I recently watched "Breakin" for the very first time, and fell in love with that movie. I found it refreshing on a number of levels. I loved how the rich girl discovers the break dancing scene and befriends two men of a different race, and they treat each other with respect. While the first film had an element of romance I appreciated how first and foremost the leads were friends, even family, and you get the feeling that no matter how that turns out they will always be lifelong friends because they share a mutual understanding of life based on dancing.
In the first movie a lot of critics pointed out how Turbo and Ozone were popping and locking but Kelly was just doing spins and flips. I say that's kind of the point. Kelly never "fit in" with their world but was welcomed anyway because she got into the spirit of things and found it appealing. The whole thing reminded me of Gidget. The point was never how skilled she was, but that her passion and idealism was welcomed.
At any rate while the first Breakin' was basically what Flashdance should have been (a fun movie about a girl's shot at the big time), the sequel is like one of those Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland films about saving something or other by putting on a show. There's barely a plot about an evil developer (because all Real Estate developers were evil in the 80's).
The dance numbers are fun, and there are a lot of them, but nothing can top Turbo's solo with a broomstick in the first film (his Fred Astaire moment), though they DO try with ANOTHER Fred Astaire tribute number (dancing on the ceiling).
If you thought the first film of was silly (dancing battles!) prepare for a whole new level of fourth-wall-breaking goofiness as literally anyone and anyone can spontaneously start dancing due to the power of 80's break dancing. Dead bodies come to life due to this power! It's like the scene in The Mask where all the police starting dancing. In this movie music/dancing is a magic spell.
Overall, this movie is sweet, cute, and laugh-out-loud hilarious. It's loaded with dancing and endlessly good natured. If you're feeling down alternate between this movie, The Last Dragon, and Xanadu, and you'll be alright. This is one of of the most feel-good movies ever made.
