Watch Xanadu

Xanadu is a cult classic musical film from 1980 starring world famous singer and actress Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly, and Michael Beck. The movie follows Sonny Malone (Beck), a struggling young artist who is trying to find his way in life. As he wanders around Venice Beach, he finds a mural of Greek muses come to life and is entranced by one, Kira (Newton-John), who shares his passion for art.

Kira is a heavenly muse who has been sent to Earth on a mission to inspire Sonny, and with her guidance, Sonny finds the inspiration he needs to create a roller disco. Together, they bring to life the ultimate disco of the 1980s - Xanadu. As they work together to make their dreams a reality, they discover that they need more than art to succeed, that it is love that will truly make their dreams come true.

The movie is set against the backdrop of the 1980s, a time when disco music and roller skating were all the rage, and it perfectly captures the era's glitz, glamour, and extravagance. The sets are stunning, and the costumes are over-the-top but perfectly in line with the movie's magical aesthetic.

Olivia Newton-John is at her best in Xanadu. Her ethereal beauty and stunning voice bring Kira to life, and her chemistry with Michael Beck is undeniable. Gene Kelly, in one of his final roles, is a joy to watch, and his legendary dance moves add an undeniable charm and elegance to the movie.

The music in Xanadu is one of the highlights of the film, with hits like "Magic", "Whenever You're Away from Me", and the iconic title track, "Xanadu". The soundtrack is a perfect blend of disco and pop and perfectly captures the spirit of the times.

In addition to its uplifting story and toe-tapping soundtrack, Xanadu is also known for its innovative special effects. The movie uses a blend of traditional animation and live-action to create a unique and magical experience that is unlike anything else before or since. The special effects, while rudimentary by today's standards, were groundbreaking at the time and remain one of the most exciting and memorable parts of the movie.

Despite initially receiving mixed reviews from critics, Xanadu quickly gained a cult following and is now considered a classic of the era. The movie's enduring popularity has inspired numerous stage adaptations, including a hit Broadway musical, which further cemented Xanadu's place in the pantheon of pop culture.

In conclusion, Xanadu is a magical, feel-good movie that captures the spirit of the 1980s perfectly. With its charming story, stunning visuals, and toe-tapping soundtrack, it's no wonder the film has become a cult classic that is beloved by generations. If you haven't seen Xanadu already, it's definitely worth checking out.

Xanadu is a 1980 fantasy movie 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 5.3 and a MetaScore of 31.