Watch 54

In 1998's "54," viewers are taken on a journey back to the 1970s to the iconic NYC nightclub, Studio 54. The film follows the story of Shane O'Shea (Ryan Phillippe), a young man from Jersey who dreams of making it big in New York City. When Shane lands a job as a bartender at Studio 54, he becomes enamored with the glamorous lifestyle of the club's patrons and the hedonistic culture of the disco era. Along the way, Shane falls for soap actress Julie Black (Neve Campbell) while also catching the attention of the club's owner, Steve Rubell (Mike Myers).

As Shane becomes more ingrained in the Studio 54 scene, he is exposed to a world of excess and decadence. The club is a mecca for celebrities, models, and other notable figures, all of whom flock to Studio 54 to be seen and to party. In one memorable scene, Shane is invited to attend a lavish party at Studio 54 hosted by fashion designer Halston (played by the late, great Bill Paxton). The party is a vision of excess, with nude models lounging on beds and guests snorting cocaine off silver platters.

However, as Shane becomes more successful and enjoys the perks of Studio 54, he also discovers the darker side of the club. Steve Rubell is revealed to be a ruthless businessman who is willing to do whatever it takes to keep the club running smoothly. He engages in illegal activities such as insider trading and drug trafficking, all while partying alongside his guests.

Throughout the film, Shane is torn between his desire to be part of the Studio 54 scene and his own moral compass. As he watches the excess and debauchery unfold around him, he begins to question whether this is the kind of life he truly wants.

The film is an impeccably crafted period piece, capturing the sights and sounds of the 70s disco scene perfectly. The club itself is a character in its own right, with its neon lights and pulsating dance floor inviting viewers to lose themselves in the atmosphere. The costumes and hairstyles of the era are also spot-on, transporting viewers back to the infamous club's heyday.

Ryan Phillippe shines in the lead role, balancing Shane's wide-eyed innocence with his growing disillusionment. Salma Hayek also puts in a memorable performance as Anita, a coat check girl at Studio 54 who becomes Shane's confidante. Neve Campbell, meanwhile, brings a sweetness and vulnerability to her role as Julie Black, the soap star who captures Shane's heart.

But perhaps the biggest standout in the cast is Mike Myers as Steve Rubell. Known primarily for his comedic roles, Myers delivers a stunning dramatic performance as the enigmatic club owner. Rubell is a complex character who is difficult to pin down, and Myers imbues him with just the right blend of charm and menace.

Overall, "54" is a delirious ride through one of the most iconic periods in New York City's history. It captures the excess and glamor of the disco era while also exposing the darker underbelly of the Studio 54 scene. With its talented cast and top-notch production values, "54" remains a must-see for anyone fascinated by the cultural zeitgeist of the 1970s.

54 is a 1998 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 33.