Staying Alive
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Staying Alive
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Staying Alive is the perplexing and disappointing sequel to the infamous musical hit Saturday Night Fever, but with all the sex, drugs, and disco (and quality) removed. It is directed by Sylvester Stallone, who has gone to great lengths to temper John Travolta's gritty Tony Manero to present a reformed man dedicated to dance. However, aspects of his womanizing ways still linger as he breezily flips between two women -- Cynthia Rhodes and Finola Hughes -- who curiously put up with his bed hopping. Despite this love triangle, sex is only alluded to with characters not seen doing anything more than kissing in bed. In one scene, Monero is seen taking a shower but no explicit nudity is shown. During a live performance he also forces a non-consensual kiss on someone. Language includes "bastard" and there is some smoking and drinking, although never to excess.
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What's the Story?
In STAYING ALIVE, disco king Tony Manero (John Travolta) swaps the nightclub dance floor for the creaky floors of Broadway as he pursues a professional dance career in Manhattan. Despite dating the eager Jackie (Cynthia Rhodes), Tony is soon distracted by the wealthy, English dancer Laura (Finola Hughes) who plays him at his own game of stringing lovers along. As a love triangle forms, the pressure is on for all three to perform in the explosive -- and preposterous -- dance show "Satan's Alley."
Is It Any Good?
There was much anticipation for this 1983 sequel that saw Travolta reprise his role as dancing king Tony Manero. Indeed this excitement materialized with Staying Alive over performing at the box office. Yes despite all this, the film -- which sees Manero swap the discotheque for Broadway -- is terrible, with a cheeseball script and hammy acting.
An absurd dance finale provides some chaotic brilliance and Travolta's charisma still shines through despite an awfully dim storyline. But it doesn't come close to matching Saturday Night Fever. Directed by Sylvester Stallone (who even has a cringeworthy cameo), you can spot the crumbs of a Rocky movie that just don't belong.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how women were treated in Staying Alive. How would you describe Tony's relationship with Jackie and Laura? Did he treat them with respect? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
In what ways did Tony demonstrate perseverance? Why is this such an important character strength to have? Can you think of a time when you've shown perseverance?
Have you seen the first film? How did this compare? What do you expect from a sequel? What makes a successful one?
Did you enjoy the film? What makes a movie "so bad it's good?"
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 15, 1983
- On DVD or streaming: October 8, 2002
- Cast: John Travolta, Cynthia Rhodes, Finola Hughes
- Director: Sylvester Stallone
- Studio: Paramount Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Arts and Dance
- Character Strengths: Perseverance
- Run time: 93 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- Last updated: January 16, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Saturday Night Fever
Disco drama has sex, violence, swearing off the dance floor.
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Grease
Musical phenomenon is still great fun but quite racy.
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Dirty Dancing
Hip-shaking guilty pleasure has mature themes, dancing.
For kids who love dancing
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