Review of Xanadu (1980) by Nathan W — 20 Jun 2007
[color=white][i]Xanadu[/i] is so awful and poorly-conceived that it's goofily endearing. Audiences in the '80s surely scratched their heads over the dated, gee-whiz song-and-dance showstoppers and the threadbare plot that simply evaporates off the screen. Several decades later, we have the capability of hindsight, and [i]Xanadu[/i] has passed into the pantheon of superb camp.[/color].
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[color=white]It stars Olivia Newton-John as a muse who appears on Earth in hopes of opening a roller disco haven called Xanadu. A hotshot artist (Michael Beck) falls in love with her, and, along with former jazz clarinetist Gene Kelly, decides to make Xanadu a reality.[/color].
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[color=white]The musical numbers are all over-the-top, with too many extras, shoddy choreography and so many bright colors and flashing neon lights you'll probably have an epileptic fit or two. But its cheesy indulgencies, all very indicative of the era, are terrific to laugh at: Gene Kelly on roller skates, decked out in pastel pastiches, and jiving to Electric Light Orchestra is certainly a sight.[/color].
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[color=white]Watch this with [i]Can't Stop the Music[/i] and you've got one hell of a double bill.[/color].
This review of Xanadu (1980) was written by Nathan W on 20 Jun 2007.
Xanadu has generally received mixed reviews.
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