Xanadu Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A frustrated artist falls in love with a roller-skating Greek goddess who helps him open a disco with Gene Kelly, then they all battle Zeus for the right to boogie forever.

🍿 Xanadu: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Sonny’s Artistic Frustration

Sonny Malone, a struggling artist, is stuck in a dead-end job painting album covers. He dreams of creating his own art but feels stifled by his work. This frustration leads him to question his path and desire something more fulfilling.

The Arrival of Kira

Kira, a muse from Greek mythology, appears to Sonny, inspiring him with her vibrant energy and artistic spirit. Their initial encounter is magical, marked by a kiss and a mysterious disappearance. This encounter sparks a change in Sonny’s perspective and ignites his creative passions.

Meeting Danny McGuire

Sonny meets Danny McGuire, a former big-band musician turned construction mogul, who shares a similar dream of opening a grand venue. Danny reveals that he too was once inspired by a muse who resembled Kira. Together, they decide to turn an abandoned auditorium into a roller disco called Xanadu.

Kira’s Revelation and Departure

As Sonny and Kira fall in love, she reveals her true identity as a muse and explains that she is forbidden from having a romantic relationship with a mortal. Torn between her duty and her feelings for Sonny, Kira leaves Earth, leaving Sonny heartbroken and unsure of his future.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kira (Olivia Newton-John): A muse who descends from Olympus to inspire a struggling artist and helps him achieve his artistic vision.
• Sonny Malone (Michael Beck): A frustrated artist working a dead-end job who dreams of creating his own unique art.
• Danny McGuire (Gene Kelly): A former big-band musician turned construction mogul who wants to recapture his past glory by opening a music venue.
• Simpson (James Sloyan): Sonny’s tyrannical boss at Airflow Records who stifles his artistic expression.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Danny McGuire: “Hey, do you like Glenn Miller?” – Danny trying to connect with Sonny over their shared love of music from different eras.
• Sonny: “Do you like rock ‘n’ roll?” – Sonny asks Danny about his musical taste to find common ground.
• Danny McGuire: “I love rock ‘n’ roll.” – Danny responds with excitement to Sonny to try to connect and bond.
• Sonny: “I love Glenn Miller.” – Sonny expressing his love for Glenn Miller when speaking with Danny.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $22,762,571
• Worldwide Gross: $22,765,400

💥 Xanadu Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing Xanadu as a kid and being completely mesmerized. Sure, it’s cheesy and the plot is bonkers, but there’s something magical about it. The music is fantastic, and seeing Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly dance together is pure joy. When Kira reveals herself as a muse, I felt like anything was possible. Even now, it brings a smile to my face!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Olivia Newton-John”
  • “Fans of 80s musicals”
  • “Those who enjoy campy and over-the-top movies”
  • “Fans of ELO”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild suggestive content”
  • “Some dated special effects”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While buoyed by a killer soundtrack, Xanadu’s ludicrous plot and cheesy special effects make for a campy, rather than classic, musical experience. Gene Kelly is a treasure, though.
• AllMovie: “Xanadu’s saving grace is its infectious soundtrack and Gene Kelly’s graceful presence. However, the weak plot and stilted performances make it a cinematic guilty pleasure at best. The musical numbers, while flashy, lack genuine heart.
• Common Sense Media: “Campy musical has dated effects, some violence. Gene Kelly is great, but the movie is best for older tweens and teens, but has a really confusing plot and can feel a bit slow at times. Overall, only worth a watch if a fan of musicals.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the nostalgic blend of disco, 80s pop, and big band music.: The soundtrack is iconic and makes the movie an enjoyable experience despite its flaws.

Gene Kelly’s presence brought a touch of class and nostalgia to the film.: Kelly’s dance sequences are charming and a reminder of his legendary career.

The roller-skating sequences are visually stunning and memorable.: The creative choreography and neon-lit atmosphere made the skating scenes stand out.

Overall Consensus: Xanadu is a visually dazzling but narratively weak musical that’s become a cult classic thanks to its iconic soundtrack and Gene Kelly’s presence. It is a guilty pleasure for many.

Awards

1. People’s Choice Awards (Favorite Motion Picture Soundtrack)- 1981

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s soundtrack was far more successful than the movie itself, achieving platinum status and spawning multiple hit singles.”
• “Originally conceived as a low-budget roller disco movie, its scope expanded significantly as more prominent talent joined the production.”
• “Filming started without a completed script, leading to on-the-spot writing and numerous inconsistencies in the final product.”

🖥️ How to Watch Xanadu?

Xanadu is currently available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Grease (1978): Features Olivia Newton-John in a leading role, with a focus on music, dance, and romance.
• Down to Earth (1947): Shares the premise of a muse descending to Earth to inspire and influence mortals.
• Electric Dreams (1984): Another 80s fantasy romance with a focus on music and a somewhat surreal storyline.
• La La Land (2016): A modern musical focusing on the pursuit of artistic dreams amidst a romantic relationship.
• The Apple (1980): Another campy, over-the-top musical from the same era, often considered a cult classic for its bizarre qualities.

🛒 Xanadu Related Products

• Xanadu (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the magic with the complete soundtrack featuring hits by Olivia Newton-John and Electric Light Orchestra. A must-have for any fan of the film.
• Xanadu: The Broadway Musical – Original Cast Recording: Experience the updated version of the movie that became a Broadway hit. New interpretations of the iconic music can be enjoyed over and over.
• Olivia Newton-John: Xanadu – Limited Edition Picture Disc Vinyl: Own a piece of Xanadu history with this limited edition picture disc featuring iconic imagery from the film. A true collector’s item.
• Xanadu Movie Poster: Own a piece of Xanadu history with this limited edition picture disc featuring iconic imagery from the film. A true collector’s item.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Xanadu” – performed by Olivia Newton-John & Electric Light Orchestra
• “Magic” – performed by Olivia Newton-John
• “Suddenly” – performed by Olivia Newton-John & Cliff Richard
• “I’m Alive” – performed by Electric Light Orchestra
• “All Over the World” – performed by Electric Light Orchestra
• “Whenever You’re Away from Me” – performed by Olivia Newton-John & Gene Kelly

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Why Xanadu Bombed in the Box Office

Ever wondered why ‘Xanadu’ didn’t quite hit the mark? This video dives deep into what went wrong, and honestly, it’s kind of fascinating to see where they missed the mark. I think it’s worth a watch, even if you love the soundtrack!

✨ Rate