Hitting the High Notes: Our Favorite Musical Moments in Film

"Come on and twist a little closer, now/And let me know that you're mine"

Productivity plummeted yesterday afternoon in the Writer’s Bone office after I polled our crew for great music moments in movies. My email was flooded with suggestions and it was too hard to narrow the list down, so I decided to include everything. If you want to join the discussion, submit your favorite suggestions in the comments section, post them on our Facebook page, or tweet us @WritersBone.—Daniel Ford

“Singing in the Rain”

Daniel: What’s incredible is that Gene Kelly allegedly had an off-the-charts fever and his suit continued to shrink during the scene’s filming (which may or may not have been done in one take). He looks happier than anyone else in recorded history. True love makes you do some dopey things, but man, it also makes you feel exactly like a well-choreographed musical number.

“Walk the Line”

Daniel: “No darlin’.” This could have gone horribly wrong. Instead, June Carter gives Johnny Cash a “fresh answer” and the rest is music history.

“Almost Famous”

Stephanie Schaefer: Great song. Great movie. Great scene.

“500 Days of Summer”

Dave Pezza: If only all of our post-coital celebrations could be this good.

“Wayne’s World”

Lisa Carroll: This is my daughter Maggie's favorite song and we frequently replay this scene in my car.

“Grease”

Daniel: Why wasn’t my high school like this! Even the supporting babes were hot. I would have followed Olivia Newton John’s leather pants into hell itself.

“Back to the Future”

Daniel: Best lip-synching performance ever. One of the best parts of this scene is the guy who was knocked out snapping his fingers to the rhythm of the song while still on the floor. Also, Michael J. Fox’s wing tips.

“The Sweetest Thing”

Former 1950s movie star and Writer’s Bone newcomer Sara Silvestri: The best BJ singing scene I can think of.

“Big”

Stephanie: If this scene doesn't make you smile, you don't have a soul. Fun fact: The producer originally hired professional dancers for this, but Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia insisted on doing it themselves.

“The Karate Kid”

Cristina Cianci: Can't go wrong with Ralph Macchio and some soccer.

“Pretty in Pink”

Lindsey Wojcik: I would be born a year after this film was released. However, I still have a deep appreciation for John Hughes' films, which all include some kind of musical moment. This classic Otis Redding song, John Cryer's wardrobe, and the record store all make this John Hughes musical scene stand out to me the most.

“The Big Chill”

Daniel: Everyone in this movie is severely damaged. That’s what makes this scene so powerful. All of the characters forget about all that ails them and let loose to some classic Motown. However, Jeff Goldblum can’t help being creepy.

“Groundhog Day”

Lisa: My husband and I consider this "our song (there may or may not be video evidence of us singing this at karaoke) and sometimes my life feels exactly like this.

"Ferris Bueller’s Day Off"

Lindsey: This scene exemplifies the power of Bueller's charisma. From "Save Ferris" to "Twist and Shout," Bueller can perfectly manipulate situations in his favor—and it's so damn fun! John Hughes' Chicago agrees.

“Remember the Titans”

Lisa: Gets me every time.

“The Bad News Bears”

Everyone’s favorite Upper East Side comedian and Writer's Bone newcomer Rob Bates: One of my favorites. And I don't even give a damn about baseball.

“A Hard Day’s Night”

Daniel: Simply genius. The Beatles essentially made a movie that said,” Hey, look at how cool we are!” Everyone loved it. Because they were (and still are) that cool.

“Casablanca”

Daniel: What a bitch. Good lord. Ingrid Bergman sure knew how to torture a man. Sam has sheer terror in his eyes when she makes him play the song. And Bogey crumbles pretty much instantly. Have a heart woman!

“Say Anything”

Lindsey: Only Lloyd Dobler (played by the lovable John Cusak) could make standing outside of a girl's window holding a boombox not seem creepy. Tell me: Was there a teenage girl that did not want her crush to profess his undying love for her in similar fashion after seeing this scene?

“Jailhouse Rock”

Daniel: My grandfather and uncle watched every Elvis movie known to man many times over.

"Inner Space"

Daniel: I used to act this out in front of family members. It took me years to realize they probably weren't laughing with me.

“Frozen”

Stephanie: Who hasn't belted out "Let it Go" at some point in the last year?

"Way Out West"

Rob Bates: A golden oldie.

“Guys and Dolls” 

Sara: This should be Sinatra singing but I'll take Marlon Brando and some awesome man dancing any day.

The Boneyard Archives

A Semi-Serious, Somewhat Coherent, Completely Subjective List of the Best Sidekicks of All Time

Superman's true right-hand man.

