Jimmy Fallon Making Special Appearances in ‘Almost Famous’ Musical
Jimmy Fallon made his film debut in 2000’s Almost Famous. With the stage musical adaptation now on Broadway, the Tonight Show host will be reprising the role of hotshot manager Dennis…
Jimmy Fallon made his film debut in 2000's Almost Famous. With the stage musical adaptation now on Broadway, the Tonight Show host will be reprising the role of hotshot manager Dennis Hope.
Almost Famous writer/director Cameron Crowe, who also wrote the book and co-wrote the lyrics of the musical, appeared on The Tonight Show and pitched the idea of having Fallon come in as a special guest. He said, "My dream has always been for you to come and be the link between the two casts -- the cast of the musical, who also became a really tight family, and the movie."
Crowe added, "Knowing you might step in, I rewrote the scene for advanced Jimmy Fever. I really wanted to get a scene worthy of you and the beard. So, I wrote a new version of the scene for you, which turned out to be so great that that's what's in the play and Jakeim [Hart, who plays Hope in the musical] does that new version. It's got new jokes that I bring to you. The cast is a little bit like a band. Come and jam with us."
Fallon, of course, was thrilled with the idea and agreed. How many dates he'll perform is unknown, but if this means we get to see Fallon recreate his hilarious monologue, then it'll be a can't-miss opportunity.
Additionally, the cast of Almost Famous performed "Tiny Dancer" as the musical guest on The Tonight Show. Their performance can be viewed below. Complete details about the production, including ticket info can be found at AlmostFamousTheMusical.com.
This past week saw the 1995 film Empire Records trend on Twitter thanks to fans taking to the social media platform in celebration of "Rex Manning Day," which falls on April 8th in the film.
Considering this, it got us thinking of other music movies. Some are major hits and some are lesser-known titles, but here are 12 music movies everyone should watch.
'Empire Records'
New RegencyA band of misfits at an independent record store that's dealing with drama AND trying to prevent the store from being bought by a major corporate chain AND the soundtrack is incredible? Damn the man, indeed!
'Almost Famous'
ParamountEasily one of the most iconic music films of all time, 'Almost Famous' earned writer/director Cameron Crowe an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and rightfully so.
'High Fidelity'
Touchstone PicturesA music movie for music nerds by music nerds. Plus, Barry, played perfectly by Jack Black, has one of the best monologues ever when describing Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called To Say I Love You."
'Rock Star'
Warner Home VideoLoosely inspired by Tim "Ripper" Owens who replaced Rob Halford in Judas Priest after he left the band in 1991, 'Rock Star' has an inherent cheese-factor, but it's undeniably entertaining with a stellar soundtrack to boot.
'Airheads'
20th Century FoxThree not-so-bright musicians hold a radio station hostage (with plastic guns, no less) in order for their demo to get played on the air. Surprise! Wackiness ensues! Also, it's just a fun and funny movie that features the best cop joke of all time.
'Sing Street'
Artisan/LionsgateBased in 1980s Dublin, a teenage boy starts a band to win over a pretty girl. Add in a wise older brother to help guide the musical way, and you have one of the best music movies released in the past decade.
'Hedwig and the Angry Inch'
Criterion CollectionThe film adaptation of the hit off-Broadway play that eventually made it to Broadway and was a massive success, 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch' follows the story of a trans frontwoman on a quest for fame after all of her songs were stolen to launch the career of a former musical partner and boyfriend.
'Once'
20th Century FoxIt's the classic tale of an Irish street performer meets a classically trained musician and discovers electric chemistry. The film features an incredibly beautiful original soundtrack and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2007.
'Velvet Goldmine'
LionsgateIt's like a glam version of 'Eddie and the Cruisers' but way better! Characters are definitely inspired by David Bowie and Iggy Pop, and the film features the incredible cast of Ewan McGregor, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Christian Bale, Toni Collette and Eddie Izzard.
'School of Rock'
ParamountIt's the movie that made you wish your substitute teacher was Jack Black and also a reminder of the power of music education.
'The Blues Brothers'
Universal Pictures Home EntertainmentAn obvious choice for this list, but there has to be at least one obvious pick on this list. Frankly, if you haven't seen 'The Blues Brothers,' stop reading this list and find a way to watch it.
'The Commitments'
RLJ EntertainmentThis is the third film on this list that's based in Ireland, and while 'Sing Street' and 'Once' are incredible films, they may not have happened without 'The Commitments,' which follows the formation of a soul band in the working-class neighborhoods of the northside of Dublin. (Side note: Glen Hansard who stars in 'Once' is in 'The Commitments' as lead guitarist "Outspan" Foster.)
