One movie was able to pass a simple test. Name a movie for us grown-ups which does not revolve around someone facing death or a moment of physical intimacy.
Xanadu.
Each of these "unallowed" topics were reduced to a single one-line quip and that was the end of it. As a former college student, I found myself disgruntled with centuries worth of stories which revolve around these basic plot hooks. Thus, one night, I posed the above challenge. This was the only movie to pass, and oddly enough had more uses of profanity than many movies which didn't even come close. It should be noted that you can count the number of foul words on one hand and half of the occurrences are muttered and almost unheard.
This movie is unashamed, good natured fun. From its homage to classic musicals to scenes of sheer camp the visuals defy status quo and common sense alike simply to be itself. Like it or not, the music is catchy. The story itself revolves around a forgotten dream of personal satisfaction and accomplishment, in a society where movies need one to save the world, stave off death, or get hitched. In comparison to other musicals, Xanadu has some of the most logical explanations for song and dance routines of any musical this guy has seen.
It has its problems too. Watch for the beginning of the movie when four pieces of airborne paper are replaced by nearly thirty pieces after a camera cut. The film also bounces through different moods and styles with little warning.
It is a unique film in many ways. Some of them good, some bad. Go in expecting a movie which defies all "common sense." Then, you can have fun laughing with it or at it. Either way, there is plenty to enjoy.
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