Making matching Tie Dye for my toddler’s 2nd birthday!! #shorts 54 (1998)

Director: Mark Christopher

Starring: Ryan Phillippe, Salma Hayek, Mike Myers, Neve Campbell

The famous 1970s New York City nightclub seen and told through the eyes of a young employee.

’54’ Is the story of Studio 54, a prestigious night club for the rich, famous, and beautiful. Shane (Ryan Phillippe) – a 19-year old gas station attendant – always dreamt of a more glamorous life, and finally got his chance when he was chosen – for his good looks – to enter the club.

It is a world of sex, drugs and substance abuse. Club owner Steve Rubell (Mike Myers) – fascinated by Shane’s looks – offers him a job, and the rest, as they say, is history for our young hero. He is soon exposed to a world where money and looks give you power, and opens doors for sexual bliss.

Shane befriends Greg and Anita, who are married and also working at the club, and moves in with them. The film also takes a look at how far one would go to further your career, and essentially getting your way, regardless of how painful the process might be for those affected by greed and ego.

I must be honest, the film eventually gave me a sense of deja vu, and it was only thanks to a good performance by fresh-faced Ryan Phillippe – and that great body – that the film kept me interested until the end. When watching a movie I always consider its rewatchability value, and I just don’t think this is the kind of movie I’d watch again in a hurry, despite enjoying it.

Julie Black (Neve Campbell), whom Shane idolized, was a seriously underdeveloped character with no payoff. Contrary to Julie Black, though, I thought Steve Rubell was by far the most interesting character (except for Shane, off course). In a way, he served as the film’s antagonist, exploiting his authority for personal gain. Mike Myers delivered a good performance here. I also loved the soundtrack.

Would I watch it again? I don’t think so.