Name: Nos Tempos da Vaselina
Genre: Comedy
Duration: 1 h 30 min
Rating: 5.8
Cast: João Carlos Barroso, Kate Lyra, Aldine Muller

In the countryside town of Macacu, the hick Onofre (João Carlos Barroso) receives a letter from his cousin Paulinho (Marcos Jardim) inviting him to travel to Rio de Janeiro to enjoy the Wonderful City. When the naive Onofre arrives, he is stolen in the bus station and lured by a taxi driver. He has to sleep on the sidewalk and beg for food without Paulinho's address that was in his suitcase. When he meets the musician Carlinhos Lyra, he uses the television broadcast to find Paulinho.

Onofre is welcomed by Paulinho and his friends in Ipanema beach but the newcomer is clumsy and he is mocked by the whole gang from the beach. However, Onofre dates Dadá (Andréa Camargo" and Paulinho's girlfriend Patricia "Pat" (Alvamar Taddei) and the others girls believe that he is "good in bed". The next is Lucinha (Aldine Müller), but the motel is robbed and they have to leave the room without having sex. Meanwhile Onofre learns how to dance in an academy with the teacher Liz (Kate Lyra). When he is ready to dance, he invites Liz to date him in the New York City Discoteque. 

Andre and his male friends are jealous and believe that Onofre is a threat to them. When the prudish Martinha (Petty Pesce) invites Onofre to her birthday party at home with her parents and two very big brothers, Andre and his friends plots a scheme to get rid off Onofre.

"Nos Tempos da Vaselina" is a silly and shallow comedy with stereotyped characters and selfish behaviors. The cruel and selfish treatment of Andre and his friends from Ipanema is despicable but believable. However, there are many external shots and it is nostalgic for those like me that lived those years in Rio de Janeiro to see again the fashionable New York City Discoteque or the beaches and streets in Rio de Janeiro in 1979. Further, the cast has some of the most beautiful Brazilian women of the 70's and 80's, highlighting the gorgeous Kate Lyra that unfortunately does not undress along the story. The title is an opportunist joke with the 1978 "Grease", a.k.a. "Grease – Nos Tempos da Brilhantina" in Brazil. There is a cameo of the soccer players Paulo Cesar Caju and Gil. My vote is five.

Title (Brazil): "Nos Tempos da Vaselina" ("In the Times of the Vaseline")

Portuguese-language cinema, spanning Portugal, Brazil, and other Lusophone regions, focuses on history, cultural identity, and the struggles of ordinary people, often framed with poetic or allegorical storytelling. In Portugal, cinema has emphasized meditative pacing and philosophical depth, reflecting on memory and tradition. In Brazil, it has often been politically charged and socially vibrant, highlighting inequality and resilience while experimenting with popular and avant-garde forms.

Alexandre Rodrigues in City of God (2002)

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

A naive country man visits Rio after his cousin's invitation, but gets robbed upon arrival. After struggling to survive, he finds his cousin and becomes unexpectedly popular with the beach girls, leading to jealousy from the local guys.

João Carlos Barroso in Nos Tempos da Vaselina (1979)

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Nos Tempos da Vaselina

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