When a struggling artist seeks inspiration and direction, he is visited by his muse, in the form of Olivia Newton-John on roller skates. As a guy who grew up in the 70s/80s, I can totally understand the power of Olivia Newton-John on rollerskates.. very inspirational.
However inspirational anyone would find a pretty girl on rollerskates, there is one undeniable fact.
This movie sucked.
I don’t quite know where to begin.. let’s see..
- Sonny believes he is a failed artist because he’s not making any money. But, he has a JOB painting.. that means you’re making money with your art.. it may not be your original art.. but you’re still making money at it. So, not the dream, but at least you’re in the field you want to be in.
- Danny McGuire (Gene Kelly) meets Sonny briefly, they hit it off ok.. then he wants Sonny to choose a location for their dream club? he’s not a real estate agent, he’s a painter..
- When Xanadu opens, Danny explains to someone on the phone that it’s not going to be just for celebrities (like studio 54), anyone who shows up, gets in.. then the next thing we see is that everything is highly choreographed. OK, it’s a musical, I get it.. but still..
- Musical numbers where too long, in my opinion.
- When Kira (Olivia Newton-John) goes back home, Sonny just gives up on the dream. Period.. Without her, he’s done. Well, he’s a bit of a crappy artist if he can’t do a thing without her. A muse inspires you, they dont hold 100% of your talent. they just point you in the right direction.
This story is so full of wholes, it should have been about the creation of Swiss Cheese, not a roller disco. But, what are we to expect from a roller skating movie.
Dont get me wrong. The soundtrack of fantastic. But, the movie is almost unwatchable.
