Body Rock (1984)

"Open your mind and let your body follow." - Chilly

A young man's dreams of fame and fortune are coming true, but is he ready for the big time?
Starring: Lorenzo Lamas, Vicki Frederick, Michelle Nicastro, Cameron Dye

Link to IMDB

Chilly D is a hip young man living in New York with a dream of becoming a famous artist. He's a street painter first, but also spends time in a dance group called the Body Rock Crew. Chilly doesn't want to work a square job, and tries to find a way the Crew can make money from dancing. His ambitions result in getting them an audition for a gig at a popular nightclub. There's just one problem, Chilly can't dance! Luckily, that's something that can be fixed with an epic montage, as the guys teach Chilly all their sweet moves. We also meet his new love interest, a girl named Darlene. The audition is a successful display of rapping, dancing and body rocking, but the plan doesn't go perfect; the owners of the nightclub only want Chilly and not the rest of the Crew. (Which is odd, because he's clearly the least talented.) Chilly decides to accept the job, with plans of getting his friends hired as soon as he gets himself established.

Darlene

The nightclub is a crazy combination of everything cool and freaky. Neon skeletons, glitter monsters and an infinite supply of dry-ice. Chilly's show is a hit, and he's quickly making lots of money and becoming famous in the city. His new rich friends are showing him what it means to party all night long, and he has some sexy times with a new crazy lady. With no spare time for his friends or Darlene, they begin to realize that Chilly's becoming a different person they do not like.

"Something about someone doing some break dancing." - Chilly

One night of partying gets out of control, and when Chilly loses his cool he punches his boss in the face! The next day he finds himself fired from his job. Feeling betrayed, Chilly realizes he's been ruining what matters most, his friendships! He has a plan to get successful again, and this time on his own terms, but will the Crew ever accept Chilly back into their ranks, and will Darlene accept him back into her heart?

Sleeves are for wimps.

Although not a musical, it has a similar flow to it, as there's always another song or dance to fill your eyes and ears. And everyone except Lamas himself seems to be a professional dancer. The middle section drags a bit and the story is predictable, but it's overflowing with 80's charm and energetic music, so it's still a good time with a story about friendship.

Be sure not to miss:
- The lyrics to the songs are pretty funny. Who knew Lorenzo Lamas could rap!? (Spoiler: He can't)
- How old is Chilly supposed to be? 18 or 30?
- Apparently, in the 80's it was okay for a 12 year old kid to work in a night club.
- They really captured some great NYC locations, in their crummy 80's glory.

Internet review:
"I highly suggest you and those close to your heart check out this Rapstravaganza!!! - jkutras

Should I watch it?
Perfect for when you need a face-full of 80's cheese.

Where can I find it?
Here on YouTube

Body Rock gets...