Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this movie is full of somewhat racy material, although most of it isn't any more shocking than the content of today's teen flicks and television shows. Still, you might want to give it a quick "refresher" watch before showing it to kids under 13 to make sure you remember exactly what they'll be seeing.
Families can talk about how some things about high school are always the same, even if you're not singing about them in poodle skirts. Why do the Pink Ladies tease Sandy? Why does she feel like she needs to conform? What does Rizzo's song "There Are Worse Things I Could Do" convey about her personality?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kate Pluta
Grease was the word when this movie came out in 1978, and the word is still alive and well today, as evidenced by the movie's ever-growing legion of fans. In fact, it is the most profitable movie musical of all time, whose biggest hit, "Summer Nights," remains a standard at weddings, karaoke parties, and dances. Although the story is somewhat weak, the music and contagious energy more than make up for it, as do stellar performances by John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, and Jeff Conaway.
This movie covers quintessential high school moments: the big pep rally, the school dance, worrying about image, and, of course, falling in love. Though viewers shouldn't expect a highly accurate portrayal of life in the 1950s, the relationships between characters will feel like familiar emotional ground to many viewers. When it comes to an entertaining mix of singing, dancing, and comedy, GREASE -- which won a People's Choice Award -- is hard to beat. Adolescents will especially enjoy seeing John Travolta in his early days (boy, can he dance!).
Parents, be aware that Grease is full of racy material, although probably nothing more shocking than the content of today's teen flicks and television shows. Nevertheless, screening the movie before showing it to adolescents isn't a bad idea in order to anticipate questions sparked by the movie's suggestive content.
Families who enjoy this movie may also like Dirty Dancing and for an option more geared toward tweens, try High School Musical.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentA character is briefly shown in her bra. Characters are seen making out. At the drive-in, Danny makes a pass at Sandy. Sexual activity is implied when two characters discuss a broken condom, resulting in Rizzo's fear she may be pregnant. Naked derrieres are seen when characters moon a passing car and, later, a television camera. The T-Birds discuss female anatomy, and one fellow peeks up the skirts of female students. The Pink Ladies dance around in their nighties mocking Sandy's virginity. The song "Greased Lightnin'" has strong sexual content, though the innuendo may go over the heads of younger viewers. |
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ViolenceWhile playing sports, Danny hits two students and snaps an umpire's mask. A T-Bird draws his switchblade in preparation for a rumble. |
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LanguageFairly mild, mostly of the sexual variety. Characters use an obscene finger gesture. |
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Social BehaviorMale characters view females as sex objects. One T-Bird claims that that "chicks" are "only good for one thing." Unpopular students are the butt of several jokes. Sandy and Danny act against their respective natures to try to impress each other. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoCharacters smoke, drink, and spike the punch at the school dance. |
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