An inner city drug dealer (50 Cent), who turned to crime after his mother's death, writes lyrics to keep his sanity while living a violent life. But, after a tragedy that nearly kills him, he turns away from his gangsta lifestyle to pursue his dream of becoming a rap superstar. Directed by Jim Sheridan. With Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Joy Bryant and Terrence Howard. Categories: Biography, Crime, Drama, Music. Year: 2005.
Get Rich or Die Tryin'
They Might Be Giants is the musical pairing of John Flansburgh and John Linnell. Their unique coupling of typically complex and dark lyrics with bouncy melodies has made them an underground sensation for many years. Blending concert footage, music videos, television performances and live interviews, the film attempts to capture both their lives and personalities. Directed by AJ Schnack. Categories: Documentary, Music. Year: 2002.
Gigantic (A Tale of Two Johns)
In December of 1969, the Rolling Stones joined Jefferson Airplane for a free concert at the Altamont Speedway in California. Attended by almost 300,000 people, the concert would go down in history for the disastrous employment of the notorious Hells Angels bikers for security. When fights broke out, the Angels responded ruthlessly and by the end of the day one person was dead. Directed by Albert Maysles, David Maysles and Charlotte Zwerin. With Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and many more. Categories: Documentary, Music. Year: 1970.
Gimme Shelter
David Taylor (Boris Kodjoe) abandoned his pastor father and church-going lifestyle and became a successful R
The Gospel
Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky), an overweight teenager who loves to dance, is obsessed with "The Corny Collins Show," a hit TV dance party. Every day after school, Tracy and her best friend Penny (Amanda Bynes) run home to watch heartthrob Link Larkin (Zac Efron) and the rest of the show's performers shake their stuff. When Corny Collins (James Marsden) holds auditions to replace a star who has left the show, Tracy seizes her chance to make her dream come true, even though her mother Edna (John Travolta) doesn't approve. Directed by Adam Shankman. With Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah, Brittany Snow, Elijah Kelley and Allison Janney. Categories: Comedy, Musical, Dance, Remake. Year: 2007.
Hairspray
Miley Cyrus, the popular teen singer/actress who plays rock star Hannah Montana, has made a full-length movie. When Hannah gets into a fight with model Tyra Banks in a boutique over a pair of shows, her father, Billy Ray (Billy Ray Cyrus) decides Miley needs to give Hannah a rest for a while and takes her back to her Tennessee hometown. There, where she is known only as Miley, she learns to take care of the animals, ride horses and do chores. She also falls for a handsome neighbor. Directed by Peter Chelsom. With Emily Osment, Lucas Till, and Jason Earles. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Family, Music. Year: 2009.
Hannah Montana: The Movie
Even though he's living out his dream by running a record shop with his music obsessed employees Dick (Todd Louiso) and Barry (Jack Black), Rob Gordon (John Cusack) isn't quite satisfied with hs life because he has yet to find true love. After his latest girlfriend (Iben Hjejle) walks out on him, Rob decides to track down the five women who meant the most to him in order to figure out what he's doing wrong. What he finds is that whether he like sit or not, it might just be time for him to grow up. Directed by Stephen Frears. With Lisa Bonet, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Joan Cusack and Tim Robbins. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Music, Romance. Year: 2000.
High Fidelity
Honey Daniels (Jessica Alba) is a tough, sexy hip-hop dancer who dreams of making it big as a music video choreographer. Teaching hip-hop at a local youth center, Honey is discovered by Michael Ellis (David Moscow), a producer who decides to cast her in his latest music video. But, when Michael ends up being more interested in Honey's body than her dance moves, this determined young woman will have to push herself to the limit in order to show her talents to the world and make her dream come true. Directed by Bille Woodruff. With Lil' Romeo, Mekhi Phifer and Joy Bryant. Categories: Drama, Music, Romance. Year: 2003.
Honey
DJay (Terrence Howard), a drug-dealing pimp from the rundown streets of Memphis, seeks purpose in his life by pursuing his long-buried dream of being a rapper. With the help of his women and an old firend (Anthony Anderson), who happens to be a sound engineer, DJay is able to put together a demo in time to arrange a meeting with a successful local rapper named Skinny Black (Ludacris). But, when things don't go as planned, DJay will have to dig deep and decide if he's going to end up the same old story, or fight his way to the top. Directed by Craig Brewer. With Taryn Manning, Taraji P. Henson, DJ Qualls, Paula Jai Parker, Elise Neal and Isaac Hayes. Categories: Crime, Drama, Music. Year: 2005.
Hustle & Flow
Six actors portray the different eras and aspects of musician Bob Dylan's life and work. Directed by Todd Haynes. With Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Richard Gere, Julianne Moore and Heath Ledger. Categories: Drama, Music. Year: 2007.