By Sean Tuohy and Daniel Ford

Kids don’t want to be Alfred when they grow up. They want to be Batman. Why aspire to be Chewbacca when you can be the much less hairy Han Solo who gets to kiss one of only two women in the entire galaxy?

It’s fucking tough being the sidekick.

You arguably do all the hero’s dirty work and get none of the glory or reward. How good of a detective is Batman without his butler and Barbara Gordon’s computer know-how? If Superman is a god, than why does he bother keeping Lois and Jimmy around? Because they need help like everyone else.

Here are a bunch of sidekicks Sean and Daniel came up with that they feel need more recognition. Feel free to share your own underrated sidekicks in the comments section or tweet us @WritersBone.

Einstein From “Back to the Future”

Einstein was loyal, he allowed himself to be put in the time machine, and when Marty and Doc were attacked, he warned them about it.

Alfred Pennyworth From “Batman: The Animated Series”

Alfred Pennyworth has been the gold standard for loyal sidekicks. However, while he was still Bruce Wayne/Batman’s steadfast butler in “Batman: The Animated Series,” he was also a huge dick. He had a snide comment for everything Bruce Wayne said. He was going to do his duty and take care of his lunatic charge, but he was going to be good and snarky while doing it! (Sean add fact about Joker)

Oracle From “Batman” Comic Book Series

One could argue that Barbara Gordon is more valuable than Alfred, and certainly more badass. She starts out as Batgirl, gets shot through the spine by the Joker in "The Killing Joke," and then becomes Batman’s savvy computer/code breaker goddess Oracle. Image with caption

Barbara Gordon would get up from this moment and continue being a badass sidekick. Robin...not so much.

All of John McClane’s Sidekicks From the “Die Hard” Series

Before he became a superhero in the most recent films, John McClane needed a lot of help to defeat the bad guys. In the first two films, it was the dad from “Family Matters” who carried McClane over the finish line. “Die Hard With a Vengeance” featured Samuel L Jackson as a sidekick that started out viscerally hating the hero.

Chewbacca From “Star Wars” Trilogy

Chewie is another loyal lieutenant to a colossal, reckless prick. He suffers a ton of insults (“walking carpet”—fuck you, Leia) while keeping his friends safe largely through others fear he’ll rip their arms off. Chewbacca reuniting with Han in “Return of the Jedi” is a real tearjerker moment.

Winston From “Ghostbusters”

Winston Zeddemore wasn’t part of the original “Ghostbusters” trio and didn’t completely buy into what Peter, Ray, and Egon were doing. However, he earned his paycheck and delivered some classic lines in the process. He also provided everyone with the answer to the question,“Are you a god?”

April O’Neil From “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”

Not only did April O’Neil buy the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles a bunch of pizza and let them hang out at her apartment, but she was also a hard news journalist that looked smashing in a yellow trench coat. She also got kidnapped a lot so the green guys would have something to do. You’re welcome, fellas.

Jonathan Mardukas From “Midnight Run”

Jonathan Mardukas is a weasel, but at least he’s a helpful one. Robert De Niro’s bounty hunter would be in even more trouble without Charles Grodin’s quick-thinking character. Plus, there might not be a funnier exchange in the movie than this one (and that is saying something):

Mardukas: “You seen any suspicious characters around here?”

Creepy regular at the bar: “Nope.”

Mardukas: “Do you live around here?”

The Kid From “Dick Tracy”

Any sidekick that eats this much has to be included on any list Sean and Daniel come up with. The Kid also ends up taking Dick Tracy’s name which is a nice touch.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Scooby Gang

Daniel is an unabashed fan of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” He couldn’t pick just one from Buffy’s self-proclaimed “Scooby gang,” so we’re making him include this video to shame him.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

This pair is arguably the most symbiotic duo in movie history. Butch’s quips and bullets wouldn’t be so biting without Sundance’s dry responses, and Sundance wouldn’t jump off the cliff without Butch. It’s the rare case of the two heroes also being perfect sidekicks.

The Pimp From “Superman II”

Superman really needed that extra boost of confidence right before he saved Lois Lane.

For posts from The Boneyard, check out our full archive.

10 of the Most Underrated Sequels of All Time

Not every sequel is as great as “The Godfather: Part II” or as bad as “The Next Karate Kid.”

A good sequel needs to remind us of why we loved the original movie, but also contain characters and a plot that justifies revisiting the same world.

Here are 10 sequels Daniel and Sean think are underrated and deserve to be as beloved as their predecessors. Feel free to agree or disagree in the comment section or tweet us @WritersBone.

