Better alternatives to the gimmicky 'Grease Sing-A-Long'

Posted Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 11:00 AM Central
Last updated Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 12:58 PM Central

by Tim Briscoe

Gimmicks are nothing new to Hollywood. The movie industry is always finding new ways to entice you to buy a movie ticket.

You could say the introduction of sound with 1927's The Jazz Singer was the first of these gimmicks. Then came color, 3D, surround-sound, Smell-o-vision, widescreen, better 3D, air conditioning, ultra-widescreen, alternate endings, even better 3D, IMAX... the list goes on.

The double-dip is a mainstay of the DVD business. That's where a film is released first with no bonus features and then a year later with an expanded, special collector's version. Lucasfilm and Fox brought the idea to theaters with special edition releases of Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi.

This weekend, Paramount is transcending all these previous attempts with a very gimmicky double-dip. Grease Sing-A-Long takes the classic '70s musical and adds on-screen lyrics.

Yep, that's it. Take a look:

I have no problem with creating a party atmosphere around a film. I'm not a film snob who thinks you have to sit there stone-faced to experience a film. (OK, maybe a bit.)

My problem with Grease Sing-A-Long is that it's a variable experience. I imagine there will be packed houses with tons of crazy Grease fans and the thing will be a blast. What about a Wednesday afternoon matinee with about three other people in attendance? Yeah, that'll be raucous.

Most recently, Universal did a Sing Along version of Mamma Mia! near the end of its 2008. In fact, I bet that was the genesis for this Grease version. But at least then you had a first-run film to watch in case the audience wasn't up for group karaoke. Here you have a 1978 movie that's been shown on broadcast TV about a billion times.

I do have to hand it to Paramount. The Grease Sing-A-Long is in limited release and they have a "Demand It" thingy on the film's web site. Requesting that the film play in your city is a good way to ensure a worthy crowd but it's no guarantee.

Here's my suggestion for a better time. Rent or buy the Grease DVD. (It's also available on Blu-ray.) Invite your friends to dress up and come over for a completely '50s-themed party. Go crazy with it. I assure you that you'll have a better time than singing with strangers in a dank theater.

Not crazy for Grease? Any movie will do. In college, we had a Animal House-themed toga party each year. Having everyone in their finest bed sheets dancing to Otis Day and the Knights' "Shout" was amazing.

And it doesn't have to be centered on music. A Big Lebowski party would be killer. Have everyone dress up in as their favorite character and serve White Russians.

I'm sure there are a ton of cool, movie-focused party ideas left. Please send in your stories of movie parties you've had or are planning. We'll list the best entries here for all to share.