Before Troy Bolton and the East High Wildcats, there was Danny Zuko and the T-Birds. That’s right, I’m talking about Grease, the movie adaptation of the Broadway musical. I’m 20 years old, and this was my first time watching it. I know, I know, contain your shock. Now, I can see why everybody is still talking about this iconic film, even though it’s been around for almost 40 years.
Starring John Travolta as bad-boy Danny, and Olivia Newton-John as sweet Sandy, this true form musical has catchy music and dancing, stays true to the time period, and has a storyline that is still relevant today. Set in the 1950’s, Danny and Sandy have had a summer fling. They unexpectedly start their senior years at the same school. As they explore the tumultuous roads of peer pressure and growing up, Danny and Sandy must decide whether or not their love is worth the fight.
Music is obviously extremely important in this movie. Film composers Jim Jacobs, Michael Gibson, and Warren Casey did a great job writing music to complement the dialogue. For example, one of the most profound songs and performances comes from Rizzo’s “There Are Worst Things I Could Do.” Although the character’s dialogue portrays her as brash and reckless, the song lyrics convey a more tender side. They show that she actually does care about what other people think. Jacobs, Gibson, and Casey stand out as songwriters, because they were able to create something that people still enjoy today. The only weak point, music-wise, is “Beauty School Dropout.” The entire scene seems odd and out of place.
Starring John Travolta as bad-boy Danny, and Olivia Newton-John as sweet Sandy, this true form musical has catchy music and dancing, stays true to the time period, and has a storyline that is still relevant today. Set in the 1950’s, Danny and Sandy have had a summer fling. They unexpectedly start their senior years at the same school. As they explore the tumultuous roads of peer pressure and growing up, Danny and Sandy must decide whether or not their love is worth the fight.
Music is obviously extremely important in this movie. Film composers Jim Jacobs, Michael Gibson, and Warren Casey did a great job writing music to complement the dialogue. For example, one of the most profound songs and performances comes from Rizzo’s “There Are Worst Things I Could Do.” Although the character’s dialogue portrays her as brash and reckless, the song lyrics convey a more tender side. They show that she actually does care about what other people think. Jacobs, Gibson, and Casey stand out as songwriters, because they were able to create something that people still enjoy today. The only weak point, music-wise, is “Beauty School Dropout.” The entire scene seems odd and out of place.
Bill Butler’s cinematography is pretty good for the time period in which it was done. He did a great job, especially when it comes to the musical scenes, like “Greased Lightning.” There was a really nice variety and balance of wide-shots and close-ups. The wide-shots were important, as you can see not only the main performer, but also the pit crew/backup dancers. It also allows you to see the funny reactions of the bystanders. And, of course it’s fun to see close-ups of John Travolta and his dance moves. There is some room for improvement as well; sometimes, there were these awkward medium shots, during which you can only see an arm of one backup dancer here or a shoulder here. I would have preferred to see those at a wider angle.
I also really enjoyed the acting. Not only did I like the main character acting, but I also enjoyed the acting of the minor characters, such as Didi Conn as Frenchy. She played that role perfectly. As part of the Pink Ladies, she was a bit rough around the edges, but she also had a good heart, which is evident as she takes care of Sandy and welcomes her into the group. She’s also a bit ditzy, which makes for some funny scenes. Then there’s one of my favorite characters. Although she doesn’t play a huge role, she’s hilarious. Susan Buckner plays Patty Simcox, a stock character, who is the over-the-top, overly dramatic, super-involved student that shows up every once and a while. There’s one scene, at the lunch table, where she, in her high-pitched, enthusiastic tone, welcomes Sandy to school. It reminds me of some people that I actually know.
I also really enjoyed the acting. Not only did I like the main character acting, but I also enjoyed the acting of the minor characters, such as Didi Conn as Frenchy. She played that role perfectly. As part of the Pink Ladies, she was a bit rough around the edges, but she also had a good heart, which is evident as she takes care of Sandy and welcomes her into the group. She’s also a bit ditzy, which makes for some funny scenes. Then there’s one of my favorite characters. Although she doesn’t play a huge role, she’s hilarious. Susan Buckner plays Patty Simcox, a stock character, who is the over-the-top, overly dramatic, super-involved student that shows up every once and a while. There’s one scene, at the lunch table, where she, in her high-pitched, enthusiastic tone, welcomes Sandy to school. It reminds me of some people that I actually know.
Due to some language and crude humor, this movie is appropriate for anyone in middle school or beyond. Anyone can enjoy it. The music is groovy, the characters are funny, and the story is thought provoking. Grease – it’s the one that you want.
MPAA Rating: PG
Film Grade: B+
Check back here next week for more reviews.
Until Next Time,
Kathryn (The Redhead Behind the Reviews)
Works Cited
Manning, N. (2016, September 29). (Ch. 5) Everyone Loves the Musical [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://gwufilmcritic.wordpress.com/2016/09/29/ch-5-everyone-loves-the-musical/
History.com Staff. (2009). Grease movie soundtrack earns its second #1 hit. Retrieved from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/grease-movie-soundtrack-earns-its-second-1-hit
MPAA Rating: PG
Film Grade: B+
Check back here next week for more reviews.
Until Next Time,
Kathryn (The Redhead Behind the Reviews)
Works Cited
Manning, N. (2016, September 29). (Ch. 5) Everyone Loves the Musical [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://gwufilmcritic.wordpress.com/2016/09/29/ch-5-everyone-loves-the-musical/
History.com Staff. (2009). Grease movie soundtrack earns its second #1 hit. Retrieved from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/grease-movie-soundtrack-earns-its-second-1-hit