#24 - Movie: Top Gun / Song: She's Lost That Loving Feeling

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Top Gun ... action, romance, drama and hunky aviators in sexy uniforms.  So much packed into one movie, but perhaps the biggest surprise in the 1986 film is this classic musical moment.   Tom Cruise, playing a cocky jet pilot named Maverick, sings the Righteous Brothers' You've Lost that Loving Feeling to his woman in a crowded bar.  Ok, perhaps not "best music" but definitely a "best musical moment".  What more can I say.  This just had to be included on my list.  Enjoy.

#23 - Movie: Young Frankenstein / Song: Putting on the Ritz

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According to Wikipedia the average movie ticket price in 1974 was $1.87. For that $2 or so, movie-goers were treated to an eclectic list of box office choices, from The Longest Yard to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre; The Lords of Flatbush to Death Wish.  Amidst the litany of mid-70's disaster films, horror flicks and action movies shines one creative and unique comedy, Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein.  One of my favorite scenes from this movie is when "The Monster" (Peter Boyle) and Dr. Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) perform Putting on the Ritz.  I would be remiss to leave this great scene off my list of Best Musical Moments in Movies. (now watch and laugh)

#22 - Movie: Stepmom / Song: Aint No Mountain High Enough

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(CLICK TO WATCH)

In the movie Stepmom, Susan Sarandon plays a devoted mother dealing with terminal illness and harboring deep concern over the fate of her children.  It pains her to consider that she may ultimately relinquish the raising of her beloved son and daughter to their father's new young trendy fiancee (Julia Roberts).  In this scene Sarandon's daughter, still struggling to come to terms with situation, tries to resist the joyful moment created when her brother and mother lip sync to this great Motown classic.  In time however, love and music wins, as it always does, and she joins in signing backup for "Marvin and Tammy". 

#21 - Movie: Anger Management / Song: I Feel Pretty

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Jack Nicholson plays Buddy Rydell, a rather unconventional anger management therapist treating generally mild-mannered David Buznik (Adam Sandler).  Among the bizarre treatments administered by Dr. Rydell's is the one in this scene where he has a frustrated Buznik stop in the middle of rush hour traffic to sing a selection from Leanord Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's West Side Story, I Feel Pretty.  To see Dr. Rydell's other therapy techniques you'll have to watch the rest of the movie (one involves Woody Harrelson in drag, to peak your curiosity). 

#20 - Movie: To Sir With Love / Song: To Sir With Love

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To Sir With Love, a great movie and a great song.  This musical moment from the 1967 movie is dedicated to all the wonderful teachers who have, and continue to, make a difference in our lives and the lives of our children and our society.  Wishing each of you your own "To Sir With Love" moment ... an unexpected gesture, great or small, which reminds you how much you are appreciated, and inspires you to continue making a difference in your students' lives day after day.  Thank you.