Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

Out of all the bad reviews about Xanadu out there, I thought it was time for one that praised the movie. Kind of praises. Somewhere in this review... You'll find them, I'm sure.

Mini-storyline
Our story starts off, after a catchy dance scene and random kiss, with our rebel hero Sonny Malone (Michael Beck) claiming to wanting freedom, a better place than where he is, some place to paint how he wants! A dream of his own! But being free doesn't mean you get to eat. While painting a poster for the Nine Sisters' album, Sonny finds the mystery chick he's been chasing/stalked by is on the cover. His mind set to find her, Sonny sets off on a crazy adventure of a lifetime and picks up an old jazz player (Gene Kelly) who has a special feeling that his new young, hip friend might just be the one to revive his club-lovin' days.

Kira (Olivia Newton-John) is a muse on a mission. Sent by Zeus himself, Kira was set with the task of pushing Sonny Malone to reach his goal of finding a cause that best suits him and his artistic ways. And finish a previous task started along the way. Of course this is easy for a muse like Kira with her mighty beauty, I mean power. But neither of the two expected to fall in love. I can't quite frankly understand it either. But it happens. Alas, the opening of the new club, Xanadu, that Sonny and his friend open can no longer be a happy occasion for young Sonny for Kira cannot be there seeing as she finished her tasks. Somehow, someway, Sonny needs to find his muse once more.

With his theme-song and ways of getting around the city, roller skates, Sonny wanders Venice beach until he finds the nicely placed portal to Zeus' haven. He pushes. He yells. And yup, he even whines to the strict ruler to let Kira be with him. Even for just one night! And does Sonny get his way after biting and clawing? Yes, after Kira has a solo song telling of her broken heart.

The lesson in this plot is...
Is that if you're a rebel painter with some mad skating skills, you automatically will not only get you're dream but a hot skate chick muse for a date to a club opening.

My personal opinion on this crazy plot
Not the best movie in history, but not as awful as everyone complains about. Really, people! Let's narrow the pros and cons from this early 80's movie out, shall we?
Xanadu has pretty cool effects. Not for now, no way. But back then? Sparkling lights zig around Sonny when Zeus sends him home, mannequin turn into real people who sing and dance, you actually painted posters! That would have amazed me then when special effects weren't considered the main part of a movie.
The acting wasn't too horrible either. Everyone portrayed normal every day seen people pretty well, save for Olivia. But I bet if I met a muse, she'd be just like Kira.
And the music! Oh gosh is it excellent. The soundscore features artist from the 80's such as E.L.O, Olivia Newton-John and even Gene Kelly gets a song in there as well.
Oh-ho-ho, did I mention the outrageous costumes and original dance routines and roller-skating tricks?
The bad would have to be pretty deep to out the awesome in this movie. There were only a few real things I could think of that really annoyed me. So maybe the love story is alittle far fetched... Okay, really far fetched and as cheesy as hot chili cheese fries on a summer day. But is reaching your goal and having a dream not the best part of the plot? And sure, there were a few times when I said, "Hey, wasn't his jacket wet a moment ago?" But you'll get past those easily if you don't nick-pick like an expert critic.

So my totally, utterly, complete overall of my overalls is...
If you liked the 80's, all the crazy trends from the 80's AND are still hip enough to like musicals... you'll enjoy this movie by time the third dance scene. Even if the plot is corny, the rest evens it up somehow.

Starring Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly, Michael Beck
Rating PG
Time Running 1 hour 36 minutes


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up to Age 4