Grease 2 (PG)

Rizzo says "no" to this hacky sequel.

(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

Common Sense rates it
3
Seen the movie? Review it
5420_orig.jpg
Movie details
  • Studio: Paramount Pictures
  • Directed By: Patricia Birch
  • Cast: Michelle Pfeiffer, Maxwell Caulfield, Adrian Zmed
  • Running Time: 115 minutes
  • Release Date: 9/5/1982
  • Video/DVD Release Date: 6/10/2003
  • Genre: Musical
  • MPAA Rating: PG
  • MPAA Explanation: sexual innuendo and situations

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that teens in this movie smoke, drink, and talk about sex constantly. One character tries to trick another into having sex. The movie is full of sexual innuendo and objectification of women. Michael tries to become what Stephanie wants, and risks his life with death-defying motorcycle jumps to do it. On the other hand, Stephanie is a strong female role model. She doesn't give in to peer pressure and is in the process of figuring out who she is.

Families can talk about why Michael feels like he needs to change for Stephanie. Here's a good opportunity to talk to teens about maintaining a sense of self in the face of the desire to fit in and get the girl or guy of their dreams. Does Michael learn his lesson? How does Stephanie's sense of self differ from Michael's? Would Stephanie change who she is for a boy? Does that make her more or less attractive?

Message

Social Behavior:

Michael does the other boys' homework; he changes himself for others; Johnny plays Paulette against Stephanie and disrespects Paulette in the process.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

The cool kids smoke a lot.

Violence

Michael risks his life to look cool to Stephanie in some daring jumps.

Sex

Moose tries to trick Sharon into having sex; a lot of sexual innuendo (songs like "Let's Score Tonight," about bowling, and "Reproduction," about science class).

Language

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Heather Boerner

It's 1961 at Rydell High School, and we're reacquainted with the Pink Ladies and T-Birds of Grease. But things are different. Head of the Pink Ladies, Stephanie Zinone (Michelle Pfeiffer), is done with the head of the T-Birds, Johnny Nogerelli (Adrian Zmed). She's looking for someone who is, as she sings, "cool enough that he'll burn me through and through." Enter Michael (Maxwell Caulfield), Sandy's cousin from England. Michael wears suits to school, does the T-Bird's homework for them, and pines after Stephanie. When Michael saves enough money from writing other kids' papers, he buys a motorcycle and tries to become the man of Stephanie's dreams. He's mysterious, he has an awesome bike, and he has the shiniest leather pants of anyone at Rydell. He woos Stephanie, but won't disclose who he is. When his true identity is revealed, will Stephanie love him or leave him? Will he die in one of his dangerous jumps? Will Johnny finally get over Stephanie and treat Paulette right?

Is it any good?

3
It speaks loudly to the power of the original Grease that its choreographer was given the reigns to direct GREASE 2. Patricia Birch's work is prominent in the too-long dance numbers to the ridiculous number of songs. As a follow-up to the classic, Grease 2 pales in comparison to the original. As a stand-alone fantasy about getting the girl of your dreams, it's no Pretty in Pink, but it does have its fun moments.

We've seen it all before: The pining, the hoping your crush will like you for who you are, the hope you'll be accepted by the cool kids -- it's all there. But here, actors way older than the teens they're playing, rehashing the tired story in a rather uncool way. Sadly, to make up for being less cool than the original, Grease 2 is raunchier. And the main theme of this one isn’t a forbidden-love story, as the first was. Grease 2’s message is the geeky kid emerging as a cool kid, and getting the respect of the guys and the love of one special girl. Here, it's important to talk to both boys and girls about how they let their special talents and inner cool show -- without trying to change themselves completely for someone else.

Other choices

Support Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is a non-profit and will receive a portion of your purchase from Pricegrabber. Learn more.

Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 3 reviews.

4


Posted on 08/20/07 by movies make me :) Kid contributor, age 9
1

Posted on 11/13/06 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 12

Um,,,,,,,,,,?

In my opinion, this movie was a disgrace to the original. That Johnny guy, or whatever his name was, got on my nerves so much. There were terrible actors and singers and all of a sudden, the Pink Ladies and T-Birds care about their "rep." Since when did they ever care about what other people thought of them? The songs were so random and sisn't have the charm like "Summer Nights" does. Although, I do have to say, Michelle Pfeiffer (sp?) was really good in it. If you like the original, skip this. Unless you would like to see Didi Conn (Frenchy) for a few scenes.
4


Posted on 11/11/06 by OnLineRocketMaster2-- Kid contributor, age 8

This movie is wierd!

Adult Reviews

There are 0 reviews.

There are no adult reviews.

Kids Reviews

There are 3 reviews.

4


Posted on 08/20/07 by movies make me :) Kid contributor, age 9
1

Posted on 11/13/06 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 12

Um,,,,,,,,,,?

In my opinion, this movie was a disgrace to the original. That Johnny guy, or whatever his name was, got on my nerves so much. There were terrible actors and singers and all of a sudden, the Pink Ladies and T-Birds care about their "rep." Since when did they ever care about what other people thought of them? The songs were so random and sisn't have the charm like "Summer Nights" does. Although, I do have to say, Michelle Pfeiffer (sp?) was really good in it. If you like the original, skip this. Unless you would like to see Didi Conn (Frenchy) for a few scenes.
4


Posted on 11/11/06 by OnLineRocketMaster2-- Kid contributor, age 8

This movie is wierd!

Review It
Who's your favorite TV holiday special character?
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
26%
The Grinch
35%
Frosty the Snowman
11%
Charlie Brown
18%
Shrek
10%
211 votes