I'm Not There
After saving the life of a mafia don's daughter, Darrell (Usher Raymond), a successful DJ, is hired to act as the girl's bodyguard. What the don (Chazz Palminteri) doesn't realize is that his daughter, Dolly (Emmanuelle Chriqui), and Darrell have had their eyes on each other for some time, and now things are really going to heat up. Directed by Ron Underwood. With Robert Davi. Categories: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Romance. Year: 2005.
In the Mix
An intense, two-character drama in which Steve Buscemi (who also directed the film) plays Pierre, a serious journalist sent to interview Katya (Sienna Miller), a movie star. Pierre thinks the assignment is beneath him and that Katya will be an airhead. But he finds her to be much more complex and intelligent than he imagined and starts to fall for her. But is she just playing with him? Directed by Steve Buscemi. Categories: Drama, Music. Year: 2007.
Interview
Three music icons - Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, The Edge of U2 and Jack White of the White Stripes - get together, talk about music and put on a concert/jam session. This documentary was directed by Davis Guggenheim, who made the Oscar-winning film, An Inconvenient Truth. Categories: Documentary, Music. Year: 2008.
It Might Get Loud
Josie (Rachael Leigh Cook), Melody (Tara Reid) and Valerie (Rosario Dawson) are Josie and the Pussycats, a small band with big dreams. When they are approached by Wyatt Frame (Alan Cumming), an evil music producer, the star-struck girls willingly sell their credibility for fame. As their names flood the market, the terrible secret of the music recording industry may not reach them in time to save their own lives. Directed by Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan. With Parker Posey, Seth Green and Eugene Levy. Categories: Comedy, Music, Based on a Cartoon. Year: 2001.
Josie and the Pussycats
Edith Piaf (Marion Cotillard), the Little Sparrow, overcomes overwhelming odds to become one of the most beloved singers of the 20th century. Born into proverty in France to an alcoholic street singer and a circus performer, Piaf spends much of her early life in her grandmother's brothel and singing on street corners. After being discovered by a wealthy club owner (Gérard Depardieu), Piaf struggles with alcohol and drug addiction and intense heartache as her magical voice captivates audiences around the world. Directed by Olivier Dahan. With Jean-Pierre Martins. Categories: Biography, Drama, Music, Based on a True Story. Year: 2007.
La Vie En Rose
Lady (Barbara Luddy) is a beautiful, pedigreed cocker spaniel who decides to leave home and follow Tramp (Larry Roberts), a homeless but free spirited mutt. Accompanied by Tramp's friends Trusty (Bill Baucom) and Beaver (Stan Freberg), Lady falls in love and realizes the world is a very complicated place. Directed by Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson and Hamilton Luske. With Verna Felton, Peggy Lee and Bill Thompson. Categories: Drama, Family, Animation, Comedy, Music, Classic. Year: 1955.
Lady and the Tramp
When Prince Simba Jonathan Taylor Thomas) is born, his uncle Scar(Jeremy Irons), the second in line to the throne, plots to kill King Mufasa (James Earl Jones), and make himself King of the Jungle. Led to believe that his father's death was his fault, Simba flees the kingdom in shame. After years in exile spent palling around with his friends Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella), Simba learns the truth and returns home to fulfill his destiny. Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff. With Matthew Broderick, Robert Guillaume, Rowan Atkinson, Whoopi Goldberg and Cheech Marin. Categories: Animation, Adventure, Drama, Family, Musical. Year: 1994.
The Lion King
Raised on a Greek island by her doting mother Donna (Meryl Streep), Sophie Sheridan (Amanda Seyfried) sets out to find her father so he can give her away at her upcoming wedding. Based on Donna's diary, Sophie narrows down the field to three men: Sam (Pierce Brosnan), Harry (Colin Firth) and Bill (Stellan Skarsgård). Inviting all three without Donna's knowledge, Sophie creates quite a spectacle, and, as the big day approaches, Sam sets out to make up for lost time. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd. With Rachel McDowall, Ashley Lilley and Dominic Cooper. Categories: Comedy, Musical, Romance. Year: 2008.
Mamma Mia!
Following rock legends Metallica during the making of their album St. Anger, filmmakers shot over a thousand hours of footage to create this startlingly personal and eye-opening look at what it means to be rock stars. Witness breakdowns, breakthroughs and enough therapy to make even these road-tested veterans question their sense of purpose. Directed by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky. With James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Bob Rock. Categories: Documentary, Music. Year: 2004.
Metallica: Some Kind of Monster
Washed up pop singer Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant) sees a ray of hope for his career when he is given an opportunity to compose and sing a duet with current teen sensation Cora Corman (Haley Bennett). Struggling with the lyrics, he stumbles upon Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore), whose quirky way with words is just the thing Alex needs to complete the song. While their personalities and styles clash, Alex and Sophie soon find themselves drawn into an unexpected relationship. But, in order to make things work, they'll have to overcome their fears and admit they make perfect music together. Directed by Marc Lawrence. With Brad Garrett. Categories: Comedy, Music, Romance. Year: 2007.
