Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

Breakin' Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 3, 2015

Never one to let a trend slip through his fingers, producer Menahem Golan quickly jumped on the opportunity to make a movie based on the breakdancing craze that swept across the nation in the 1980s. Golan’s Cannon Films sprinted to the finish line with 1984’s “Breakin’” with hopes to beat the competition, “Beat Street” (which took a more sobering look at hip hop culture), to the punch. Cannon won the war, transforming the feature into a sizable hit (keep in mind that the movie outgrossed “The Terminator” that year). While such production determination is interesting, “Breakin’” certainly has its issues, struggling with dramatic concerns as it spends most of its energy on musical numbers and street dance choreography. However, technical and emotional limitations aside, the picture has a certain spirit that’s hard to deny, providing a look at bodies in motion as they quake, roll, and spin their way around the frame, keeping the feature’s batteries charged long enough to make the effort easily digestible and, at times, terrific escapism.

Kelly (Lucinda Dickey) is a young diner waitress (she’s “pushing 20”), unwilling to focus on her dream of jazz dance. While encouraged to follow her heart, Kelly finds trouble with instructor Franco (Ben Lokey), an arrogant creep who tries to harass his student into a relationship. Kelly finds salvation on Venice Beach, meeting street dancers Ozone (Adolfo “Shabba-Doo” Quinones) and Turbo (Michael “Boogaloo Shrimp” Chambers), who dismiss the suburban woman’s desire to join the urban dance scene. However, persistence pays off, along with Ozone’s obvious attraction to Kelly, with the trio forming the TKO Crew, hitting the local club, The Radiotron, to battle rivals Electro Rock. Acquiring an agent in James (Christopher McDonald), Kelly is torn between her love of street dance and the chance for a stage career, working to bring the body-shaking art to the mainstream, with Franco ready to sabotage any attempt at legitimacy.

Directed by Joel Silberg, “Breakin’” looks like a movie that’s hanging on for dear life. While Cannon Films has a history of quickie productions, this effort seems especially rushed, gifted only a threadbare plot that highlights a collision of classes as rich girl Kelly mingles with urban dancers Ozone and Turbo, hoping to bridge the social divide through dance. There’s a suggestion of romance between Kelly and Ozone, but it’s never developed in full. The same is true for James, who’s introduced as a rival for Kelly’s heart, making Ozone jealous, but the screenplay abandons the subplot as well, laboring to pare down complications, making room for the dance sequences. A little more material wouldn’t hurt “Breakin’,” which follows in the footsteps of juvenile cinema classics of the 1950s. However, with Golan tapping his watch, Silberg tends to drop everything of substance to return to the dance, and who can really blame him?

“Breakin’” is defined by its dance-offs, and most of the them are infectious fun, watching the TKO Crew face off against Electro Rock at the Radiotron (a young Ice T portrays the M.C. of the joint, acting as a Greek chorus of sorts), trading aggressive moves while surrounded by an enthusiastic mob. Training montages and introductions work as well, watching Ozone and Turbo share their skills on Venice Beach (a gyrating Jean-Claude Van Damme in a black singlet is easily spotted in the background) and work with Kelly (aka “Special K”) during her street dance education, becoming a firm breakdance unit. Time apart hold some magic, with Turbo using a convenience store broom as a dance partner in a Gene Kelly-inspired number that’s easily a film highlight. The moves are solid, sold with speed and energy, highlighting natural abilities from the trio, who, despite apparent behind the scenes unrest (Quinones has gone on record about his hostility toward Dickey during the shoot), come together as a credible hip hop force.

Dance is the core of the movie, but “Breakin’” also carries an endearing innocence, generally avoiding a true depiction of L.A. poverty to celebrate a strong work ethic, training, and a shattering of racial boundaries. Its bright personality comes in handy, especially when Silberg gets silly, with the usage of “chicken” secured as a viable taunt between gangs, and there’s a bizarre scene where the TKO Crew attempts to grab a meal at some type of redneck eatery, with a bunch of red-faced good old boys triggering a bar fight just so the production has one more bit of excitement to share.

As for performances, expectations were never high for the dancers, and they frequently stiffen up when the script demands more character-driven moments of camaraderie and confession. Charisma comes through, just not technique, with the amateur status of Quinones, Dickey, and Chambers easily identified throughout the movie. Silberg appears to recognize limitations, largely focusing on silent reactions, body movement, and Dickey’s leotard-based wardrobe.

Breakin' Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation doesn't represent a fresh scan, showing slight signs of age through a mild muting of vibrancy. Colors do retain some punch, capturing loud costumes with secure primaries, while beach life retains a more natural looks. Grain is managed but not removed, leaving some filmic appeal. Detail is satisfactory, with adequate textures on elaborate costuming and a clear handle on distances, making group dances easy to explore. Delineation is passable but never challenged in full in this brightly shot production.

Breakin' Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Coming up against low-budget limitations with the source materials, the 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix doesn't provide a listening experience with encouraging depth. The track does the best it can with iffy dialogue recording, where banter is threatened by background elements. However, nothing is lost to distortion, retaining a comfortable but not remarkable range. Soundtrack cuts sound a little better, with defined beats and bass, capably supporting the musical numbers.

Breakin' Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (1:35, HD) is included.

Breakin' Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Breakin'" ends in a very odd way. While the story is wrapped up with a big showcase number and bigger smiles, the picture actually concludes with a recap of the plot, perhaps offering those who've fallen asleep along the way a chance to catch up before the end credits. This has to be a first in cinema history. There's also a rap from Ice T that promises a sequel, which Cannon would hurriedly slip into production. It's a blast of weirdness that disorients "Breakin'" just as it's about to make its exit. I'm not sure what the production was thinking when putting together the final three minutes of the effort, but it's not terribly damaging, finding the fancy footwork and pronounced style of the era keeping the feature bright and welcoming, ready and apparently eager to carry on to the "Electric Boogaloo."