We Really Like Her! : GREASE 2 (1982)

 

 

While often deemed the lesser of the GREASE films, Birch’s girl-powered antidote to the original deserves much more credit than it gets. Featuring an absolutely irresistible lead performance by Michelle Pfeiffer as Pink Ladies leader Stephanie Zinone and a supporting cast that includes Liza Minelli’s sister Lorna Luft, a teenage Pamela Adlon, and midcentury icons Tab Hunter and Connie Stevens, this superior sequel (we’re serious!) takes place two years after Sandy, Danny and co. graduated and flew off into that malt shop in the sky. As the headstrong Stephanie struggles to connect with her superficial friends and bonehead ex-boyfriend Johnny (Adrian Zmed), she catches the key of a mysterious motorcycle rider (“Who’s that guy?”) who may or may not be Sandy’s cousin and nerdy Rydell High transfer Michael (Maxwell Caulfield, also known as Rex Manning from EMPIRE RECORDS). 

 

 

While it is not without its problematic elements (see: songs like “Do It for Our Country”), the core messages of GREASE 2 are much more empowering than its predecessor, with Stephanie not having to change a thing about herself to find the “cool rider” of her dreams. It helps that Birch, who choreographed the first film as well as the original stage show (not to mention films like THE FIRST WIVES CLUB!), is behind the camera this time and isn’t afraid to make the misogynistic T-Birds look like total losers. In that way, it is a more successful satire of the era and its hypocritical gender politics.  

 

 

Whether you’re a lifelong believer, or simply still need to be convinced, we promise that GREASE 2 will be just the ticket to help you transition out of spooky season and into Christmas mode. To paraphrase one of the film’s best songs, it really is a girl for all seasons!