"54" a memorable party

By Rachelle Imson, Special to the On-Line Forty-Niner

Tuesday, September 1, 1998

Studio 54, New York's hottest nightclub in the 1970s, was known as the motherlode of chic.

The story of the club patron's judgmental brutality crashes onto movie scenes as Mike Myers, Ryan Phillippe, Salma Hayek and Neve Campbell portray the infamous owner and his fame-seeking cronies.

MOVIE REVIEW

Over the past two decades, Studio 54's reputation has been barely remembered, much less talked about. But now, thanks to writer and director Mark Christopher, the famous nightclub is resurrected on the big screen.

The movie "54," captures everything from the club's celebrity guests, to disco sex fiends, drugs and heart pumping music.

The essence of the period lives on in the movie.

Unlike "Boogie Nights," another 1970s-themed movie, "54" loses the music by KC and the Sunshine Band, the Bee Gees and Donna Summers. Basically, "54" is minus everything we would like to forget about the decade, such as hairy chests, afros, polyester and 8-tracks.

Instead, we are left with disco music and 1970's flavor even our generation has not gotten sick of - yet.

Actor Mike Myers ("Wayne's World" and "Austin Powers") plays corrupt Studio 54 owner Steve Rubell.

Interestingly, Myers is not known for portraying dramatic characters, yet he was convincing.

It was skeptical, at first, if Myers had the ability to successfully portray the famous disco icon, but 50 minutes into the movie, the actor proved himself.

Ryan Phillippe is also a target for similar skepticism. After a questionable role in last summer's hit, "I Know What You Did Last Summer," Phillippe returns with a reassuring performance.

"54," though lighthearted, reminds audiences of the consequences learned from our actions in the 1970s.

The movie reminds us that one can choose to live his or her life in any way. However, there is retribution in the end.

"54" is not the blast from the past people might remember.

However, it was a memorable party.