It is 1982 and at Wooster High School Brad Roberts (Michael Copon) seems to have it all. As the star quarterback, Brad is tall, good-looking, and popular with the girls, especially girls from the cheerleading squad. With Brad as the quarterback, the team continues to win. The only problem is Brad has other dreams and imagines himself singing and dancing. Directed by Jon Artigo, Breakdance Academy is a fun-filled comedy with a touch of romance and plenty of music. The narrative film was first released in 2013 and the music, costumes, and set design all reflect the look and feel of the 1980s. Often the football coach serves as the narrator of Brad’s story.
In this feature film, Brad’s father (Kurt Fuller) is consumed with football and can’t imagine Brad even considering doing anything else. Brad’s mother knows Brad is also musically talented and supports Brad when he decides to quit football and pursue his other dreams. Outside of football, Brad is part of a band currently playing metal music. After meeting some rappers, Brad wants to try new sounds. Garth (Robert Hoffman), his mother’s young boyfriend, also likes music and dancing; he wants to start a boy band and tells Brad’s group that his cousin is in the music industry and could help them cut a record.
After meeting a group of rappers and watching two of them perform their breakdancing moves in the school hallway, Brad is agreeable to adding members to their band. They hold auditions and select two of the rappers: Dirth and Joda. Talented dancers, Dirth and Joda teach Brad, Tom, and Greg several breakdance moves. Greg is especially brilliant at flips. Garth arranges for a few gigs where the band shows off their new songs and dance steps.
Meanwhile, in a series of comedic scenes, Brad’s father changes the locks on the house, and Brad is forced to stay with friends. Brad’s principal threatens Brad’s grades if he doesn’t return to the team, and, the football coach strongly convinces one of the team members to get Brad back on the team! Brad’s former girlfriend tries to stop Brad from pursuing a new girlfriend Samantha (Laura Breckenridge) with hilarious results. Since both of these young women are on the cheerleading squad, several amusing confrontations happen. Despite all of these efforts, Brad’s band “A New Condition” win the senior high school talent show and the enthusiastic support of the student body. With plenty of humor, typical high school drama, and 1980s music, Breakdance Academy is a fun movie. Strong optional purchase for public libraries, schools, and community organizations focused on music and dance.
What type of library programming could use this title?
Breakdance Academy could be used in after-school programs or unique library programs featuring music and dance.