Bugsy Malone is a
charming movie that thoroughly entertains. While not huge at the box office, it
has legs. Bugsy Malone continues to pop
up in various movie lists from the Top 100 Musicals to the Top 100 Mobster
movies. The music, one of the movie’s strengths, is also one of its greatest
weaknesses. They should have let the kids do the singing rather than dubbing in
adult singers. In a gorgeously unique period film that’s cast with only
children, pedal cars, and a huge amount of custard, its adult dubbing felt odd.
The music itself is very strong, being covered over the years by great
performers and continues to pop up in odd places—like the
game Grand Theft Auto. This isn’t too surprising. Bugsy Malone was nominated for a few Oscars and the one it walked
away with was for Best Original Score. Various movies and television shows have
paid homage to Bugsy Malone through
references to scenes and characters. It’s an endearing film that captures a
cult audience every generation.
