Flashdance

In my mind, this and FOOTLOOSE are inextricably linked together as the chintzy kitsch displays of their era – what is surprising is how little fun Lyne seems to be having with material ripe for a bit of melodramatic exploitation; a closer correlation than FOOTLOOSE might be Verhoeven’s SHOWGIRLS which also found a typically bolder film-maker somehow chastened and reduced by material he should have been able to hit out of the park. Thankfully, Lyne’s skills as a visual stylist are on full display here, which almost elevates the film to a recommendation (not to mention it’s glorious soundtrack), but dramatically it’s a hollow cavern, not helped by a dire lack of spark between Beals and Nouri. Nice work from Heffner and Skala in support is a welcome respite.