Some things I liked some I did not.

an ambitious but ultimately ineffective debut endeavor.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

As a movie, OK< it's a bit of a dud. As one big music video, it's perfection.

Just read a couple dozen reviews here and analyzing the haters' complaints about the movie, I can only say they're missing the point completely.OK, bad direction, bad dialogues and a stiff leading man. But that's it, and that's not nearly enough to tarnish the brilliance and the sweetness that is Xanadu. Those are pretty much the same flaws of Paramount early musicals or movies like "George White's Scandals" from the thirties. Are we dumb enough to dwell on that? No. What we will always remember are Alice Faye's beauty, Robert Taylor's charm, Eleanor Powell's talent, the songs by Joseph Meyer, Jack Yellen, Herb Magidson, and so fourth.Musicals are not supposed to be profound, intellectual directorial masterpieces. They are supposed to be delightful, pleasing and heartfelt experiences. Full of hope of romance. Yes, it is cheesy at times, but so is romance. And so are 99% of the best musicals. And Xanadu is exactly that.The songs are wonderful; melodies and lyrics that have already stood the test of time and will be with us forever; Olivia Newton John is gorgeous, adorable and talented. And above all, the mere presence of beloved musical legend, Gene Kelly. What a stroke of genius it was to rescue him from retirement and introduce him to a whole new generation (myself included, considering I watched it when it came out). And no less - few people seem to be aware of this - reprising his role as Danny McGuire, from the 1944 classic "Cover Girl", with Rita Hayworth.To see Gene, at almost seventy, dancing with Olivia, singing, rollerskating and bringing his elegance, his unique smile, his eternal debonair charm and grace to the screen is pure magic.Xanadu is a delight. Don't overthink it. Just ENJOY IT!

For any fan of the roller-boogie disco era-into the early 80s, this film is delightfully artsy and clever. Perfectly rounded in flair and colorful choreography. Even as a kid, I loved heavily costumed musicals and dashing choreography. And this piece truly delivers.Though some say Michael Beck was horribly cast here as 'wooden' compared to that of Olivia and Gene, I don't entirely agree. His character didn't have to sing here; he was a visual artist. And that is here or there. Perhaps Warrior fans were still fogged by his bad- ass street-fighter Swan gang leader persona. And that's a shame. I did find him completely believable here, as artist/painter Sunny Malone.This wonderful film is an adult version of a classic Disney film, where one dares to dream their dream--and secretly hopes that it comes true.The dance numbers are right up there with the mastery of A Chorus Line, The Wiz, Hair, and other classic rock musicals. Only true artsy fans would fully appreciate the fine fantasy, costumes, and magic this film delivers. And iconic Gene Kelly, sharing some dancing and singing screen time with the lovely ONJ is treasure.

OK, can I say it? "Xanadu" isn't THAT bad.It's certainly not good, and that's not an opinion as much as it is an objective fact. But there's a lot to like, and its absolute commitment to nuttiness is infectious. Your only two options are to give in or turn the thing off. I decided to stick with it and I'm glad I did.Olivia Newton-John is perhaps the worst roller skating goddess ever captured on screen (though to be fair she may be the only roller skating goddess to ever appear on screen), but she's in lovely voice for all of "Xanadu"'s catchy disco tunes. Gene Kelly is a pro -- even in a bad movie he's able to showcase his talents, and a dance duet between him and Newton-John is a highlight. There's a running theme of old vs. young, and another highlight for me was a musical number in which members of a big-band era club have a dance off with those of a modern rock 'n roll club as the creators of Xanadu, the club that gives the film its name, imagine what their creation could be. I understand why this film has a terrible reputation and it's not like I really disagree with the general consensus regarding its quality, but even bad movies can have good qualities, and "Xanadu" is rather fun if watched in the right mood. (Alcohol probably helps too).Grade: B-