Beat Street

RS: 3of 4 Stars

1999 All Movies

Easily the best of the mid-Eighties popcorn flicks that brought break dancing into the mainstream, Beat Street still disappoints with its hammy dialogue, obvious love story and weak reproductions of subway-car graffiti. Yet it also includes many memorable scenes, including original girl rappers Lisa Lee, Sha Rock and Debbie D throwing down at a loft party; Jazzy Jay on the decks wearing a coonskin tail; and a showdown between Rock Steady Crew and New York City Breakers that defines fresh.