A classic American film that followed up an all-time favourite has been somehow forgotten by many, although a devoted fan base has high regard for the romantic musical.
Decades after its release in the 1980s the film is still distinct, though compared to the previous original musical, the sequel rose to a lesser fame.
But some ‘liked it even better than the first’ largely down to the ‘charming and beautiful’ lead actress and actor who ‘played their part very well’.
Grease 2, first released 1982, is a follow-up but also a standalone sequel to the first film released in 1978, the famous Grease movie.
The plot returns to Rydell High School featuring a new cast, starring Michelle Pfeiffer in her first lead role and Maxwell Caulfield who was aged 21 at the time – and left fans ‘swooning’.
Michelle Pfeiffer was 23-years-old at the time, now aged 67, the actress has been described as an ‘ageless beauty, she went on to feature in many other films.
Grease 2 is set two years after the original film’s graduation – the story follow up takes place in September 1961 and it’s now sreaming on Paramount Plus.
Principal McGee and her secretary Blanche are horrified to see students arrive for a new term at Rydell High – as the Pink Ladies, the bad girls are back, along with the legendary T-Birds on motorbikes.
It’s a tale of young love with some either laid back or arrogant attitudes to contend with, there’s some unexpected kissing, hostile reactions with the classic soundtrack, including Michelle Pfeiffer singing Cool Rider.
Although the sequel had mixed reviews, many loved Grease 2, some even liking it more than the original Grease.
One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes wrote: “I loved this movie. I liked it even better than the first Grease.
“Maxwell Caulfield is so dreamy with his striking good looks and charming English accent and I like the way he doesn’t overact in his part.”
The reviewer added: “Michelle Pfeiffer is so beautiful and she plays her part very well even in her singing and dancing.
“I don’t understand at all why the critics were so hard on this film. Also I thought the music was even better than the first Grease.
“One of my favourites was Cool Rider and Michelle Pfeiffer did a great job singing and dancing in this number.
“It’s thoroughly charming and every once in a while I watch it so I could drool over Maxwell Caulfield.”
Maxwell Caulfield plays the role of Michael Carrington, he’s a British exchange student in the film and cousin to Sandy Olsson.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s role as Stephanie Zinone the leader of the Pink Ladies in Grease 2, saw her rise to fame and afterwards she had lead parts in Scarface (1983) followed by The Fabulous Baker Boys in 1989.