What a feeling! That’s what I should have been saying after finally watching Flashdance, one of the most famous dance movies of all, right?
Um, not quite.
For all my professed love of dance movies great and . . . not so great, I haven’t actually seen some of the earlier films in this oft-neglected (and mocked) genre.
[Yes, I do realize that we’re using the term “genre” loosely here. Just deal.]
Of course, given my lack of classic movie understanding and, Goonies fans some would say, appreciation, this may not be so surprising.
Either way, I finally got around to watching Jennifer Beals in the 1983 movie about a young girl trying to make it in the city and in the dance world. In other words, pretty young thing welds by day and dances, ahem, exotically by night.
So what did I think? Well, as it turns out, my response wasn’t much different (although not quite as harsh) as the critics of the day. The reviews were, as they say on Metacritic.com, generally unfavorable. In short, the plot is ridiculous and hole-y (not to be confused with holy, which it is most definitely not), the actors are fine but don’t get much to work with, and the dance scenes are comparable to MTV videos, circa 1983.
And there’s the fact that Jennifer Beals had more than one dance double working for her. That fact kinda bummed me out.
But, the plot is really no sillier than that of today’s movies. And the soundtrack did include “Gloria,” “What a Feeling,” and “Maniac,” so it has that going for it.
All in all? I didn’t mind it. And now I can say that I’ve seen it. But if given the choice, I’m still going to pick Dirty Dancing (or, okay, Step Up or Save the Last Dance) any day.
Have you seen Flashdance?
I was totally stylin' with an off-the-shoulder sweatshirt in 6th grade! Haven't seen it in years but just remember I loved the music and loved the dancing. It's a fun movie.
hhhmmmm….. 1983? no. i didn't see it. i was one. :-)
but i LOVE me a good dance movie. i'm so glad i'm not the only one. yeah… save the last dance, dirty dancing, etc… love em! i don't know if i've seen step up though. i'll have to look into that one!
I guess I am the same age as the commenter above. Honestly I am shocked that it didn't get good reviews because although I have never seen it I have heard so much about it! It hasn't faded into the background after 25 years. I still have yet to see Rain Man or Pretty Woman and I always say I am going to, and eventually I will.
It was my favorite movie of all time…when I was 4! (GASP) that's right, every time I stayed the night at my aunt's house, I begged her to let me watch it and she let me! Eva will NOT be watching that movie…although I didn't grow up to be an exotic dancer, so what's the harm ;) I had the dialogue and dance moves memorized! Mind you all of the adult content was WAY OVER MY HEAD!
A flashback to the past… It's been years since I saw it so I don't remember much. But I do remember that my friend, Sandy, and I loved it. We were so pumped up and inspired that we immediately went for a run and then back to her pool and swam laps. I think we just really wanted those amazing dancer buns! Maybe I'll rent that tonight.
Hope you're having a fun weekend!
I cannot say that I have ever seen "Flashdance" but I can tell you that had it starred Doris Day and Rock Hudson, I wouldn't have missed it. I was born in the wrong generation. Although I would be sad without the ability to blog my neurosis to virtual friends and know my checking account balance while in my flannel pants (sans my cross my heart! lol) drinking coffee…perhaps I'll just stay where I am for now!
I was 1 in 1983 as well. And no, I haven't seen it. Despite my Goonies enthusiasm, I'm not that devoted to 80s movies.
I saw this in the theatre with my DAD. Talk about awkward! What the heck was I thinking???
So what's wrong with MTV videos circa 1983? In my opinion, they have only gone downhill since then. :)
Sista! We are seriously kindred spirits!!! Okay – yeah – the music in this was good. I preferred Footloose to Flashdance, but OH. MY. WORD: "NOBODY puts Baby in the corner!"
LOVE me some dance movies – Save the Last Dance was another good one. =)