This is the bottom of the barrel

About every single person in this film plays a very deeply flawed role. Tony's gang is about the worst. They accidentally beat hell out of the wrong group of people and show no remorse. They treat women like pieces of meat. Tony (John Travolta) must wear ten different colors of polyester pants, they are all tight. The camera spends a lot of time zooming in on Tony while doing wide angles on the various women. Tony is in top shape, the starring girls look very normal. All of the young guys act like dogs. There should have been a lot more high quality dancing. Tonys dance partner never does anything special so why did they choose her? To make Tony look better...the uncontested star? Lots of backseat humping and guys bragging. Juvenile behaviour all the way around.
I was a disco dancer...eons ago. I'd been compared to John Travolta/Revolta many times back in the day. The dance scene was never nearly that bad. Not even 10% that bad.

The good new is that Travolta grew up and became a top flight actor.

Some classics never die.

For a disco type movie, I think this movie rocks all the way! I can't say exactly that this movie would be popular among the younger crowds, but anyone who's lived through the 70s, I believe will love this movie.

a fine disco musical

Saturday Night Fever remains a classic movie over time because so many people appreciate the nostalgia of the disco era; and many more can easily identify with Tony Manero, the main character in the film. Tony's life is already going nowhere fast at the ripe old age of 19; and the only time when he truly feels important is when he's dancing at the local disco dance floor.

Tony (John Travolta), a kid from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, works in a small paint shop while he still lives with his parents. His only real happiness comes on Saturday nights when he and his buddies go to a local disco called 2001 Odyssey. Although Tony can be racist and foul mouthed, I came to like his character rather quickly, most likely because of Travolta's excellent acting. When there's a major dance contest at the disco, Tony initially partners up with Annette (Donna Pescow) to try to win first prize--but Tony's attention is quickly drawn to another slightly older woman, Stephanie Mangano (Karen Lynn Gorney). Eventually Tony dumps Annette to enter the dance contest with Stephanie.

Of course, there's a budding romance between Tony and Stephanie, however clumsy that relationship can be at times. Look also for some excellent scenes in which Tony hangs out with his buddies including Bobby C., Joey and Double J. (Barry Miller, Joseph Cali and Paul Pape, respectively).

The soundtrack to the film is forever famous; the music by the Gibb brothers helps the movie along without ever taking center stage. A fine accomplishment that is in and of itself! The dancing scenes reflect great talent and choreography; and the cinematography works wonders in the opening shots of Tony walking down the street in Brooklyn.

The DVD comes with a few extras; we get a commentary by the director and we also get the VH1 Behind The Music episode about Saturday Night Fever. I especially liked the way they tell people about how they made the film--it wasn't easy. There are three deleted scenes as well.

There's also a strong caution to parents: this is not a Disney movie! There are many swear words and nasty words for Hispanics and African-Americans. There are some scenes related to drugs as well.

Overall, Saturday Night Fever is the gritty little film that did good. The movie's characters are people with whom many people can identify with; we were either the kids who hung out at the club or we wanted to be the kids who hung out at the club. The dancing and soundtrack are nothing short of excellent; and the convincing acting gets five stars in my book any day.

Great job, everyone!