Footloose (1984)

When city boy Ren McCormick moves to a Midwestern town, it isn’t easy fitting in, especially when he finds out that dancing has been banned because of an accident where drugs and alcohol were involved. He meets Willard and the rebellious minister’s daughter Ariel and they fight back to convince the citizens of the town, most especially the Reverend Shaw Moore who believes in keeping the peace that dancing can be a good thing. One of my favorite dance movies; the cast is hot, the soundtrack is awesome and it has a terrific story, loosely based on actual events.
Starring Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer, Chris Penn, Sarah Jessica Parker, Dianne Wiest, John Lithgow 8/10

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The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella (1976)

The classic story of Cinderella; her parents are dead, she lives with her horrible and cruel stepmother and spoiled, demanding stepsisters. In the tiny kingdom of Euphrania, the King and his royal court are very anxious to get the Prince Edward, heir to the throne to marry, but he wants to marry for love. So the King and Lord Chamberlain decide to have a bride-finding ball so he can choose one.
Meanwhile Cinderella is forced to move into the cellar or go to an orphanage. She stays and is assigned long and grueling tasks. But one day she meets a cheery fairy godmother who helps her complete the tasks. And with the help of magic, she gets to go to the ball in a fancy gown and a beautiful carriage.
Edward and Cinderella meet at the ball and instantly fall in love. They want to marry but the King and Queen can’t consent because the Prince must make a marriage of alliance with a princess of royal blood, otherwise it could lead to war. This is by far my favorite tale of Cinderella; with an interesting plot, wonderful songs, and delightful performances.
Starring Richard Chamberlain, Gemma Craven, Annette Crosbie, Michael Hordern, Edith Evans, Margaret Lockwood, Kenneth More 9/10

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Grease (1978)

Greaser Danny Zuko and good girl Sandy Olsen spend a great summer of love together, but when the summer ends Sandy has to go back to her home in Sydney, Australia. Danny goes back to Rydell High School and meets up with his buddies the T-Birds, What he doesn’t know is that Sandy has had a change of plans and is going to the same school. She makes friends with Frenchy, and also meets The Pink Ladies, led by the brassy and tough Rizzo. Danny gets the surprise of his life when at a pep rally, they reunite. But Danny trying to act cool in front of his friends, pretends like it’s nothing special. Social differences complicate their romance. One of the greatest and most enjoyable musicals ever to hit the screen, with interesting characters and a fabulous soundtrack, it’s a timeless classic.
Starring John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Barry Pearl, Michael Tucci, Kelly Ward, Didi Conn, Jamie Donnelly, Dinah Manoff, Eve Arden, Frankie Avalon, Joan Blondell, Ed Byrnes, Sid Caesar 8/10

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Cry-Baby (1990)

Wade “Cry-Baby” Walker is the coolest juvenile delinquent in his Baltimore high school. His ability to shed one tear drives all the girls wild, especially Allison Vernon-Williams. A beautiful rich Square, Allison finds herself drawn to the world of Cry-Baby and his Drape pals. She falls in love with Cry-Baby, but must choose which side she wants to be a part of, the Squares or the Drapes. A cute comedy/musical that will have you singing along with the catchy tunes and watching over and over.
Starring Johnny Depp, Amy Locane, Susan Tyrell, Polly Bergen, Ricki Lake, Traci Lords, Kim McGuire, Troy Donahue, Iggy Pop, Willem Dafoe 7/10

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West Side Story (1960)

Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this time the play is set in New York City, the American Tony falls in love with The Puerto Rican Maria, while The Sharks and their rivals The Jets plan to set up a meeting point to have a rumble. This movie is fantastic; with a terrific score, great choreography, wonderful characters, and amazing songs. Starring Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, Simon Oakland 10/10

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Bye Bye Birdie (1963)

The small town of Sweet Apple, Ohio buzzes with excitement when the hip-shaking rocker Conrad Birdie (a parody of Elvis Presley) comes to their town. Young and wise Kim McAfee, a resident of Sweet Apple is chosen to be kissed by the swooning crooner on national television, despite her parents and boyfriend’s objections.
Leigh and Van Dyke play Rosie and Albert, two people very much in love and want to get married, but Albert, a songwriter has yet to sell a song and considers quitting to become a chemist and also because of his demanding mother, played by Stapleton.
From the Broadway hit, Bye Bye Birdie is great fun, with catchy songs and funny dialogue that the whole family will love. Starring Janet Leigh, Dick Van Dyke, Ann-Margaret, Maureen Stapleton, Bobby Rydell, Paul Lynde 8/10

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The Pirate Movie (1982)

Christopher stars as Frederic (without a K) a lovesick ex-pirate whose duty and honor has called him to devote his heart and soul to exterminating the pirates. Kristy stars as Mabel Stanley (also without a K), the youngest daughter of the Modern Major General, who dreams of one day finding love. They meet on the beach and want to marry but she can’t until her older sisters are. A fun spoof of The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan, with infectious music and lots of double entendre jokes. Starring Kristy McNichol, Christopher Atkins, Ted Hamilton, Bill Kerr, Maggie Kirkpatrick 7/10

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