Most of my favorite musical movie moments come from movies in my top 10 or top 20, but every year I seem to come across at least one standout moment from a movie that’s otherwise forgettable.
Last year it was Jenny Slate’s sublime performance of ‘Suddenly Seymour‘ in the streaming romcom I Want You Back. This year it’s a scene from the Jennifer Lawrence sex comedy No Hard Feelings.
Lawrence’s character has been enlisted to get a shy young man (Andrew Barth Feldman) out of his shell before he heads to college. The kid’s parents encourage her to “date” him, using every connotation of that word you can imagine, in exchange for a new car.
Of course, what starts as a mercenary effort soon morphs into something more tender, as Lawrence gets to know the young man better. At one point, they bond over his misreading of the Hall & Oates song ‘Maneater’ (he thinks it’s about a monster).
Later, during a dinner scene, she encourages him to play the piano and when he finally agrees, a slowed-down version of ‘Maneater’ is his song of choice. Feldman nails it, as does Lawrence, whose silent reaction to the performance is just as gripping as the song.
She’ll only come out at night
The lean and hungry type
Nothing is new
I’ve seen her here before
Watching and waiting
Ooh, she’s sitting with you, but her eyes are on the door
So many have paid to see what you think you’re getting for free
The woman is wild, a she-cat tamed by the purr of a Jaguar
Money’s the matter
If you’re in it for love, you ain’t gonna get too far
[Chorus]
(Oh-oh, here she comes)
Watch out, boy, she’ll chew you up
(Oh-oh, here she comes)
She’s a maneater
(Oh-oh, here she comes)
Watch out, boy, she’ll chew you up
(Oh-oh, here she comes)
She’s a maneater
[Verse 2]
I wouldn’t if I were you
I know what she can do
She’s deadly, man
She could really rip your world apart
Mind over matter
Ooh, the beauty is there but a beast is in the heart
[Chorus]
(Oh-oh, here she comes)
Watch out, boy, she’ll chew you up
(Oh-oh, here she comes)
She’s a maneater
(Oh-oh, here she comes)
Watch out, boy, she’ll chew you up
(Oh-oh, here she comes)
She’s a maneater

Good call! That’s a great scene, and wonderful version of an otherwise so-so song.
My knock on this film was that it was ultimately too tender, abandoning its promisingly raunchy premise. However, I, too, was taken with this scene. Glad you reminded me of it.
I loved this scene and enjoyed the movie as well. Totally agree with your choice!