Of course the end song is fantastic "staying alive", Bee Gees' best song.
The movie has a simple yet realistic story. It flows easily. It's a lot of fun. I don't agree with the values it exposes but they may not be unrealistic. I recommend it if you like a fun, light, and uninsalting-to-your-intelligence-by-having-a-dumb-story movie. Travolta was made for the role and his acting was great.
October 29, 2008 |  | This is simply a Rocky movie from the 1980s |  |
Directed, co-written and produced by Sylvester Stallone, "Staying Alive" is simply a 1980s Rocky movie about dancing instead of boxing. Unlike the grittier but superior Saturday Night Fever from 1977, "Staying Alive," the sequel to "Fever," is a glitzy, overwrought and predictable saga that was an early embarrassment in John Travolta's budding acting career, and proof positive that Stallone is pretty much a one-trick pony. Even back in 1983, when this flick was made, you could likely see the components of a Stallone movie from three miles away: 1) buff leading actor and submissive, adoring heroine -- check; 2) bizarre-talking Italian who is self-centered, down on his luck and striving to "make something of himself in the world" -- check; 3) constant stream of cheesy `80s-era songs combined with introspective moments and training montages to boot -- check; 4) a halfway point when the protagonist visits his reckless past to carry on with his uncertain future -- check; 5) an ending moment of glory when the protagonist finally conquers the world with his physical acts of heroics -- checkmate!
Though the female love interests of Tony Manero (Travolta's character) keep this movie mildly interesting, they're not enough to save what is ultimately a dull storyline. I guess the dancing in "Staying Alive" is in-your-face and impressive, though to me, a little goes a long way. By the end of the movie, when Travolta finally gets his big Broadway chance, the stage show is so completely over the top, neon-lighted and busy, you feel like you're watching an early-`80s Motley Crue or Def Leppard video set to the most synthetic music imaginable.
To sum up, you're better off catching Rocky III or even Rocky IV than this ill-advised sequel, which was inexplicably handed over to Stallone's whims.
October 14, 2008First off, John Travolta looks stunning in this movie. He is very fit and trim. Finola Hughes is gorgeous and very elegant. Cynthia Rhodes is a knockout and portrays her character, Jackie, with so much emotion. I think this is a fantastic movie. Since I was too young to see Sat Night Fever when it first came out, I didn't really understand all the ins/outs of Tony Manero. Having seen SNF as an adult, I really didn't like it and I thought that Staying Alive could have stood on its own. The plot was good, the dancing was fantastic, as was the music, and the actors were all really good. I think this is an all around excellent movie and it is absolutely one of my favorites. I actually watch this one quite a bit.
July 31, 2008 | | Good Sequel for the most part | |
This film was a good follow-up to "Saturday Night Fever", but I believe that expectations were to high on this one, & that always dooms a film to failure in the court of public opinion, I remember seeing this in theaters in 1983, but I also remember "Return Of the Jedi", "Vacation", "Risky Business", "Psycho II", "Twilight Zone(Movie)", & that other dance movie "Flashdance" also playing in the same theater, with this kind of competition, how could "Staying Alive" stay well, um, Alive, had this one been a Christmas film like SNF, then who knows, however, this one works & Travolta takes the Tony character a step futher with Cynthia Rhodes as his potential love interest, Rhodes really shines here, & Fiona Hughes does as the woman with an attitude, & Steve Inwood shines as the Broadway director, he acts just like the type you would expect to see directing a Broadway play, there is no Disco here, but this was 1983, this one is on par with the time, how people liked "Flashdance" & not this one is anyone's guess, but once you get past the negativity, one can see this film for what it is, a continuing story of Tony Manero.
March 21, 2008Not an academy award candidate but didn't buy this film for those reasons. As the sequel to Saturday Night Fever, it's a must if you're a Travolta or dance film fan!! The entertainment value is well worth the price. I got the 30th Anniversary Saturday Night Fever set (with both films) and am very happy with my purchase.
February 22, 2008More reviews at Amazon.com ...
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