I recently saw this movie for the first time, and I actually liked it.
I think I enjoyed this movie so much because it was like a time capsule of the 1980s. I remember all those songs on the soundtrack, and I remember how popular Vanity was during that time. Mostly though, I remember the b-boys. *swoon* I can totally see this movie being a hit with kids back in the day because they'd look up to Taimak's character, and breakdancing was the BOMB... I'm sure he was all the rage then. But it's kind of a positive role model type thing for the kids too, and I can see parents really digging that, thinking that this movie is a selection that'll keep the youngstaz outta trouble for an hour and forty-five minutes or whatever.
> This is an action packed movie. There is never a dull minute from the time we see the opening scene of the Tae Kwon Do exercises, to the final "battle" between good and evil, there's something keeping you there and interested. I think Bruce Leroy's little brother almost steals the show, because he's such a scam artist. He's like a very young wisecracking Chris Tucker-type or somebody. That kid is hilarious. He's obviously hip, and aware of what's cool during that time. He's also got a crush on Laura (Vanity)... Who wouldn't? He's a red-blooded American boy!
The most meaningful part of this movie for me was the thing with the brothers... The bridging of the gap between the brothers. That was really special, because Bruce Leroy Green in all his naivete really was very different from his little bro... Like, there's a cultural GAP between them or something!
I'd recommend this movie to anyone who has a passion for the roots of hip-hop, graffiti (and there is a BUNCH to be seen around the sets) or urban culture, martial arts, or just a well told funny story. It is a comedy--it's even a comedy from the eighties, so get ready to see some multi-colored, checkerboard, neon green, and bright orange patterned madness--but know that this movie has its message too. I kinda think movies like this are quite rare. It isn't often you get to see a young man become a hero of his own accord.
But, you know... I couldn't be sure if the Sho'Nuff character wasn't really Busta' Rhymes or somebody... =P
