originally launched in 1978 , this popular film was re - introduced in 1998 to a whole new generation of moviegoers .
based on the mighty successful musical from broadway , grease was followed in 1980 with the less stellar grease 2 ( 6 . 5/10 ) , starring a young michelle pheiffer in one of her first feature film roles .
plot : high - school musical set in the 1950 's showcasing the relationship between the cool danny zuko of the t - birds ( travolta ) and the innocent and pure sandy olsen ( newton - john ) from australia .
the film follows the couple and their vivacious friends during their last year at rydell high through song , dance and humour .
critique
: fun - loving , energetic and innocent look back at times much simpler .
this movie effectively juggles a thin romantic story line and the overall experience of the 1950 's , with a superb soundtrack and some great dance numbers .
admittedly , i am somewhat biased in this opinion , since this film blasts me into my past as a rebellious youth ( grease was one of schmoe 's first big - screen experiences , and every other scene sends me reeling into the times of my elaborate grease bubble - gum card collection ) , and the lesser responsibilities that i possessed at that time .
but apart from the nostalgic vibe , i was still extremely impressed by this film , as it continued to amuse me , despite my previous dozen or so viewings .
this film took john travolta from a dim - witted " sweathog " on tv 's welcome back kotter , and transformed him into a movie - star of spectacular proportions ( saturday night fever ( 7 . 5/10 ) in 1979 confirmed that sudden popularity ) .
unfortunately for the rest of the cast , his popularity was not terribly contagious , despite their effective showings in this classic movie .
on the down side , some of the absolute innocence in this film might bore or turn people off ( like when sandy sings about " drinking lemonade " and " staying out until 10 " with danny in " summer nights " ) , and the plot is n't exactly the most elaborate story - line ever created , but despite these small reservations , this movie carries enough great music and high energy to keep anyone amused through its rapid 110 minute running time ( and believe me . . .
i am not a fan of the musicals ! ! ) .
make sure to look for a young lorenzo lamas in the static role of the brainless football player , as well as the national bandstand dance contest as one of the film 's absolute highlights .
and do n't forget to buy the popular soundtrack afterwards , so that you could listen to its peppy tunes whenever you 're feeling a little blue .
little known facts : henry winkler , of tv 's happy days ' fonzie fame , turned down the part of danny zuko because he did not want to be typecast for the rest of his career .
both travolta and conaway were smitten by newton - john during the filming of this picture .
conaway eventually bowed out of the woo - fest , and married newton - john 's sister a year later ( divorced after five years ) .
this movie carries enough great music and high energy one of the film 's absolute highlights a superb soundtrack and some great dance numbers fun - loving , energetic and innocent extremely impressed