Review of Breakin' (1984) by Harry W — 26 Mar 2016

Being one of the most iconic productions from Cannon Films, Breakin's status as a silly 80's cult classic gave it promises of fun.

I didn't expect all that much out of Breakin'. The entire purpose of the film's existence is to capitalize on the era where breakdancing was in its heyday, not to offer any kind of innovative story. Given that Cannon Films, the company responsible for the production of countless 80's B-movies, is the company responsible for creating Breakin', its status as a style-over-substance film is an absolute certainty. You can tell very soon in that the entire film will be nothing but 80's music and dance choreography for the entire 83 minute run.

Given that Breakin' came out the same year as Footloose (1984) and a year after the release of Flashdance (1983), dance movies are clearly at the top of their game and Cannon Films is keen to capitalize on that. Breakin' also comes in the same year as Beat Street (1984) and a year after Wild Style (1983), so its definitely the appropriate time for the production to exist. But the dance movie genre is never one which comes with all that much credibility since it is always a showcase for performance and not actual acting or storytelling. The film is simply an extended music video, and any attempts Breakin' actually makes to have any kind of a story are dumbfounded. There is no substance in the film, even though it carries subtle undertones of a message about going against limitations imposed by cultural class in society. It's the sports movie formula, the underdog story structure originated by Rocky (1976) and being retold in a tale of streetdancing. Of course, it doesn't take itself seriously since the film is there solely for audiences to have fun with. Breakin' definitely captures the groove of the era, but there isn't enough narrative support to actually justify stretching it all into a feature length film. That's never stopped Menahem Golan and Yorum Globus before so its no surprise that it didn't stop in the case of Breakin', but outside of the most die-hard 80's movie fans or breakdancing aficionados it is clear that Breakin' is not a film for the ages.

You have to consider Breakin' simply for what it does in fact offer: endless 80's cheese. In contrast to Footloose which obsessed with story, Breakin' is packed to the brim with little more than groovy dance sequences and a soundtrack distinctive of its era. Joel Silberg knows what the film is good at and capitalizes on that, making it a fast-paced spectacle of 80's fun through the use of powerful dance choreography and music. The titular Breakin' in the film is depicted through an array of extremely talented performers with articulate choreography. The cinematography captures everything in the music video style and edits quickly between a large array of talents in a series of energetic performances. Even those who scathe Breakin' must admit that the dancing depicted in the film is extremely skilful and that the performers should be given strong credit. Given the cult classic status of Breakin', it can be credited as one of the many films responsible for popularizing the breakdance scene in America. There is far greater focus put into dancing than characterization in Breakin' and there is nothing to complain about in that area because all the performers are of extensive talent. And their efforts benefit from the collection of tunes comprising the soundtrack, a series of funky songs rich in 80's charm and electric energy. As far as spectacles go, Breakin' delivers.

Ultimately, the cast of Breakin' benefits from anyone who knows how to dance. Any attempts to fit actual acting in there do not come off all that effectively.

Lucinda Dickey is a half-decent lead. Being the protagonist of the story, Breakin' centres around her character Kelly. She's not that much of a compelling character even though the film might want her to be, simply because she serves as the upper-class girl transitioning into the breakdance scene and the script doesn't give her enough edge. Lucinda Dickey's acting talents are limited, and so even when she begins engaging with Adolfo "Shabba Do" Quinones and Michael "Boogaloo Shrimp" Chambers there is still a sense that she doesn't capture the same feeling of groove that they do. Her character simply isn't interesting, and this is a problem when considering her status as protagonist. Lucinda Dickey's talents lie in the dancing department, and even though viewers don't get to witness the same level of performance from her as the surrounding cast members prove capable of delivering since she has to transition from jazz dancer to breakdancer over the course of the story, Lucinda Dickey definitely carries her skills. Her ability to bend and flex comes with a sense of style about it, and as she progressively becomes more involved with the breakdancing scene audiences gain more enjoyment from it all. Lucinda Dickey doesn't have much charisma to empower her character, but she knows how to move.

The best cast member is Adolfo "Shabba Do" Quinones. Shabba Do doesn't care about his character and just delivers his own natural spirit to the part, and that proves to be more than enough because it doesn't reach beyond the grasp of the character or come up short. He plays his thinly written character with likable energy, wit and charm. But more importantly, his dance moves are grand. Shabba Do carries a versatile collection of moves which he pumps into Breakin' with swift skills and determination, clearly intending to prove himself as a perfomer in Breakin'. Shabba Do doesn't hold back or act pretentious; he just delivers exactly what he needs to.

Michael "Boogaloo Shrimp" Chambers follows closely. Boogaloo Shrimp brings his instinctive energy to the role and manages to keep his energy active in every situation with his own skilful moves and suave charms, sharing a fun chemistry with anyone who crosses his path.

Breakin' doesn't pretend to have a story or characters because it can't offer them to viewers and so those in demand of a higher standard for cinematic entertainment will not find the experience enjoyable, yet viewers willing to get into the cheesy 80's groove of the awesome dance moves and funky soundtrack are more likely to enjoy this feature-length music video.