Newsies (1992)

In spite of an initial negative reception, Newsies gained a passionate following upon its home release. Newsies is 90’s Disney’s answer to the likes of Oliver!, to Mary Poppins, to West Side Story with spacious sets and huge, choreographed set pieces. It follows in grand Broadway tradition by focussing on a story of social revolution, like Les Mis and Hamilton before, but stays true to its subject matter, the young newspaper-sellers of New York, by keeping all of the dancing and singing distinctly unpolished and gritty. Starring a fresh-faced Christian Bale, the film is the directorial debut of choreographer Kenny Ortega who would go on to direct other musical hits such as the High School Musical trilogy. The care taken by Ortega to showcase the physical talents of its cast makes it stand out from other contemporary musicals who appear to go out of their way to conceal their natural talents from the audience through ADHD editing and C(ats)GI. The film also features songs by an Alan Menkin during his prime Disney years, written right after Beauty and the Beast.