54

54 (1998)

Starring Ryan Phillippe, Salma Hayek, Neve Campbell, Mike Myers, Sela Ward, Breckin Meyer, Sherry Stringfeld, Ellen Albertini Dow, Heather Matarazzo. Lauren Hutton, Michael York, Ron Jeremy and Peter Bogdanovich. 

Screenplay by Mark Christopher.

Directed by Mark Christopher.

Distributed by Buena Vista Pictures.  Rated R.  92 minutes.

What a blown opportunity!  This film takes the 70s sex, drugs and celebrity playground and makes it seem as interesting as a Bennigan’s in Topeka.

Mike Myers is fantastic as owner Steve Rubell, but unfortunately he is on screen for maybe a quarter of the film’s running time.

Instead, we are treated to a boring plotline about the budding love between a dumb Jersey kid who becomes a bartender (Ryan Phillippe not only can’t act, but frankly isn’t good looking enough for the role) and a soap opera queen (a slumming Neve Campbell on autopilot.)  Also wasted is Salma Hayek as a wannabe diva.

Even the musical choices are off the mark here.  54 takes what was arguably the most decadent place in the 20th century… and makes it just seem dull.

Jay S. Jacobs

Copyright © 1998 PopEntertainment.com All rights reserved. Posted: August 28, 1998.