"Grease" is the word, and after nearly 25 years since its initial theatrical run, it's every bit as enchanting and fun as it ever was. The numbers speak for themselves: after two theatrical releases, one in 1978 and a reissue in 1998, the worldwide box office total for what is considered to be Hollywood's most successful musical stands at $341.1 million. You can argue with opinion, but you can't deny pure fact.
I first saw "Grease" as a small child, introduced to the rockin', rollin' 50's as seen through the 70's at the age of 11. Back then, the film was nothing short of a pure delight: the musical numbers were jubilant and lively, the cast likeable and well-groomed, the external look of the film a visual feast, and the overall experience one that was unforgettable. Revisiting the film eight years later, I have found that nothing has changed: the humor is as refreshing as it was before, the music light and carefree, the effect a dose of pure movie magic. It just doesn't get much better than this.
For those who have been living under a rock for the last quarter of a century, here's a refresher: high school heartthrob/big man on campus Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Australian goody-goody Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) spend the summer frolicking on the beach to the wafting sounds of "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing." Once school is back in session at Rydell High, Danny, thinking he will never see Sandy again, is back to his old tricks, until he finds out she also attends classes there. Of course, the standards of being as slick as hair grease don't exactly make him very appealing to Sandy, and the two go through a series of ups and downs before finally reuniting at the film's end to sing the famed "You're The One I Want."
Quite a simple story when you look back on it, but that's the beauty of it. Bronte Woodard's screenplay, which was based on the Broadway musical of the same name, doesn't make unnecessary demands of its audience, even with its inclusion of various supporting characters who each have a unique brand of charm. The Pink Ladies have such a sassy verve that truly stands out, while the T-Birds are pumped full of testosterone and ultra-slick appeal. The warmth of the material, as well as the lovable nature of the characters, provide the movie with such an irresistable charm that it's hard not to fall in love with it.
In my personal opinion Grease is the best movie that has been release till date.
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