Grease The Rewatchables
Grease poster
Grease

What’s Aged the Worst?

Newton-John’s film career; sequels; Rizzo; skirt-peeking; diversity; dated references; Carr’s later career; Jan’s characterization; car race

In the discussion (12)
Approx. transcript time · 00:54:47Read transcript
  • Newton-John’s limited film career is regretted, with speculation that a later romantic-comedy industry could have better used her.
  • Grease 2 is rejected despite its later defenders and its introduction of Pfeiffer.
  • A reportedly proposed 2002 Grease 3 with returning characters is described with relief that it did not happen.
  • Rizzo is criticized as cold, unkind, and insufficiently likable, while a defense values her queen-bee role and vulnerable solo and blames the followers more.
  • Looking under girls’ skirts is criticized as a dated gag.
  • The film’s lack of diversity is noted.
  • The Sandra Dee, Frankie Avalon, Sha Na Na, Bandstand, and Troy Donahue references are becoming obscure, although they remain part of the charm.
  • Carr’s later films and the notorious Oscars production are contrasted with the success of Grease.
  • Jan’s personality being reduced to eating a lot is criticized as shallow.
  • The slow-looking car race is criticized beside modern F1 and Fast & Furious images.
  • Danny driving up the riverbank is questioned because it should slow him down.
  • The sports scenes are also criticized as poorly staged.