FLASHDANCE

CAPSULE REVIEW –– It's hard to write about films that you saw and loved as a youngster. This was one of the first adult films I snuck into and I was swept up in the music and romance. Michael Nouri was so sexy, Jennifer Beals so cool and "Maniac" the best song ever. (Give me a break, I was 14.) Well, after almost two decades, I can honestly say that I wouldn't throw Nouri out of bed for eating crackers, Beals is even more beautiful and my taste in music has vastly improved. You'll have to take my word for it. There's nothing all that new about the little, poor girl with a dream story, but Beals truly sells it. It's her energy and passion that carries this tired tale. She makes you believe that she could not only make a rich, older man fall in love with her, but that she has the talent to be a real dancer. Is it hokey and overplayed? Absolutely, that's part of the fun. Nouri and Beals have great chemistry, giving their scenes together heat and honesty. If you're too young to remember the 80s and are curious what it was like, watch this flick. The art direction, costumes and music can only have come from that decade. These aspects of the film are somewhat laughable now, but they were on the cusp of cool then. This was Beals big break and she makes the most of it. A decent romance trapped in a time warp of outrageousness. A true 80s classic.