We know how to show it...

Rating: 7/10 (21 August 2014)

I must confess: I'm not a big Bee Gees fan... (and my favourite song of there's isn't even in the film) so you might think the fact that you hear one of their little ditties every five minutes in this production could represent a problem. Not so... the tracks fit each scene like a glove, and it's impossible to imagine them missing. With all the other disco themed tunes too, you could argue that more people have heard the soundtrack than watched the movie. I'd certainly place a small bet on it.
Rather than being a celebration of all things hedonistic about this era, the script provides a rather more level-headed approach. It doesn't deny the exuberance that one can derive from casual sex and shaking' your thang every weekend, but it also highlights the dangers of such an irresponsible approach... namely, teen pregnancy, barfights, sexual assault and even young death. It's all fine and dandy when you're that age and you feel you have years to burn... but unless you make long term plans for the future outside of the (metaphorical) dance floor, your folly will soon catch up with you, and you could end up with nothing but broken dreams. Take it from someone who knows... *Looks down sadly, but then perks right up again*
Travolta, as you could guess, is quite the mover, and the parts where he gets his groove on in a variety of funkadelic outfits provide some of the more stimulating moments. There's also that brilliant introduction where we a close-up of his feet as he paces the streets of New York... just by his stride alone, you can tell we're in the hands of a very cool cat indeed. His friends are all jerks, his parents sole focus is on his priest brother, and he works at a dead-end job at a paint store. Saturday night is about the only time he can cut loose, so who can blame him for wanting to make such a big show out of it? This was his star-making role, and it's not hard to see why. He simply exudes sex appeal... and when all the girls throw themselves at him as he cuts a rug, the surprise factor is 0%.
So you have brilliant dance sequences, good performances from all and sundry, a dark undertone to all the frivolity and some bangin' tunes to immerse yourself in. A 70's classic that has truly stood the test of time. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a white suit I need pressing... 7/10