54 Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Jersey boy takes off his shirt, gets a job at Studio 54, does some drugs, and then Studio 54 closes, proving that tax evasion is a buzzkill.

🍿 54: Detailed Plot Synopsis

From Jersey Boy to Studio 54

Shane O’Shea, a 19-year-old from New Jersey, yearns for a life beyond his small-town existence. Inspired by the allure of Manhattan, he ventures into the city and finds himself drawn to the exclusive Studio 54. One night, he gets in, but his friends don’t. This entrance marks the beginning of his journey into a world of glamour and excess.

Rising Through the Ranks

Shane quickly becomes immersed in the Studio 54 lifestyle, securing a job as a busboy and befriending Greg and Anita. He soon climbs the ranks, becoming a bartender and enjoying the perks of mingling with celebrities and indulging in the club’s vices. However, this newfound fame comes at a cost, straining his relationships with friends and family.

The Fall from Grace

Shane’s world begins to crumble as he witnesses the dark side of Studio 54 and makes decisions that compromise his values. Personal issues and the club’s legal troubles converge on New Year’s Eve, leading to his expulsion from Studio 54 and a harsh return to reality. The film’s synopsis suggests a journey of self-discovery and a reckoning with the consequences of chasing fame and fortune.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Shane O’Shea (Ryan Phillippe): A young man from New Jersey who rises to fame as a bartender at Studio 54, becoming entangled in its glamorous and decadent lifestyle.
• Steve Rubell (Mike Myers): The flamboyant and influential co-owner of Studio 54, known for his eccentric personality and control over the club’s exclusive scene.
• Anita (Salma Hayek): A coat-check girl at Studio 54 and wife of Greg, who aspires to become a famous singer, navigating the club’s cutthroat atmosphere.
• Greg Randazzo (Breckin Meyer): A busboy at Studio 54 and husband of Anita, who deals drugs and dreams of becoming a bartender.
• Julie Black (Neve Campbell): A soap opera actress and fellow Jerseyite who becomes Shane’s love interest, seeking to further her career in the movie industry.
• Billie Auster (Sela Ward): A wealthy socialite who helps Shane become a bartender and promises to help Anita’s singing career.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Steve Rubell: “Not with that shirt.” – Steve says this to Shane when he tries to enter Studio 54, leading to Shane removing his shirt and being welcomed inside.
• Steve Rubell: “Welcome to my party, handsome.” – Steve says this to Shane after he takes his shirt off, granting him entry to the club.
• Shane O’Shea: “The party’s over.” – Shane somberly reflects that things would never be the same as Studio 54 declines.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $16,757,163
• Worldwide Gross: $16,757,163

💥 54 Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ’54’ isn’t a cinematic masterpiece, but I still find it strangely compelling. The music alone is enough to get me hooked, and seeing Ryan Phillippe’s character transform from a naive Jersey boy to a Studio 54 hotshot is kind of fascinating. I especially loved the scenes with Mike Myers; he really nailed the Steve Rubell vibe. The whole thing feels like a guilty pleasure—you know it’s not great, but you can’t help but enjoy it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of disco era movies”
  • “Those interested in the history of Studio 54”
  • “Ryan Phillippe fans”
  • “Mike Myers fans interested in his dramatic work”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “While the film captures the glittering surface of Studio 54, it fails to delve into the deeper story of its cultural impact. Myers is surprisingly good, but the rest of the cast feels lost in a sea of disco balls and predictable plot lines. It’s a party you’ve seen before.
• The New York Times: “The film offers a glimpse into the hedonistic world of Studio 54, but its shallow character development and disjointed narrative leave much to be desired. The music and costumes are on point, but the story feels incomplete and ultimately unsatisfying.
• Variety: “The movie’s main flaw is its unfocused storytelling; it attempts to explore the lives of several characters, but doesn’t manage to give any of them depth. Mike Myers stands out, though, delivering a strong performance as Steve Rubell.

Audience Reactions

Mike Myers’ performance as Steve Rubell was surprisingly captivating.: Many viewers praised Mike Myers for his dramatic portrayal of Steve Rubell, noting that he stole the show with his nuanced performance.

The soundtrack was a major highlight, perfectly capturing the disco era.: Most agreed that the film’s soundtrack was a standout, filled with iconic disco tracks that transported them back to the 1970s.

Overall Consensus: While ’54’ has its flaws, particularly in its storytelling and character development, it’s still a watchable film, mainly due to Mike Myers’ performance and the nostalgic disco soundtrack.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The director’s cut, assembled in 2008, added 45 minutes of footage, restoring the bisexuality of Ryan Phillippe’s character and the love triangle with Salma Hayek and Breckin Meyer, which had been cut by the studio.”
• “Exterior shots were filmed at the real Studio 54 location in Manhattan.”

🖥️ How to Watch 54?

Currently, ’54’ is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu for rent or purchase. Check your local listings for television airings. Physical copies (DVD and Blu-ray) may also be available from online retailers like Amazon and other online distributors.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed 54, you might like these similar films:

• Boogie Nights (1997): Both films explore the rise and fall of individuals caught up in a glamorous and decadent subculture.
• The Last Days of Disco (1998): This film also explores the disco era but focuses on a different group of young professionals in New York City.
• Studio 54 (1998): This documentary provides a real-life look at the club, its founders, and the era, complementing the fictionalized account.

🛒 54 Related Products

• Studio 54: The Documentary: Get the full story of Studio 54 with this acclaimed documentary featuring interviews and rare footage. Uncover the truth behind the velvet rope.
• Studio 54 Disco Ball Replica Ornament: Add a touch of disco glamour to your space with this miniature disco ball ornament. A shining tribute to the iconic club, perfect for any fan.
• Studio 54 Inspired Graphic T-Shirt: Show your Studio 54 pride with this stylish graphic tee. Featuring a vintage design, this comfy shirt is a must-have for any disco enthusiast.
• Studio 54: Limited Edition Vinyl Soundtrack: Experience the iconic soundtrack in its full glory with this limited edition vinyl release. A must-have for collectors and music lovers alike, capturing the essence of the disco era.

🎧 Soundtrack

54 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Knock On Wood” – performed by Amii Stewart
• “Le Freak” – performed by Chic
• “Got to Be Real” – performed by Cheryl Lynn
• “If I Can’t Have You” – performed by Yvonne Elliman
• “Keep On Dancin'” – performed by Gary’s Gang

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Studio 54 Original Footage Decadance

Want to see what Studio 54 was *really* like? This original footage gives you a front-row seat to the decadence and craziness – it’s wild!

Joey Diaz Talks to Joe Rogan About Studio 54

Joey Diaz’s stories are always hilarious, but his take on Studio 54 with Joe Rogan is also super insightful. Trust me, you’ll be hooked from the start.

Ryan Phillipe – Bisexual King (studio 54)

Ever wondered about the layers to Ryan Phillippe’s character in ’54’? This fan tribute offers a fascinating perspective on his role and it’s super thought-provoking!

✨ Rate