Michelle Pfeiffer: <i>Grease 2</i>

Michelle Pfeiffer: Grease 2

Revisiting—or in a few cases, watching for the first time—and celebrating the work of Michelle Pfeiffer, the best actress of my lifetime.

While Grease 2 (1982) might have failed to reach the same levels of critical and audience adulation as the first Grease (1978), it's certainly aged well, especially in comparison to its older sibling. Now, the sequel does have its share of cringe-worthy moments (the "Reproduction" song and dance, anyone?), but the gender politics are much more palatable to contemporary audiences than those from the first film—which are at times grossly, abominably retrograde.

The number one reason for the film's continued relevance is simple enough: Michelle Pfeiffer, of course. This was her first big, starring role, and she brought it hard—singing, dancing, strutting, and quipping her way into our hearts. As Stephanie, she's a stunningly beautiful and totally cool cat, for sure, but she's also sharp as a tack and wickedly funny. Unlike Olivia Newton John's Sandy in Grease, Stephanie knows what she wants, yet won't compromise in order to get it—"I kiss who I want, when I want."

The most memorable song from the film is Pfeiffer's showstopping "Cool Rider," where she pines for a man that can handle her, and not the other way around. She's not changing for him—"I'm free everyday. It's in the Constitution." She's staying true to herself and if a dude can handle that, well, then she'll let him into her heart. As written, it's a strong female character, feminine and feminist, yearning and empowered. As brought to life by Pfeiffer, she's jaw-droppingly attractive for reasons beyond her one-of-kind physical beauty—she's a stunner largely because she's the perfect combination of sass, smarts, and sensitivity. Pfeiffer is so smooth in the part, so in the groove, that it's impossible not to fall head over heels for Stephanie.

It's always a treat to revisit early work from Michelle Pfeiffer. In films like Grease 2, you can see the beginnings of the sort of actor she would become, the types of strong, sensitive roles she would make her own, and the elegant nuance and effortless style she would bring to everything she's done since.

Comments

Paul SOctober 4, 2017 at 8:19 AM
First off I'm sorry for the dissapearance of my Love Field post. The WordPress gremlins have struck again taking your thoughtful comment with them. I am sorry.
I do love your takes on this classic(?) piece of the cinema. It's a terrible and wonderful movie, and I remember being blown away by Michelle on pfirst viewing. Also isn't her mouth just gorgeous? I know I've mentioned before, but few movie stars are as great with screen kisses. She has so many memorable ones in her pfilmography, starting with this baby!
Cool Rider which should be utterly ridiculous, is and always will be ridiculously sexy instead. All thanks to the magic of La Pfeiffer.
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Susan LeightonOctober 4, 2017 at 10:13 AM
Great retro, Mike. This is one of her early films & it is a harbinger of things to come. Glad to see her still practicing her craft.
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