie, and From Justin to Kelly, a 1980 debacle that has achieved cult status as a bad cinema staple. Despite their flaws, these films are a vital part of the movie musical’s evolution, offering a Look into the uninhibited creative visions of filmmakers who were willing to take risks, no matter how ill-advised those risks may have been.
