Song and Screen, Pt. 4

Octopus as guitar is weird and slightly terrifying, but also kind of perfect.

That’s right–yet another edition of Song and Screen for your consideration and (hopefully) entertainment. I am just…addicted to these posts. Partly because they’re easy, but mostly because they’re fun. I do hope you guys aren’t getting sick of them though. If you are, please don’t hesitate to tell me. Hahaha. Anyway, on to business!

#1: “Bennie and the Jets” (27 Dresses)

So I’m not usually much of a rom-com type of gal, but I will fess up to enjoying 27 Dresses well enough. I know, I know–judge away. It wouldn’t be my first choice for a casual watch, but it’s decent. If nothing else, it gives us an enthusiastic drunken rendition of Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets” from Katherine Heigl and pretty, pretty James Marsden. Personally, I’ve never been to a bar this fun, but I’d like to know where I can find one.

#2: “Holding Out for a Hero” (Shrek 2)

Ah Shrek. I do have a soft spot for the big grumpy green fella. There are actually a lot of songs that come to mind when I think of the Shrek films, but for whatever reason, Jennifer Saunders’ spirited rendition of “Holding Out for a Hero” has always been my favorite. Originally a Bonnie Tyler song, “Holding Out for a Hero” is woven pretty perfectly into the scene–Shrek (Mike Myers) is on his way to win back Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) while the scheming Fairy Godmother (Saunders) tries to trick the princess into falling for her son (Rupert Everett). I’ll admit it: I do jam to this one on my iPod.

#3: “Closing Time” (Friends with Benefits)

Again, rom-coms are not my cup of tea, but I’ll watch this one if it’s on. I will say that Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis have pretty great chemistry in this. And the way this song is used is pretty epic. Semisonic’s “Closing Time” is actually kind of a running joke in this film–Dylan (Timberlake) makes fun of the song early on, but when he realizes he has feelings for Jamie (Kunis) later in the film, he uses the song to awesome effect. Word of advice, fellas: if you wanna win a lady’s heart, a personalized flash mob never hurts.

#4: “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head” (Spider-Man 2)

I know I’ve ranted to some of you before about how much Tobey Maguire bothers me as Spider-Man, but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the films as a whole. Well, excluding the third one, of course. That’s just terrible. But Spider-Man 2 is probably my favorite of the original three, and I think the way B.J. Thomas’ “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head” fits in is actually pretty cute. Peter (Maguire) has retired his Spidey suit and given up fighting crime, and he’s thrilled to be living a normal, boring life. Watch him gleefully put on glasses, eat a hot dog, and answer science questions. (P.S. I’m still Team Garfield.)

#5: “Por ti volare” (Step Brothers)

Say what you will about Step Brothers and its relentless stupid humor, but this…this moment is just epic. I don’t hear Andrea Bocelli’s “Por ti volare” very often, but when I do, my mind goes straight to this. I used to work at a Hallmark store that sold CDs and had a display where you could listen to demos of the songs. I would hear snippets of “Por ti volare” a lot, so I thought of Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly at work surprisingly often. Brennan (Ferrell) and Dale (Reilly) step up to the stage after the scheduled performers abandon the Catalina Wine Mixer. While Dale backs him up on drums, Brennan sings from the very bottom of his heart. It’s pretty magical.

P.S. If you, too, would like your own featured list of songs you can’t listen to without thinking of movies, then type one up and send it to caragale123@gmail.com any ol’ time! So far Zoë and Alex have taken up that offer and produced some pretty wonderful lists. I challenge you to do the same! I also challenge you to have an AWESOME WEEKEND! 🙂