OK, for musicals, I'm going to include the ABC/Wonderful World of Disney remakes, and the Andrew Lloyd Webber Films of the mid-late 90s as well.
For my best: (In no particular order)
1) Dreamgirls - About my only real complaint was the loss of some of the recitative (sp?), and Jamie Foxx. I thought the majority of the cast handled themselves well, it was beautifully shot and a BLAST to see in theatres. In fact, J-Hud got a standing ovation during "And I Am Telling You..." which I have NEVER wittnesed during a film in a movie theatre. I also think in 10 years, that people will actually really like and rave about Beyonce's performance. Say what you will, I loved her, and personally feel that anyone who can give Diana Ross a soul, deserves major credit.
2) Chicago - I saw this 10 times in theatres. I really enjoyed all of the performances, even John C. Riley, who I usually hate. I appreciated the score, and they kept the songs that I loved in the score, and the ones I skip over on the recording were gone. The imagery, especially in the musical sequences was to to die for. I still agree that it deserved Best Picture.
3) Annie - Ok, yes, Disney cut a few things out, but considering the really lackluster, and mildly confusing film with Aileen Quinn, this was a VAST improvement. I really wanted them to continue making a musical a year, as Disney does stay pretty true to the source material. Alica Morton was a great Annie, Victor Garber, Audra McDonald, Alan Cumming and Kristin Chenoweth all held their own beautifully. The big suprise, was Kathy Bates. She blew me away, and I think she got the essence of the role much more than Carol Burnett did.
The Good:
1) Cinderella - Call me crazy, I loved the over the top campiness, the casting, and the performances. Bout all I did not like, was Whitney's costume.
2) The Producers - While I actually hate the score/parts of the cast, I do think it was a nicely done film, that was true to the stage production. Cast Highlights: Nathan Lane, Will Ferrell. Cast Lowlights: Gary Beach.
3) Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Not a fan of the show, but the film was entertaining, and is probably one of my favorite translations of an ALW show to film. Osmond was a bit too old, but Maria Freidman and Joan Collins make up for it.
4) Jesus Christ Superstar - I actually liked this as well. Glenn Carter did get on my nerves a bit as a mildly whiny Jesus, but I liked it's mix of contemporary and gospel-era costumes.
The Ok:
1) Evita - I was suprised by Madonna, and the film in general. Any chance for Pryce to work his musical magic is ok by me. I agree with B12B about the contacts, and I wish it hadn't been shot so darkly.
2) Rent - Could be better, could be a LOT worse. All I'm going to say there.
3) Hedwig and the Angry Inch - I just really like the show live better than on film. And I know one should not compare, but John Cameron Mitchell was brilliant live, and on film, he's a little less brilliant.
The Bad:
1) The Music Man - Matthew Broderick was mis-cast, and the film had major pacing issues. Highly enjoyed Chenoweth, Debra Monk (That was her, right?), and Molly Shannon.
2) Phantom of the Opera - For a film nearly 20 years in the making, this was the best we could get? Seriously? Maybe they should have just shot this for PBS like they did Cats...at least then we might have had something decent to remember it by.
3) Hairspray - I know, a lot of people liked it. I considered it poorly directed and sloppy with it's cinematography. Enjoyed the cast for the most part, but Nikki Blonsky got on my nerves with her constant "I'm-Judy-Garland-During-The-Scenes-In-'Wizard of Oz'-Where-The-Witch-Has-Me-And-I-Must-Always-Be-Super-Sincere" voice.
I think I got everything.
Best12-
I need time to formulate my play-screen list. But I hated the Children of a Lesser god film. The cast was fine, but I hated what they did to the ending, and the script overall.
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