It really isn't very encouraging when even in its opening scene a picture is so pointedly, unabashedly kitschy that it would take the combined powers of several kids' movies and 80s comedies to match it. Well before the opening credits finished flashing on-screen I found myself reconsidering my decision to watch. There actually is a great deal to admire here, but 'Body rock' emphatically puts its cheesiest foot forward from the very beginning, and to the extent that it deviates from that plan it's only ever by a matter of degrees. If the entirety of the "Ninja rap" sequence in 'Teenage mutant ninja turtles II: The secret of the ooze' is too cringe-worthy for you, don't even think about touching this 1984 comedy-drama that very distinctly centers dance and music. With all that said, I'm unclear as to why this specific flick is regarded so poorly, because I don't see anything of importance about it that's bad in any way.
The 80s aesthetics in the costume design and art direction are all but overwhelming, the cinematic equivalent of all the cheese dust from every cheesy cracker or chip snack being loaded into a single package. Be that as it may, I appreciate the work that went into such facets. There's also much to be said for assembled soundtrack; like the visuals the aural assault is an overload of 80s pop, but I can't say the tunes aren't catchy. And as to the dancing, stunts, and choreography - well, they represent the primary component of the camp in these ninety minutes, but in and of themselves, they're also unquestionably superb, and highly impressive. The skills and athleticism of the performers are undeniable, and are both the clear focus and the chief draw. Sure, there's a discrete narrative on hand (the usual: aspirations, romance, staying true to oneself, etc.), and all those who contributed in one way or another are to be commended for their work. The dancing is absolutely the key to the whole affair, however, and no matter what the rest looks like, or what one broadly thinks of this or that, it's easy to get swept up in the vibrancy and enthusiasm of the dance scenes.
There are strong, somewhat underhanded themes here concerning gentrification and the malfeasance of the wealthy and powerful; it's also not lost on me that protagonist "Chilly" - for all intents and purposes coded as a young white man - learns his moves from a young black boy before subsequently leaving him behind. (On the other hand, as one major point against the film, it also seems to me that a key beat quietly reflects abject homophobia.) At large the script definitely isn't breaking any new ground, but for whatever else may be true, all the same the story is solid, and duly compelling. 'Body rock' is well made in all other regards, too, from direction, to cinematography, to editing, and the cast give earnest, meaningful performances. Overall the feature isn't anything particularly remarkable or special; there have even been other comedy-dramas that spotlighted dance in the way this does. Nonetheless, whether you're a fan of someone involved, keen on the dance sequences, or just looking for something good and relatively uninvolved to watch, this is a pretty decent way to spend one's time. You should know what you're getting into before you sit for it, but I think that tenor is rather apparent even from the premise alone; don't go out of your way for 'Body rock,' but it's worth a look on a quiet day if you have the chance.
The 80s aesthetics in the costume design and art direction are all but overwhelming, the cinematic equivalent of all the cheese dust from every cheesy cracker or chip snack being loaded into a single package. Be that as it may, I appreciate the work that went into such facets. There's also much to be said for assembled soundtrack; like the visuals the aural assault is an overload of 80s pop, but I can't say the tunes aren't catchy. And as to the dancing, stunts, and choreography - well, they represent the primary component of the camp in these ninety minutes, but in and of themselves, they're also unquestionably superb, and highly impressive. The skills and athleticism of the performers are undeniable, and are both the clear focus and the chief draw. Sure, there's a discrete narrative on hand (the usual: aspirations, romance, staying true to oneself, etc.), and all those who contributed in one way or another are to be commended for their work. The dancing is absolutely the key to the whole affair, however, and no matter what the rest looks like, or what one broadly thinks of this or that, it's easy to get swept up in the vibrancy and enthusiasm of the dance scenes.
There are strong, somewhat underhanded themes here concerning gentrification and the malfeasance of the wealthy and powerful; it's also not lost on me that protagonist "Chilly" - for all intents and purposes coded as a young white man - learns his moves from a young black boy before subsequently leaving him behind. (On the other hand, as one major point against the film, it also seems to me that a key beat quietly reflects abject homophobia.) At large the script definitely isn't breaking any new ground, but for whatever else may be true, all the same the story is solid, and duly compelling. 'Body rock' is well made in all other regards, too, from direction, to cinematography, to editing, and the cast give earnest, meaningful performances. Overall the feature isn't anything particularly remarkable or special; there have even been other comedy-dramas that spotlighted dance in the way this does. Nonetheless, whether you're a fan of someone involved, keen on the dance sequences, or just looking for something good and relatively uninvolved to watch, this is a pretty decent way to spend one's time. You should know what you're getting into before you sit for it, but I think that tenor is rather apparent even from the premise alone; don't go out of your way for 'Body rock,' but it's worth a look on a quiet day if you have the chance.