Music and Lyrics
After being dumped by his girlfriend Tris (Alexis Dziena), Nick (Michael Cera), an amateur bassist, feels that his world is crumbling around him. When he spots Tris with a new guy at one of his gigs, he can barely keep it together. But, after a chance encounter with Norah (Kat Dennings), an indie rock-loving girl with love troubles of her own, Nick sets off with her into the New York night in search of a legendary band's secret show. Directed by Peter Sollett. With Aaron Yoo, Ari Graynor, Rafi Gavron and Jonathan B. Wright. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Music, Based on a Novel. Year: 2008.
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
Rap legend the Notorious B.I.G. (Jamal Woolard) rises from the tough streets of Brooklyn to become one of the most famous MCs in history. Using the hard realities of his life for inspiration, Christopher Wallace, a.k.a. Biggie Smalls, leaves drug dealing behind and teams up with Sean "Puffy" Combs (Derek Luke) to provide the East Coast's answer to LA's gangster rap movement. While dealing with difficult relationships with his wife Faith Evans (Antonique Smith) and fellow rapper Lil Kim (Naturi Naughton), the pressures of celebrity and a bitter feud with Tupac Shakur (Anthony Mackie), Biggie never loses his lyrical genius and becomes an inspiration to millions of fans. Directed by George Tillman Jr.. With Angela Bassett, Marc John Jefferies and Sean Ringgold. Categories: Biography, Drama, Music, Based on a True Story. Year: 2009.
Notorious
When Everett Ulysses McGill (George Clooney) escapes from a chain gang with his friends, Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson) and Pete (John Turturro), they set out on a journey through 1930s Mississippi to recover a stash of bank loot that Everett buried near his house. Based loosely on Homer's Odyssey, these bandits encounter a series of villains and prophets as they record a hit country song, attempt to win back Everett's ex-wife (Holly Hunter) and do their best to stay one step ahead of an otherworldly lawman (Daniel von Bargen). Directed by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen. With John Goodman and Charles Durning. Categories: Comedy, Adventure, Crime, Music. Year: 2000.
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
This film was the surprise winner of the Oscar this year for Best Foreign Language Film. It stars Masahiro Motoki as Daigo, a cellist who plays in an orchestra that closes down. Looking for a job, he decides to leave the city and answers a classified ad for a business called Departures in his old hometown. He thinks it is a travel agency but it turns out to be a funeral home. Although at first, he doesn't think he will last in this new job, he soon finds a new peace and sense of self in preparing bodies for burial. Directed by Yôjirô Takita. With Tsutomu Yamazaki, Ryoko Hirosue, Takashi Sasano, Tetta Sugimoto and Tôru Minegishi. Categories: Drama, Music. Year: 2008.
Okuribito
Wladyslaw Szpilman (Adrien Brody), a renowned composer and pianist, struggles for survival amidst the violence and inhumanity of World War II. After his family is taken to a concentration camp, Szpilman spends time doing forced labor before escaping to hide in the ruins of Warsaw, scavenging for food and shelter. Just as he is losing hope and succumbing to starvation, he finds help in an unlikely place. Directed by Roman Polanski. With Emilia Fox, Thomas Kretschmann and Michal Zebrowski. Categories: Drama, Biography, War, Music. Year: 2002.
The Pianist
Pink (Bob Geldof) is a musician whose troubled life and many mental and physical problems manifest themselves in the wall he builds around himself as protection from the world. Problems with his mother (Christine Hargreaves), father (James Laurenson) and wife (Eleanor David) are compounded with social problems like WWII in this legendary film based on the music of Pink Floyd. Directed by Alan Parker. Categories: Drama, Music. Year: 1982.
Pink Floyd The Wall
The story of an all-girl band in 1980s Los Angeles, Gina Gershon stars as Jacki. She's the founder and leader of the band, Clam Dandy. She has always said she would quit if she didn't make it by 40 and her birthday is fast approaching. But as she prepares for a performance, and deals with personal problems along with her bandmates (Drea de Matteo, Lori Petty and Shelly Cole) she can't decide what to do. Directed by Alex Steyermark. With Marc Blucas. Categories: Drama, Music. Year: 2003.
Prey for Rock & Roll
Ray Charles (Jamie Foxx) was stricken with blindness at a young age, left defenseless against a world that had little compassion for a disabled black child. Inspired by his mother to overcome the perceived limitations of his handicap, Ray works tirelessly to cultivate his extraordinary musical talents. But, as the pressures of celebrity and life on the road take their toll, Ray must overcome racism, broken relationships and drug addiction to achieve superstardom and international fame. Directed by Taylor Hackford. With Kerry Washington, Regina King and Clifton Powell. Categories: Biography, Drama, Music. Year: 2004.
