Here is the second review I've had on "54", and like the first one... it ain't so grand. But who knows, maybe these people don't like disco.. Right? I don't know. This person had an adverse reaction to the film. Something didn't gell right for him. Cause he hates just about every aspect of the film. However, it has Salma "gimme gimme gimme" Hayek, which can't be a bad thing... right? So realize this is one person's opinion, that it was an early screening, and know that Garfunkel speaks what is on his mind.
the film I write to you about is entitled "54". I was given a pass for this film by a friend and we saw it that night. That was about a month ago. We were told by the chief represenative that we were the first audience ever to see any version at all of the film. The version we saw was pretty much complete except for a few effects missing (including a dream sequence w/ Neve Campbell holding a beach ball instead of a disco ball).
Anyway, here is my review:
I'll get right to it; I hated this film. My friend and I thought about walking out more then once and that is rare for me, especially when it's a private screening. You don't want to upset anybody if the director is in the audience.
The film told the story (I think) of Studio 54's thriving success in Manhattan in the late 70's and then its sudden down-fall when the I.R.S. closed it down and the D.E.A. had it's boss, Steve Rubel (played by Mike Meyers) put in jail where I think he eventually died of Aids in the mid-80's.
Moving on. The film failed for many reasons. For one thing, it had a horrible lead actor. It was that blonde, curley haired kid from "I Know What You Did Last Summer". This kid simply has no star quality and he's frustrating to watch on screen. I guess the first-time director and writer figured this would be the film that would launch his career. He was wrong.
The kid is in almost every scene and must carry the film on his shoulders which he is unable to do simply because he's bland and cocky. We see him with no shirt on and a bowtie around his neck trying to show-off his body. He does drugs, dances and even turns gay for awhile.
The story itself is seen through his eyes (unfortunately) and we get scene after scene of disco freaks tearing up the dance floor. Redundant is hardly the word. There is also a minor sub-plot between Salma Hayek and the her boyfriend when Salma has an affair with "the lead". This film and the forthcoming, "Last Days of Disco" all must've caught wind of "Boogie Nights" during pre-production and all raced to cash in on the new "thing".
The only redeeming quality of the movie is every scene involving Stevey Rubel (Mike Meyers) who was excellent and clearly stole the movie (while he was unable to save it). One finds himself waiting for Meyers to appear on screen again but his scenes are too frequent and his role is so daring and racey that one might grow repulsed by watching him "beg for cock" so often (ohh, yeah. I forgot to mention, he's gay).
In the end, you feel like a lesser being for having sat through this film. The ending lacks any climax and the final freeze-frame of the three friends strutting independently from the Studio is like that of a cheesy after-school- special. I am not the type to get too critical on films. I usually enjoy bad films if they're cheesy enough. But this film has nothing going for it and I find it impossible for the studio to "fix" it in any way suitable for a decent release.
Afterwards in the lobby, my friend Stew and I talked with a bunch of other unhappy viewers who all agreed how bad and bland the film was. Never a high- point, not enough laughs, a disconnected story and a horrible lead actor.
Avoid this film when it comes out at all costs. "54" is a 1 star film...at best. thanks for your page and take care.