1. “Die Hard: With a Vengeance”

Daniel Ford: My first reaction was that we couldn’t include something as popular and beloved as the third “Die Hard” movie. As always, Sean made a convincing argument and here it is on our list. He also took advantage of my love for New York City porn. Damn him!

Sean Tuohy: Writer story: So when Jonathan Hesleigh, the writer of “Die Hard: With a Vengeance,” was writing the script in New York City, he read about a tunnel being built just outside of the city. He then went to the Federal Reserve in lower Manhattan and asked for a tour. They allowed him to walk in to the vault--one of the largest in the world—and hold gold bars. Then they told him that the subway messed around with their alarm system, so they are removing it. Well, he writes the script in which the bad guys rob the vault using the subway and take the gold up the tunnel to escape. The FBI got their hands on this and held him for questioning. It turns out that at that time someone could have pulled off that robbery just like in the movie.

2. “The Rescuers Down Under”

DF: I had no idea this was a sequel until later in life. I still haven’t seen the first flick. Why bother? This movie is awesome. The cricket yelling pea soup at the restaurant still makes me laugh. I can hear my mother and brother laughing when we first saw it too. That eagle is also majestic as fuck.

ST: I can remember this movie from one of the first summer camps I went to as a kid. We watched it on a small television in a massive room. The scene where the boy rides the bird still sticks out in my mind. It starts off with a heart-racing scene where the kid free falls and then he’s scooped up by the bird.

The artwork is amazing and even the jokes are really funny.

3. “Batman Returns”

DF: Sean and I cover why this movie is so great in a recent installment of The Boneyard, but we could talk about it for days. This sequel has the right amount of seriousness, camp, and black leather. Plus, Danny DeVito as a pitch perfect Penguin. Michael Keaton’s scowl in this movie is on the short list of best scowls of all time.

ST: As Dan said, we can talk about this movie for days. It’s such a stand out in the Batman movie franchise. It’s a movie that understands itself very well. It can be dark and brooding, but then switch on the camp and humor. Also, who didn’t want an army of rocket-throwing birds?

4. “Airplane 2”

DF: Sean, take over, I’m too busy laughing at Simon turning to jelly.

ST: While Dan is busy rolling on the floor and grabbing his side—and I’ll be joining him soon enough—I have to point that this movie is one of the best comedies ever made. From William Shatner’s scenes as the moon base commander to the “Out of coffee?!?!” scene, Airplane 2 will leave you, well, just like Dan.

5. “Blade 2”

DF: My friend Steve-O and I were on a big vampire kick at one point. We tore through “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Angel,” and the three “Blade” movies. I’m sure all of this happened during one weekend. The second movie is clearly the best. It has everything you want, villain progression, haunted protagonist, and cool fight scenes that could end up with someone chowing down on someone else’s neck.

ST: My version of "Blade 2" would have had Blade going down to a sun-soaked island to get his groove back with the help of a sexy young vampire. But wisely, the studio didn't listen to me and they instead went with Guillermo del Toro to helm the edgier sequel. The movie is filled with action, awesome fight scenes, and a stone-faced Wesley Snipes. Sadly, they lost their way with the third film...

6./7. “Back to the Future Part II” and “Back to the Future Part III”

DF: I can’t talk objectively about these movies. I spent too much time in a vest carrying around a cardboard hover board for that to happen. I also went through a phase of demanding people call me Marty. And after seeing “Back to the Future Part III,” I wore a black, plastic cowboy hat and forced people to call me Clint. The town dance scene is just fantastic. “The Doc can dance?”

ST: What can you say about these movies that hasn’t already been said? Not much, but I’ll give it a shot here. I made my parents spend hours on the “Back to the Future ride” in Florida. I had the toys, I watched the TV shows, and I even wore some clothes with the logo. But what I always took away from the movies was the relationship between Doc and Marty. Those two faced life and death, one case of incest, and countless bad guys, but always believed in one another.

8. “Homeward Bound 2”

DF: I told myself I wouldn’t cry…dammit. “It’s a thing of beauty when Chance is on duty!” I tear up every time I hear that. Fun fact: Pa Walton (aka Ralph White) voiced Shadow in this one because Don Ameche died in 1993. Also, did Sally Field method act while voicing the cat?

ST: Wait a second. Pa Walton is dead? When did this happen?!?! This is heartbreaking, but I will try and hold back tears on this one. WHY?!?!? Why did you take Pa away?!?!

He had so much to give!!!

DF: Sean, Pa Walton is still alive...the other guy is dead.

ST: Oh, well then. Um, this is a good movie.

DF: Another fun fact about Ralph White. He ran for Congress three times and lost. He lost twice to Sonny Bono's widow.

ST: Wow. How is that not a movie? Pa Walton versus Sonny Bono's widow for Congress. I would watch that!

