Grease (A or 4/4 stars)
'Grease' (directed by Randal Kleiser & based on a popular musical) opens during the tail end of the summer of 1958 when teenagers Danny & Sandy (John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John) fall in love. After expressing how much they're into one another, they go their separate ways (had been attending different schools), returning to the reality that teens must endure every single autumn ... high school. The 2 are in for a big surprise, though. Sandy has changed schools and, unbeknownst to the lovebirds, they are now both in Rydell High's Senior Class.
Their reunion, however, is anything but happy. Although Danny is secretly delighted to see Sandy, he realizes that a display of joy will look bad in front of his new tough-guy pals, so he plays it too-cool. To Sandy, this is like a slap in the face. The 2 then spend the rest of the movie arguing, making up, singing, dancing, arguing, singing, & dancing around each other; eventually getting together for the musical finale.
'Grease' offers what all successful movie musicals have: rootable stars, a straightforward plot, stunning production values, & a ton of enjoyable music. Songs such as "Grease", "Hopelessly Devoted to You", "Greased Lightning", "Summer Nights", & "You're the One that I Want", will ring in your head for a long, long time. These may not represent groundbreaking music, but they get the job done, for sure. And I also appreciated he gentle satire of the 1950's in the script.
This movie gets a lot of mileage out of Travolta's enlivened performance as leather jacket-clad Danny. He's a riot; lending his slick, lanky charms to every joke or song that comes down the pike. Newton-John is infectious as the sexy-yet-sweet Sandy. Her transformation from shy wallflower to leather-wearin' hottie is one of the film's best moments. And her palpable chemistry with Travolta makes this whole thing work. The supporting cast is also fantastic. I especially loved the Pink Ladies, led by Stockard Channing (as the tough-talking Rizzo). Frankie Avalon has a cameo as an angel. And Eve Arden also delights as Principal McGee.
So yes, 'Grease' works because of its knowing humor, some well-placed drama (pregnancy), boisterous singing, exciting dancing, & an overall display of exuberance of youth; bringing back warm memories of what it was like to hang out on high school grounds, go to a drive-in movie, & attend the prom. Because of its high spirits, 'Grease' is an absolute joy to behold. Just try to not tap your toes, sing under your breath, or smile at the genial fun.
Their reunion, however, is anything but happy. Although Danny is secretly delighted to see Sandy, he realizes that a display of joy will look bad in front of his new tough-guy pals, so he plays it too-cool. To Sandy, this is like a slap in the face. The 2 then spend the rest of the movie arguing, making up, singing, dancing, arguing, singing, & dancing around each other; eventually getting together for the musical finale.
'Grease' offers what all successful movie musicals have: rootable stars, a straightforward plot, stunning production values, & a ton of enjoyable music. Songs such as "Grease", "Hopelessly Devoted to You", "Greased Lightning", "Summer Nights", & "You're the One that I Want", will ring in your head for a long, long time. These may not represent groundbreaking music, but they get the job done, for sure. And I also appreciated he gentle satire of the 1950's in the script.
This movie gets a lot of mileage out of Travolta's enlivened performance as leather jacket-clad Danny. He's a riot; lending his slick, lanky charms to every joke or song that comes down the pike. Newton-John is infectious as the sexy-yet-sweet Sandy. Her transformation from shy wallflower to leather-wearin' hottie is one of the film's best moments. And her palpable chemistry with Travolta makes this whole thing work. The supporting cast is also fantastic. I especially loved the Pink Ladies, led by Stockard Channing (as the tough-talking Rizzo). Frankie Avalon has a cameo as an angel. And Eve Arden also delights as Principal McGee.
So yes, 'Grease' works because of its knowing humor, some well-placed drama (pregnancy), boisterous singing, exciting dancing, & an overall display of exuberance of youth; bringing back warm memories of what it was like to hang out on high school grounds, go to a drive-in movie, & attend the prom. Because of its high spirits, 'Grease' is an absolute joy to behold. Just try to not tap your toes, sing under your breath, or smile at the genial fun.