Digest

This podcast episode humorously dissects the 1984 breakdancing film "Body Rock," focusing on its nonsensical plot, unlikeable protagonist "Chilly," and questionable artistic choices. The hosts, joined by guests Allison Brie and June Diane Raphael, find humor in Lorenzo Lamas's fashion, the film's attempt to capture the 80s vibe, and the abundance of songs. They critique "Chilly's" lack of talent, his misogynistic and homophobic behavior, and his unearned success, contrasting him with more compelling characters like the employment office clerk. The discussion also touches on the film's confusing genre shifts, the paradox of breakdancing montages without effective performances, and the unsettling sexual content. Despite its flaws, the hosts acknowledge the impressive set design and some musical numbers, while also debating the definition and artistic merit of breakdancing itself. The episode concludes with audience participation, discussions on the film's budget and box office, and plugs for the hosts' other projects.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Initial Impressions of "Body Rock"

The podcast begins with hosts introducing the movie "Body Rock" with humorous anticipation, noting its limited availability and the need for high definition. Co-host Jason Manzuchus is introduced, followed by June Diane Raphael, who expresses initial exasperation with the film, questioning its definition as a "film" and finding it difficult to connect with. The discussion highlights Lorenzo Lamas's fashion, his hairy chest, and the movie's successful capture of the gritty 1980s New York aesthetic.

00:05:15

Critiquing the Protagonist "Chilly" and Narrative Confusion

The hosts delve into the film's central critique of the lead character, "Chilly," deeming him untalented, unlikeable, and inexplicably successful despite mistreating others. They point out the irony of his multiple breakdancing training montages without effective performances and the film's shifting genres, from graffiti to breakdancing and MCs, lacking a clear focus. "Chilly's" ambiguous goals, his dream of being like Muhammad Ali, and his dismissive demeanor in scenes like the employment office are analyzed.

00:14:00

"Chilly's" Character Flaws and Unsettling Scenes

The discussion focuses on "Chilly's" appearance, dialogue, and consistent choice of "fresh" attire for interviews. His negative impact on Darlene and his villainous appearance are noted. The hosts analyze the apartment scene with Darlene, the unsettling kitchen scene with roast beef, and the generally off-putting sexual content, including a questionable brother-sister interaction and "Chilly's" violent, unhinged nature. His selfishness, lack of accountability, and failure to apologize are emphasized.

00:21:43

"Chilly's" Negative Traits and Relationship Dynamics

The hosts explicitly call out "Chilly's" homophobic and misogynistic behavior, criticizing the film's failure to address these issues and the terrible treatment of women, particularly Darlene. They argue "Chilly" is selfish and ungenerous, never owning his mistakes. His journey is compared to characters in "Cocktail" and "Staying Alive," and the hosts suggest he functions as a bad influence, with the movie potentially being better if he were a side character.

00:22:58

Darlene's Role and the Hospital Scene

The hosts question "Chilly's" excessive screen time and his relationship with Darlene, wondering why she can't join "Body Rock." They discuss the hospital scene, noting the ADR used to change dialogue for a PG rating and analyzing the awkward exchanges between Darlene and Claire, highlighting implied relationship issues. "Chilly's" lack of accountability and his friends' inexplicable acceptance of him are reiterated.

00:25:14

The Club's Ambiguity and Performance Art

Confusion surrounds the club's identity and purpose, with dance numbers compared to immersive theater. The hosts are bewildered by the club's immense size and features. They differentiate between performance art and dance routines, noting the lack of dancers on stage and questioning the audience's engagement. Despite flaws, the impressive set design, including a giant boom box, and the overall performance value are acknowledged.

00:27:04

Director's Background and Musical Numbers

The film's style is linked to its director's music video background for bands like Bon Jovi and Mötley Crüe. The hosts commend the bold opening with two musical numbers before character introductions. They acknowledge they could discuss "Chilly's" negative traits endlessly and debate whether his friendship with Magic is redeeming or exploitative. The investors' lack of interest in Magic's talent and the intimidating reaction of Magic's brothers are also noted.

00:29:11

Critiques of Dancing, Rapping, and Casting

The hosts critique the film's dancing for its lack of rhythm and performers being offbeat. "Chilly's" rapping is highlighted as particularly offbeat, with the crew also struggling to keep time. The hosts discuss the rapping in the movie, playing a clip of "Chilly" introducing the crew. They break down early performances, noting "Chilly's" lack of rhythm and beat, comparing the film's performances to "marking rehearsals" in musical theater.

00:31:56

Lorenzo Lamas's Performance and Casting Struggles

The hosts point out Lorenzo Lamas is never on beat, and the second-place finisher also performs poorly. A talented rapper's lyrics are unintelligible, making his performance ineffective. They speculate the filmmakers struggled to find talent, settling on Lamas despite his lack of breakdancing and rapping skills. Lamas's discomfort leads to the suggestion to "talk it" like The Rock, which the hosts argue is impossible for rap.

