Aside from the soundtrack by ELO (which is legitimately great), the film itself is incomprehensible. It’s jarring when the film turns to animation, but it’s a really cool sequence. Even with its sad neon effects, weird cartoon interstitial, and nonsensical plot, Xanadu is extremely watchable. A Cast Guide To Netflix's Film Version of the Tony Award-Winning Play, Meet the Gay Pioneers Who Made 'The Boys in the Band' Happen, Real-Life Couple Ben Lewis and Blake Lee Cast in Lifetime's First LGBTQ Movie, Kate Winslet's Movie Love Interests (If They Were Sandwiches), Sorry, Lily Collins, Emily from 'Emily in Paris' is Definitely Not 22. Once again, the music in this movie is really special. 979, This story has been shared 913 times. 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It’s hard to wrap your head around just how mind bogglingly bad this movie is. Well, might I humbly suggest a viewing of Newton-John’s greatest musical of all time, which is now streaming on HBO? In 2012, Olivia Newton John told The Daily Herald that she was honored to work with such an important cinematic figure: While the rest of the movie is a fever dream, the music of Xanadu is genuinely amazing. Sonny Malone is a down-on-his-luck artist forced to speed-paint album covers in some kind of artist sweatshop, rather than paint what’s in his heart. Discover releases, reviews, track listings, recommendations, and more about Electric Light Orchestra / Olivia Newton-John - Xanadu (From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) at Discogs. The film has developed a small cult following over the years. 1,463, This story has been shared 1,295 times. He throws himself into ever dance scene and even plays along with Michael Beck’s statuesque performance as Sonny Malone. As for the rest of the bio? 913, This story has been shared 856 times. For some reason this was the most difficult thing he’s written all day, and here’s the kicker – his girlfriend wrote the funny part of that last sentence. Xanadu (From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), Guitar, Producer, Music By, Lyrics By, Written-By, Lead Vocals, Producer, Backing Vocals, Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Synthesizer, Music By, Lyrics By, Written-By, From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - Xanadu, Xanadou (From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), Xanadu (Banda Original De Sonido De La Película), Xanadu (From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) = ザナドゥ, Xanadu (From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), LP, Album, Gat, JET LX 526, Xanadu (From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), LP, Album, Gat, SE-8483. Personally, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Newton-John’s birthday. Are 'Below Deck Med's Alex Radcliffe and Bugsy Drake Dating? What Jessica More Wants You To Know About 'Below Deck Med' Season 5: "I Wasn’t A Psychopath For No Reason", ‘Below Deck Med’ Exclusive: Your First Look at the Season 5 Reunion, 'Below Deck Med' Recap: Rob Bails on The Trip To Bali With Jess. The film is so committed to the ‘40s story aesthetics that it begins with a very long shot of the old Universal logo before fading into a neon dance scene that has a great ELO song and some not so great effects. What it does do is throw neon around Olivia Newton John whenever she’s doing something kind of magical. But we need far more people on this Xanadu roller-skating Conga line, and Newton-John’s birthday is the perfect excuse for a screening. It’s impossible to explain just how delightfully weird Xanadu is using only my words, so allow me to paint you a portrait of GIFs. If you’re into pop disco the Olivia Newton John tracks are great, and if you like baroque pop (or just having a good time in general) then ELO’s songs will blow your mind. Sonny Malone and his muse just suddenly turn into cartoons. And yes, the poem is quoted in the film. Get news & recommendations for Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, HBO, and more, in your inbox. Aside from starring Gene Kelly, the film is more or less a straight remake of 1947’s Down To Earth just with more roller skating. To be clear, Xanadu is bad. 856, This story has been shared 802 times. While some may remember the titular song, I think too many have forgotten the true beauty of Xanadu. Post was not sent - check your email addresses!