jimbo429

Oh my my, where to start? Xanadu was released in 1980 when the "disco sucks" brigade was in full cry. One strike against it just out of the gate. Olivia Newton-John most likely had the worst sophomore slump of one's career (I'm not counting her British film "Toomorrow"). I sat though the movie when it played on cable and just wondered "why?". The film was Livvy's disco disaster. The "dueling bands" concept was like trying to mix oil and water (it doesn't work). Michael Beck is quite the limp actor and seeing Gene Kelly on roller skates was a hoot (I hope he didn't break a hip during filming). I don't have official figures on this, but I think the soundtrack made more money than the film itself did. Anyway, if you want the Xanadu experience; buy the soundtrack CD and avoid the "I've seen better film on teeth" film.

When My Bodyguard was released in the summer of 1980, the teen movie genre was in its infancy. We would soon be assaulted with countless flicks about horny teens and their libidos. This film stands above that pack. Anyone attending high school during this period (as I was) will feel for Clifford Peache. An outstanding teen movie, it launched the careers of Joan Cusack, Adam Baldwin, and in a tiny and unfortunately uncredited role, Jennifer Beals. The adults also shine in their roles (especially Ruth Gordon, in one of her last screen appearances). The story holds up and is believable. The one small complaint I have is the film somehow feels like one of those ABC Afterschool Specials. Anyway, if you want to see a teen movie before the genre imploded with vulgarity, rent My Bodyguard. You won't be disappointed.

"9 to 5" is a fine (but woefully dated) office comedy with a slight feminist edge. The person that let me down the most in this film was Jane Fonda. After larger than life roles (like Bree Daniels in Klute) this role as Judy Bernly was a disappointment. Ms. Fonda is so mousy and meek in this. Ironically, the person who is most at ease in her role is the rookie of the bunch, Dolly Parton. The first half of the film is fine, with superb dialogue (Peggy Pope is perfect as the office drunk). The second half (when they keep the boss captive in that bedroom) is when the plot unravels (just a bit). We are transported from realism to cartoonland (literally, in Tomlin's case). The film was shot in Toronto. One scene that gives it away is the Dominion Bank sign in the background when a vehicle is driving up the street.