00:32:52

"Chilly's" Zero Value and Cultural Appropriation

The film attempts to surround "Chilly" with talent, but his lack of value makes him the inexplicable star. The hosts are baffled by his instant stardom despite proving zero value. They criticize the audience's poor judgment in making "Chilly" the headliner over Magic. The movie is seen as depicting white people appropriating Black culture, with the white protagonist becoming the star over minority crew members.

00:33:56

Breakdancing Crew Dynamics and Unintelligible Rap

The hosts note the irony of a predominantly white breakdancing crew, with Magic being the only prominent minority member. A character resembling "White Luigi" is described with his distinctive look and dance moves. The focus returns to a rapper whose lyrics are unintelligible, sounding like \"ribbity ribbity rat.\" The hosts play a clip of the unintelligible rap, emphasizing the lack of clear lyrics and the rapper's performance slowing down.

00:35:08

Appreciation for Music, Dancing, and Camera Work

Despite the film's flaws, the hosts appreciate the music and some breakdancing sequences, particularly the skeleton dancers. They praise the camera work in dance sequences, mentioning a shot underneath breakdancers on a glass floor. June reveals her breakdancing past, having taken lessons and performed at Bar Mitzvahs, though she expresses a surprising dislike for breakdancing as an art form.

00:36:43

The Craft of Breakdancing and June's Challenge

The hosts discuss the technical skill and craft of breakdancing, with Allison Brie highlighting its complexity. June dismisses breakdancing as "gobbledygook," leading to a playful challenge. She accepts a breakdancing battle challenge, expressing confidence in her ability to perform the moves. The hosts question if intense movements in "Wild Wild Country" could be considered breakdancing and discuss "pop" and "lock" elements.

00:38:57

Music Chart Success and Breakdancing Film Era

The hosts mention the theme song for "Body Rock" charted on the Hot 100, and Lorenzo Lamas also had a song on the Billboard charts. They note 1984 was a significant year for breakdancing films, with "Breakin'," "Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo," and "Beat Street" released. The hosts express fondness for "Breakin' 2," considering it the best of the breakdancing films.

00:39:54

Defining Breakdancing Moves and June's Confidence

The hosts question whether breakdancing truly has defined moves, suggesting improvisation. June's assertion that breakdancing lacks defined moves is challenged, with hosts arguing for its technicality. They look up "Super Dancer" on YouTube and recognize moves similar to those learned at the YMCA. June maintains her belief that she could easily perform the breakdancing moves seen in "Body Rock."

00:41:15

"Chilly's" Repetitive Dialogue and "Ferris Bueller" Moment

The hosts point out instances where "Chilly" repeats lines previously spoken by others, specifically his mother. They discuss the scene after "Chilly" has sex, noting his direct address to the camera, reminiscent of "Ferris Bueller." The "post-sex trench coat" and the "Ferris Buellering" sequence are analyzed, finding it jarring and out of place.

00:43:26

Unsettling Sequences and Director's Choices

The hosts express discomfort with "Chilly's" direct address, feeling like they've made eye contact with a performer. They speculate on the director's creative intentions behind unusual camera angles and sequences, feeling the angles are reminiscent of music videos but the film's cohesion is flawed. The unique decor in the artist's apartment, including a paint platform bed, is noticed.

00:44:31

"Chilly's" Weed Smoking and Infamous Zippers

The hosts comment on "Chilly's" scene smoking weed, finding his demeanor intense. They focus on the excessive and seemingly pointless zippers featured in the sex scene, highlighting a specific move involving unzipping breast pockets. The painted windows in the artist's apartment are noted, reinforcing her identity.

00:45:18

"Sex Dancing" and Rough Scenes

The hosts describe the "sex dancing" and "Chilly's" immediate transition to nudity, noting his jumpsuit and lack of underwear. The sex scene is described as rough and difficult to watch. They humorously depict it as involving arm-waving and "squiggly lines" rather than intimacy, noting the contrast between "Chilly's" nudity and the woman still wearing clothes.

00:46:08

"Chilly's" Anatomy and Crude Humor

The hosts explicitly describe "Chilly's" prominent erection during the sex scene. One host posits that "Chilly" is perpetually erect. Paul reveals his notebook contains drawings related to "Chilly's" anatomy. The hosts make crude references to "Chili's" anatomy, jokingly trademarking "Massive Heart On" and discussing hypothetical cock rings.

00:47:18

Graphic Descriptions and Penis Size Rankings

The hosts describe "Chilly's" penis in graphic detail and jokingly suggest people from London could verify his anatomy. A comparison is made between "Chili's" and Donald's penis size. Paul offers to share his list ranking the penis sizes of the male characters, and the hosts humorously rank them with brief descriptions.

00:48:47

Claire's Position and Superior Performance

The hosts debate Claire's power dynamic with Donald and Terrence, suggesting she might be in a stronger position. They express interest in Claire's creative life and partying. The hosts argue that Claire's final performance is significantly better than anything "Chilly" does, and her cover of "Smooth Tucker" is praised as much better than the original. Claire's excellent dancing ability is acknowledged.