9. “An American Tail: Fievel Goes West”

DF: Pretty sure my younger brother and I wore out this VHS. Tiger training to become a dog is outstanding, especially the part where he’s strutting around and squeaking at the same time.

ST: I caught this flick at a friend’s house one night. It stands out because it was my first taste of the big ol’ West. Also, right after this, I watched my first “Naked Gun” film.

10. “Ghostbusters 2”

DF: One of the best logos for a sequel ever.

And this movie was so…weird. I remember being way more creeped out by this movie than the original. But how can you not love the scene where they get the slime to dance? And, “You’re not sleeping it with, are you Ray?”

ST: The Ecto-1. Do I have to say more? Yes? Good, because I want to. It was an awesome car filled with an awesome group of guys who put ghosts in their places. I have to say the best scene is watching the Titanic arrive in to port and the passenger debark through the gash.

For posts from The Boneyard, check out our full archive.

The Boneyard: What Fictional Character Would You Invite to Your Birthday Party When You Were 5 Years Old?

The Boneyard will feature the best of Daniel and Sean’s daily email chain twice a week. Yes, we broadened the definition of “best” to make this happen.

Daniel: If you could have had any fictional character show up to your birthday party when you were 5 years old, who would it be and why?

Sean: I have so many different ideas running through my mind right now. I would say Batman, but I feel the second he sees my parents he would get really upset. 

Daniel: My first instinct was Superman, but I started to think of all the fictional characters I loved at that age. There would have been way too many choices for my 5-year-old brain to process. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the Berenstain Bears, Winnie the Pooh, and Marty McFly from “Back to the Future” would have all been welcome at my birthday bash. However, someone would have had to pick up the mess from my brain splattering across my living room. There isn’t enough scotch guard in the world that would have withstood the amount of times I would have pissed myself if any of them would have shown up (or, you know, existed in the real world).

The choice would have been impossible after I started reading at the breakfast table. I read Garfield anthologies religiously, so I could have easily imagined how cool it would be if the fat, orange cat was cracking wise while torturing my black Lab during one of my birthday parties. I would have even made my mother make me a lasagna-inspired birthday cake. I also read a lot of condensed, illustrated novels like Treasure Island and Robin Hood, so one birthday could have had a pirate/archery theme. And I think the Boxcar Children would have made strong candidates because I read them quite a bit while I was on a Rice Krispies Treats cereal kick. The sugar high mixed with kids having adventures on their own may have made my decision for me.

However, I wore a Superman cape from birth until yesterday, so he’d still probably be at the top of my invite list. And as “I Love Lucy” taught us, he’s available!

Sean: What a minute, are you saying the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the Bernstein Bears, Winnie the Pooh, and Marty McFly are not real?

Nooooooooooooo!

I agree on your list, but I would add in the Ghostbusters as well. If they have pulled up in front of the house in the Ecto-1 I would have wet myself. Dan Ford style.

It is odd that as adults—sadly, that is what we are now—that we still believe in these worlds. I mean, “Ghostbusters” still feels real to me. That world of ghost hunting, wisecracking, and demons still feels real to me that at any moment I believe I could look to my left and see the Echo-1 racing down Commonwealth Avenue.

Do you think any of those fictional worlds will ever fade away and seem less real to us?

Daniel: I can't believe I left out the Ghostbusters. I had a toy “Ghostbusters” firehouse, a toy “Ghostbusters” proton pack (with trap), and I once went to school wearing a “Ghostbusters” armband. My mother let me get away with it because at least I wasn't chasing down her car in the parking lot because I didn't want to go to school. I can't believe she still speaks to me.

And I'd have invited the movie “Ghostbusters” and the cartoon show “Ghostbusters.” I loved that cartoon. There was also an animated version of “Beetlejuice” and “Back to the Future” at one point. I remember McDonald's Happy Meals came with toys from both shows. I was so excited to get a DeLorean toy one day. All I wanted back then was a time machine. My friends and I would actually develop blueprints for one.

To answer your question, no, the worlds we've loved all these years will never fade. It speaks to what you said in our first email chain. Once you make a connection with a book or film, it's really hard to break it. My friend Steve-O and I spent much of last weekend watching episodes of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel.” It was less about the plot and characters this time and more about remembering the times we watch the shows in college when we didn't have jobs or money (at least now we have jobs). They don't fade because they offer an oasis from real life, which to be honest, is a drag.

Sean: You had the trap?!?! I wanted the trap and the fire house so badly. I made my own firehouse with some cardboard.

Yeah, wow, after a stunt like that I would have left you in a parking lot. This is why I am not a parent.