Ray
In this screen adaptation of the hit Broadway rock opera, Mark Cohen (Anthony Rapp), an aspiring film-maker, has lost his performance artist girlfriend, Maureen (Idina Menzel), to an uptight lawyer named Joanne (Tracie Thoms). Mark's roommate Roger (Adam Pascal) is an HIV-positive would-be musician who has misgivings about getting involved with Mimi (Rosario Dawson), an exotic dancer. Tom Collins (Jesse L. Martin), a disgruntled professor, falls for a transgendered street-drummer, Angel (Wilson Jermaine Heredia). Together this group of down and out friends must grapple with poverty, AIDS, suicide, commercialism and artistic stagnation. Directed by Chris Columbus. With Taye Diggs and Sarah Silverman. Categories: Drama, Musical, New York. Year: 2005.
Rent
After the noble King Richard is hypnotized into joining the crusades, the sinister Prince John (Peter Ustinov) takes over the the throne of Nottingham. Aided by Sir Hiss (Terry-Thomas) and the bullying Sheriff of Nottingham (Pat Buttram), Prince John raises the taxes of the defenseless people of Nottingham and puts them in jail when they can't pay their debts. Their only hope is the noble outlaw Robin Hood (Brian Bedford), who hides out in Sherwood forest, robbing the rich and giving to the poor with the help of his faithful friend, Little John (Phil Harris). After spying the beautiful Maid Marian (Monica Evans), his former girlfriend, at an archery tournament, Robin sets out to free his love and return the throne to its rightful owner. Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman. With Carole Shelley and Andy Devine. Categories: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Music. Year: 1973.
Robin Hood
Schultze (Horst Krause), a retired miner living in a small German village, is a passionate Polka musician who plays the accordion. After hearing a Zydeco tune on the radio, Schultze is enamored with the new music and begins to make radical changes in his life. His passion leads him on a journey to Louisana, where Zydeco music was born. Directed by Michael Schorr. With Harald Warmbrunn and Karl-Fred Müller. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Music. Year: 2003.
Schultze Gets the Blues
In the fall of 2006, Director Martin Scorsese filmed the Rolling Stones during two concerts at New York City's Beacon Theatre. The electric energy of the band's performance is enhanced with archival footage and interviews, as well as news clips which provide context for the band's greatest hits and lesser known gems. Directed by Martin Scorsese. With Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Charlie Watts, Christina Aguilera and Jack White. Categories: Documentary. Year: 2008.
Shine a Light
A documentary about the controversy surrounding the successful female country band, the Dixie Chicks. When singer Natalie Maines criticized then-president George W. Bush for his Iraq policy in 2003, the group was attacked by right-wing Bush supporters. The Dixie Chicks found themselves heckled in public at every turn. This film examines how they rode out the storm and grew as artists in the process. Directed by Cecilia Peck. With Emily Robison and Martie Maguire. Categories: Documentary, Biography, Music. Year: 2006.
Shut Up & Sing
While searching for his next story, LA Times journalist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) happens upon Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), a homeless Julliard trained musician who suffers from schizophrenia. Once a promising musical prodigy, Ayers now supports himself by playing violin and cello on the streets. While Lopez attempts to help Ayers get back on his feet and realize his dreams, the two form an unlikely bond that transforms both of their lives. Directed by Joe Wright. With Catherine Keener, Nelsan Ellis, Stephen Root, Tom Hollander, Justin Martin and Lisa Gay Hamilton. Categories: Drama, Biography, Music. Year: 2008.
The Soloist
Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon), a pair of unemployed musicians, accidentally witness the St. Valentine's Day gangster murders. To protect themselves from retribution, they disguise themselves as women and join up with an all-female traveling band. While on a train to Florida, the pair fall for the band's beautiful ukulele player (Marilyn Monroe). Eventually, the mobsters track them down and the two use every trick in the book to stay alive. Directed by Billy Wilder. With George Raft, Pat O'Brien and Joe E. Brown. Categories: Comedy, Crime, Music, Romance, Thriller, Classic. Year: 1959.
Some Like It Hot
After not speaking to one another for over twenty years, Floyd (Bernie Mac) and Louis (Samuel L. Jackson), two estranged soul legends, agree to reunite to perform at a tribute concert for their former band leader at the Apollo Theater. Setting out on a road trip, Floyd, a boisterous retired businessman, and Louis, a stubborn ex-convict, butt heads every step of the way and find themselves in a series of uncomfortable predicaments. But, while the two can't seem to agree on anything else, they eventually discover that their music will always connect them. Directed by Malcolm D. Lee. With Jennifer Coolidge, Affion Crockett, Sharon Leal, John Legend, Isaac Hayes and Sean Hayes. Categories: Comedy, Music. Year: 2008.
Soul Men