Xanadu
A few nights ago I was invited to a movie party where we watched Xanadu. I
had never seen this movie. It came out in 1980 and I had gone my entire 31
years having never watched it. After watching it, I realized why.
Olivia Netwon-John plays a mysterious girl with powers to inspire those
around her and make dreams come true. At least that is what I have read and
been told. To me, the story was about a guy who paints, but hates where he
paints and wants to paint more creatively. He becomes friends with Gene
Kelly (what the HECK was he doing in this movie?!), meets a mystery girl
(Olivia), falls in love with her, opens a night club (with Gene Kelly) and
fights Zeus. Oh yeah, and everyone, EVERYONE wears rollerskates.
How do I even begin to review this movie? If you haven't seen it, you
simply must. Why? Because I sat through it so you should to, that's why.
No, seriously, it will make you remember what the 1970's were like and, most
likely, make you glad to be here now in 2006. At least that is the effect
it had on me. Just remember, whether or not it was intended that way when
it came out, this movie is very much a comedy now. So instead of turning it
off, laugh out loud and you will have a great time. And don't watch it
alone - you must have friends around to help you make fun of the dance
moves, dialogue and clothing, especially the clothing.
Overall this movie gets a grade of D for quality but B+ for entertainment
value.
Since this movie is so old and so poor, there is no real need or desire to
do a grading breakdown. I will say a few things though:
Olivia Newton-John sure was adorable in 1980 and had a terrific voice.
Gene Kelly must have been hard up for some cash in 1980.
Rollerskates certainly weren't graceful, stylish or cool - even then.
They loved to have cartoon segways in movies then, didn't they? And I loved
how even in the cartoon, Olivia's bird character still had leg warmers on.
Even though I had never seen the movie, I knew all the songs. That is
successful marketing, even by today's standard.
I am really glad I was a child of the 1980's but am now an adult in 2006.
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