Movie Review: "Grease"

The first time I ever watched "Grease", was on a hot Greek summer in 2002. I was 14 years old at the time. I was hooked by the opening credits and stayed that way till the closing credits.

I guess everyone who’s ever watched "Grease" got as hooked as I was. There is something about this movie’s aesthetics that makes you not to want to take your eyes of it.

In terms of a movie review, it's a teenage flick that recites the story of Sandy and Danny, two high school seniors, which fall in love on their summer break. When school starts again though, things are going to be rough between the young couple. Danny needs to maintain his bad boy reputation, while Sandy wants to fit in, at her new school.

The scenery is 1959's California and the movie achieves transferring the audience to the 50's by the most amazing way, its music. Although the songs of the movie are mainly pop, they emit the rock n roll essence of the 50's and 60's. Maintaining the rock and roll rhythm, movies music adapts to the 70’s music, which is when the movie came out (1978), making it easier to the young people of that time.

The cast consists of talented young (at the time) actors, with Olivia Newton - John and John Travolta on the leading roles. Olivia Newton's amazing voice and Travolta's smooth moves gives the movie the edge, offering an all-around musical experience. Songs such as "Tell me more" or "Grease lightning" have become timeless hits with people singing and dancing to them even to this day. The choreographies are also amazing with the peak of them being the school dance scene being the cherry on the cake. This scene lets us enjoy Travolta at a dance show off, making us want to join him on the school’s court.

Grease is a movie that every musical lover should see at least once. Even if you are not a musical fun, you should see it for the music and the choreographies. Grease has passed in history as one the greatest musicals ever made. It has also been transferred to the theatres, with many theater companies performing it to this day.

In terms of directing, Randal Kleiser has done a pretty good job on giving the viewer on each scene, the emotions that the characters feel. He also provides dynamic takes on the dance scenes, offering an enjoyable view of the choreography.

All and all “Grease” is a movie that will lift you up when you having a bad day, or keep you company on a lazy afternoon, drift you away on the golden age and sweep you off your feet to dance to its tunes. Take some time on the weekend and watch it once again, sing along with T-birds and the pink ladies. Dance with Danny and Sandy the “Better Shape Up” song, or feel Rizzo’s pain when she is singing “There are Worst Things I Could Do”.

Grab a bucket full of popcorn, call your friends over, lay back and enjoy a journey full of music and dance.