Brilliant Vocals and Lyrics

Rating: 6/10 (7 October 2007)

Everyone knows by now the story of Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson, who meet at the beach during the summer, and due to a change in plans, (Sandy's parents decide to let her stay in the USA) they wind up at the same high school. Nineteen-fifties mayhem ensues, with greasers, girl gangs, jealousy, dance contests, and rivalries. I know all of the questions about Sandy turning "bad" to get a man, and whether or not the movie is a bad example for children. Those are questions about parenting, not good or bad movie-making.
I saw this movie when it was initially released; I was a kid! I really loved it then. Yesterday, it was on TV, and I was somewhat disappointed. The dance numbers were not nearly as tight as I remembered, especially the TV dance contest number, and "Beauty School Dropout." Stockard Channing's role was not done as well as I had remembered, but Dinah Manoff was really beautiful. I had forgotten that she was such a knockout.
The soundtrack is brilliant, and "Hopelessly Devoted" is absolutely classic. Newton-John's voice is spine tingling, definitely deserving of an Oscar. I think it is wonderful that all of the actors did their own vocals. Despite feeling somewhat critical toward this movie, the vocal performances make it a must see for any fan of musicals. It is one of the most singable soundtracks ever!