Music

A lament on the lost art of the rap-based movie tie-in

There are many things I dislike about the state of modern cinema (3D, digital piracy, Shia LaBeouf), but the other week I realised we've lost something I truly loved: the blockbuster rap theme song.

William Shatner's new album is appropriately themed

Captain Kirk sets phasers to beam another album of musical curiosities directly into your ears. That's a good Star Trek pun, right?

Jeff Buckley biopic incoming: someone alert James Franco

Tragic music biopic gets the green light. Across Hollywood, the ears of every young white male actor with basic guitar skills prick up.

Hugh Jackman... more like Huge Jazz Hands fnar fnar

After his star turn hosting last year's all-singing, all-dancing Oscars, Aussie beefcake and all-round nice guy Hugh Jackman is set to appear in a Broadway musical based on the life - and presumably the magic - of Harry Houdini.

Review: Gainsbourg

As I sit back in the surprisingly comfortable chair of my local cinema, I realise there's nobody else in the theatre. I'm drinking a glass of red wine (it's one of those cinemas), I'm occasionally throwing handfuls of Wasabi Peas into my mouth (definitely one of those cinemas), and I'm about to watch the new biopic of serial shagger, Serge Gainsbourg. Things are gonna get pretty self-romantic and fast if another audience member doesn't get ushered in soon.

Review: Crazy Heart

"I used to be somebody, now I am somebody else" sings Bad Blake, Jeff Bridges' veteran country singer, through liquor-hardened vocals. He used to be a highly regarded country star, but his crumbling career has turned him into a hard luck story more akin to blues music than country: he's tired, broke, an alcoholic and down on his luck. Blake's star has dimmed to a status that his agent can only use to illuminate such small-time venues as bowling alleys, where he reluctantly plays to a handful of loyal fans.

-1 point for Avatar

Here's one reason Avatar might not be the greatest film since Sliced Bread: the appalling closing song by Leona Lewis. Embedded after the jump if you want to annoy your neighbours.

Nine trailer #2 is musical

Hugh Jackman just came in his pants.

Carrie: The Musical heads to stage

Ever wish the films of Stephen King had more dance numbers and needless mincing? You're in luck! Carrie, the scariest movie about menstruation ever, is being adapted for the stage.

Spinal Tap: One Night Only World Tour

Wembley Arena is no stranger to comedy. Rob Newman and David Baddiel made history by playing the venue 15 years earlier (despite not being on speaking terms), since when it's been a beacon for stand-ups with a bestselling DVD in mind. Its musical heritage is obviously in little doubt, so it's the perfect place for comic rockers ...