Dreadfully Boring

Brilliant and touching

Clever, believable, and super fun to watch. It totally has replay value.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Those of you who read this site regularly know that, aside from the usual action fare, we will review a classic 80's dance movie from time to time. Well, they don't get any more classic than Breakin', a gem of a movie that is well known for good reason.Kelly Bennett (Dickey) is a waitress who is an aspiring dancer. Strictly by chance, she witnesses the street dancing of Ozone (Quinones) and his buddy Turbo (Chambers) and her life is changed forever. She befriends the two, and just in the nick of time. A dance crew comprised of two men and one woman, the Electro Rock crew, has challenged them to a dance-off. But Ozone and Turbo must teach Kelly, now dubbed Special K, the ways of Breakin'.Now shed of her formal dance training, she goes to her agent James (McDonald) for his support. He is reluctant at first, but once he sees TKO, as they are now called (Get it? "Turbo, Kelly and Ozone". Clever) , he is won over. Plus a potential love rivalry between James, Ozone, and Kelly's former dance instructor Franco (Lokey) is making Kelly's life even more complicated, as is Ozone's hot temper and his loyalty to "the streets". Will TKO pop and lock their way to fame? Breakin' is nothing more than infectious, irresistible fun. It's filled with charm and 80's nostalgia, thanks to the music and clothing. There's plenty of creativity on display in the dance moves and the outfits. Plus it's positive. It really celebrates friendship and the can-do spirit. It comes from a time when battles were fought on the dance floor with moves, not on the streets with weapons. They truly don't make 'em like this anymore. That's why people gravitate to movies like this today. Because they are not making any more of them.Interestingly, because this is a Cannon film, a young Van Damme can be seen in a crowd scene clapping along to the beat and smiling away. Naturally, he's wearing a black wrestling singlet for no reason. He's not listed in the credits, but it's clearly him. Ice-T makes an appearance as the "Rap Talker" at the club Radiotron. His role would be highlighted a bit more in the follow-up film. Plus, this brings into focus that this movie isn't that far of a departure from the action films we normally watch. A Cannon movie featuring Van Damme, Christopher McDonald and Ice-T is pretty much par for the course for us. But instead of fight scenes, there are dance scenes, and the training sequences are to learn dance moves, not fighting moves. Two sides of a coin I tell ya.To compare this to some other movies we have on the site, Ben Lokey as Franco is very Roy Kieffer-like as the dance instructor, recalling Dance or Die (1987), the whole clash of "high" and "low" cultures aspect is also explored in Knights of the City (1985), and, while the soundtrack is good and vitally important, we felt the soundtrack to Body Rock (1984) was better because it had more memorable songs.Director Joel Silberg went on to direct Rappin' (1985) as well as Lambada (1990), so we know where his head is at. He did not go on to direct the Breakin' sequel however. But after Breakin' ends, there is a big on-screen announcement: "Coming Soon: Electric Boogaloo: The Dance Sensation of Tomorrow". So they knew then that there would be a sequel. There's just too much energy to be contained in one movie.It's colorful, fun, funny, and even heartwarming. What's not to like? Anyone who hasn't already seen Breakin' definitely should.for more insanity, please visit: comeuppancereviews.com

I remember seeing this when I was about 12 years old and from that moment I fell in love with the Music. Now at 34 I still cant keep my feet still when I watch the film or hear the music! OK, so the acting may not come from RADA's finest, and seeing Jean-Claude Van Damme "Dancing" in a small spandex one piece may not be everyone's cup of tea, but the music just makes you want to get on up and do some breakin' - sadly it would probably be my hip! As for the infamous 80's outfits, big shoulder pads, baggy trousers and belts worn anywhere except through the loops of your jeans; the copious amounts of hair gel and vivid, vibrant make up - it's pure 80's

Let's just say that I'm not surprised to see such a low rating for this movie. The acting was a joke. The plot, as predictable as can be. And Ice T sounds like pure shh... OK, now that we've gotten the bad stuff out of the way, let's sit back and enjoy the show. Because as other reviewers have said, this is an 80's flick. And yes everything about the 80's seems silly and lame to us now. But if you take a moment to think back, that's how the 80's were. Despite all it's weaknesses, this still is an enjoyable film. So loosen up, watch the movie, and have a little fun.Oh and by the way, I'm giving this film a 9, not based it's technical merit, but purely for the fun factor!

If you feel like laughing your arse off and watching a feel good movie packed with nostalgia "Breakin'" is for you.I loved this film when i was a kid and still do.It tells the story of shabba-doo and boogaloo shrimp joining forces with a voluptuous chick straight outta dance-class.They show her a few back-spins and a bit of locking' and she's good to go. The acting is at times quite hilarious,typical 80's.Look out for Kelly's mate from dance-class who introduces her to turbo & ozone LOL.Boogaloo shrimp's got all the moves,one cool dude if there ever was one.Personally the character of shabba-doo annoyed me a bit always on the defensive with everyone he meets.Damn!chill out bro!!Wasn't really impressed with his dancing,shrimp definitely stole the show.Still,saying that,shabba definitely comes correct with his outfits...I also liked the 2 guys from the rival crew (electro rock) Yeah, an enjoyable film,definitely a must have in the collection of any person with an interest in hip hop.Although in my opinion this doesn't come anywhere close to the classic "beat street" released in the same year.How any one can say breakin' is superior i'll never know but to each's own...watch this film now!You won't be disappointed....