And, yes! There were two versions of the “Ghostbusters” cartoon, one with the original lineup and then another with a new cast, one of whom was in a wheel chair. I remember the intro the both “Beetlejuice” and “Back to the Future.”

I never got the toy from McDonald's. I tried, but I missed it. And I really want to know if your time machine blue prints worked.

"Offer an oasis from real life." That is a perfect metaphor! I love popping on a television show or movie from the past and remember a different period in my life. Some are happy, some are not so happy, and for a few moments I relieve those moments.

What I miss is the excitement of finding a new movie that opens your eyes. I feel like that stage is now gone because we have seen so much. I will never be able to relive the excitement I felt seeing "The French Connection” for the first time. Which I am okay with now because now I can create my own stories that will excite someone else.

Daniel: My younger brother used to come to visit me in New York City and all we'd do is watch "The West Wing." Everyone said, "You're in New York, why not go out and do something you nerds!" Well, for one, we didn't have any money. Good times cost money. And secondly, that's just what we did. We didn't have to say anything or manufacture a bonding moment. It just happened naturally. We'd get breakfast sandwiches from a deli down the street and then watch 12 straight hours of walk and talk.

I also used to watch a lot of "The West Wing" while writing. Something about the tone, the lighting and the subject matter got me in the mood to write. While I certainly can get tired of Sorkin's plots, I will never get sick of his staccato dialogue. It's so rich and fulfilling. People may not talk like that in real life, but they should. There's an energy there that's lacking in day-to-day conversation.

My girlfriend Stephanie—a damn good writer whose work our readers will be raving about in short order—wanted to add something to this chain. Considering our website has more testosterone than a Texas rodeo I figured a little estrogen would go a long way.

Stephanie: Snow White came to my second birthday party. She was pretty legit, but I think Ariel, Flounder and Sebastian would sing a better "Happy Birthday." Or I’d invite the cast of the Muppets, minus Miss Piggy because I don't want a diva pig to be the center of attention at my party. Maybe I’d just invite just Kermit and Fozzie Bear because he's cuddly.

Daniel: Would any of you have invited anyone from “Full House?” A young Daniel Ford might have invited Stephanie because of the huge crush I had on her back in the day. She might bring cocaine though, even at age. Punky Brewster might have also been on my invite list.

By the way, the “Full House reunion on Jimmy Fallon’s late night show recently is awesome. How great is it that Uncle Jessie's fake mullet pales in comparison to the epic mullet he had back then. I guess mullets are forever.

Sean: The Muppets are awesome and I would have them at my birthday as well. I would make Fozzie Bear tell dirty jokes.

Yes! I would have Joey come to the party. He’s not my favorite, but I feel like he would be the most fun, and Stephanie because I had a crush on her too. Have you seen her lately? I mean, considering she battled drug additcion, had two kids, and survived a couple bad breaks up, she good.

Mullets are like the bad guys at the end of horror films: they never die.

Daniel: I spent several minutes (okay, it was longer than that) trying to talk myself out of thinking she was still attractive. But my Google search tells me that you are indeed correct. She does hold up well besides the drug addiction and childbirth. However, she did name her memoir unSweetined. Deducting major points for that. Why not just, How Stephanie Tanner Became a Junkie and Then Grew Up? I'd read that book.

Rachel (Sean’s girlfriend and future Writer’s Bone contributor): I think your website has plenty of estrogen if you ask me.

Daniel: Dynamite drop in.

Stephanie: As far as the “Full House” characters, I think everyone would feel uncomfortable if three guys in their thirties showed up to an unrelated 5 year old's birthday party. Unless they showed up in “Flintstones” attire like this:

That's a game-changer.

Rachel: I'll go with the entire cast of “Full House.” I’d especially invite Comet because when I was 5 years old, I did not have a dog and I used to sit on my parents bed to watch the show and imagine owning a golden retriever who would sit with me and watch it.

Also, I’d invite Mary Kate and Ashley. I know they aren't fictional, but specifically when they were detectives in "The Adventures of Mary-Kate & Ashley."

Also, I’d consider the yellow Power Ranger because when I was 5 years old, I got into a very heated discussion with my next-door neighbor about which one of us was the yellow Power Ranger.

Daniel: Awesome. The yellow Power Ranger choice is very PC. Not many white girls in Boston clamoring to be the Asian female Power Ranger I imagine.

Sean: That actress died in car crash. Sadness.

Daniel: Yeah, just saw that. I had to Google her because I originally thought she was black. Two black people on a television show, what was I thinking?

Sean: Come on man, it was the mid-1990s. That would never happen.

For posts from The Boneyard, check out our full archive.