00:50:04

"Double Takes" Segment: Audience Opinions

The show transitions to the "Double Takes" segment. An audience member shares their breakdancing name, "privileged, untalented white guy," and confusion about character ages. Another questions Darlene's profession. A third suggests "Dr. Break" as their name and asks why "Chilly's" friends couldn't get into the club initially.

00:51:56

"Rap Stravaganza" and Donald's Character

The hosts discuss "Chilly's" original idea for a "Rap Stravaganza" event, which was later executed without him. They note Donald's lack of dialogue until his surprising high-pitched voice is revealed. Donald is always seen in a tuxedo, suggesting it's a visual cue for his wealth.

00:53:17

Audience Member "Kilowatt" and Career Changes

An audience member chooses "Kilowatt" as their breakdancing name and asks if working on the movie might prompt career changes.

00:56:47

Director of Photography Theory and Rotten Tomatoes Score

A surprising theory is proposed: the film's Director of Photography might be Robert Mueller, who then changed careers to become a federal prosecutor. The hosts discuss the movie's tagline and its 48% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, noting it's surprisingly high.

00:58:12

Budget, Box Office Performance, and Ranking

The hosts speculate on the film's low budget and discuss its modest box office performance, suggesting it was a success relative to its perceived cost. They compare "Body Rock's" box office performance to other films released in 1984, noting it was outperformed by several movies.

00:59:11

"Second Opinions" Segment and Audience Appreciation

The show transitions to the "Second Opinions" segment. An audience member gives "Body Rock" five stars, expressing strong positive sentiment. The hosts thank the audience, particularly those in costume, and express appreciation for their effort. An audience member is highlighted for their costume featuring "Chili on the Jacket" and performing collar pops.

01:01:03

Difficulty Finding the Movie and Facetious Reviews

The hosts discuss the difficulty of finding the movie and the prevalence of sarcastic five-star reviews.

01:05:19

Final Thoughts on Music, Breakdancing, and Definitions

The hosts share their final thoughts on the movie, discussing specific song lyrics, the portrayal of breakdancing, and personal connections to the art form. They debate the definition and appeal of breakdancing.

01:09:02

Corrections, Audience Reactions, and Music's Role

A correction is made regarding a dancer's name. The hosts analyze a scene where the audience's reaction to a performance shifts, discussing the music's role and the audience's participation.

01:10:20

Recommendations and Artistic Debate on Breakdancing

Hosts debate whether to recommend the movie, with some enjoying the music and others finding breakdancing difficult to watch. They discuss the artistic expression and difficulty of breakdancing.

01:13:03

Plugs and Podcast Promotion

The hosts share plugs for their respective projects, including a show featuring breakdancing, another without it, and a new podcast miniseries reviewing AFI's top 100 movies.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the general consensus on the protagonist "Chilly" from "Body Rock"?

  The hosts overwhelmingly agree that "Chilly" is untalented, unlikeable, misogynistic, homophobic, selfish, and lacks accountability, despite the film's attempts to portray him as successful.

• How do the hosts describe the sexual content in "Body Rock"?

  The hosts find the sexual content to be off-putting and rough to watch, citing specific scenes with excessive zippers and "Chilly's" unnerving demeanor and physical attributes.

• What are the hosts' opinions on the breakdancing sequences in "Body Rock"?

  Opinions are divided, with some appreciating the music and camera work, while others find the dancing lacking rhythm and performers consistently offbeat. The artistic merit and definition of breakdancing itself are also debated.

• Did "Body Rock" perform well at the box office?

  The film had a modest box office performance and was outperformed by several other movies released in 1984, though it may have been considered a success relative to its low budget.

• What is the significance of the year 1984 in relation to breakdancing films?

  1984 was a significant year for breakdancing films, with the release of "Breakin'," "Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo," and "Beat Street," with "Breakin' 2" being considered the best by the hosts.

• What is the main critique regarding the film's narrative and focus?

  The hosts find the film's narrative confusing, with shifting genres and a lack of clear focus. They question "Chilly's" ambiguous goals and the difficulty of centering a mainstream film on a character whose primary goal is finding a manager.

• How do the hosts feel about Lorenzo Lamas's performance in "Body Rock"?

  The hosts find Lorenzo Lamas's performance lacking in breakdancing and rapping skills, noting he is consistently off beat and uncomfortable with the performance aspects.

• What are the hosts' final thoughts on the film's overall quality?

  While acknowledging some impressive set design and musical elements, the hosts generally view "Body Rock" as a flawed film with a nonsensical plot and an unlikeable protagonist, finding entertainment in its absurdity.

• What other projects are the hosts promoting?

  They plug a show with breakdancing, another without, and a new podcast miniseries called "Unspooled" that reviews the AFI's top 100 movies, contrasting it with the current film discussed.

• What is the hosts' take on the cultural appropriation aspect of "Body Rock"?

  The hosts suggest the movie depicts white people appropriating Black culture, with the white protagonist becoming the star over minority crew members, noting the irony of a predominantly white breakdancing crew.

Show Notes