shouldn't a musical have original songs?

Rating: Null/10 (4 June 2001)

I realize that the modern american musician is unable to come up with anything remotely original to sing, everything sounds exactly the same lately. But, in a musical movie, shouldn't there be a few original songs? Instead Moulin Rouge takes songs from various places, puts different spins on them, and places them at key points in the movie. (For example the first time we see the Moulin Rouge its Lady Marmalade, and Smells Like Teen Spirit that the dancers sing). Why couldn't there have been something original about the story line either? The tragically flawed heroine and the dashing poor hero falling in love is something we've seen thousands of times.
However, elaborate sets, fantastic costumes, innovative camera work (particuarly with the green fairy scene, and the first moulin rouge scene), and some strong acting from almost all the characters in the movie really make up for what this film lacks in plot and music. Alright, i'll even forgive them for the music, because it was fun to hear a bunch of 1900 parisian men sing Like a Virgin. Besides, i'm sure to get the rights to all the music in the movie, it must have been a lot of work and money, so I guess they've done alright so far.
Anyways I'm giving this movie a 7 out of 10