dek1158

I'm not sure how to classify this movie, because it's inconsistent with the tone. One minute it's a comedy, then it's a suspense/thriller. Mixed in is a conventional inspirational-teacher-turns-kids'-lives motif. I've seen it before with better results. Judging by the preview, I thought Hardball would be in the same league as Dangerous Minds and Lean on Me.

I respect Keanu Reeves' and Diane Lane's work in other movies, but Hardball will not further their careers. I do not see any Academy Awards going to this film, maybe a Razzie or two.

This review is only half as long as the ones I wrote for Flashdance and Top Gun. It's because I only watched half of the movie. I am quite disappointed in Danny Glover and Joe Pesci; they have made some entertaining films (with and without each other). I laughed once during the movie; I was making fun of the movie itself. There should be a disclaimer on the box: "Individuals under 10 years of age shouldn't watch this."

Flashdance is one of my Top Ten Films. I don't care that it has no twisting plot. I don't care that Jennifer Beals used a body double. I REALLY don't care that it's a chick flick. I love this movie!! Some people, after seeing Flashdance, choose to see a movie about exotic dancing. For one reason or another, I see a movie about chasing dreams, taking chances, and maximizing life.

Jennifer Beals' character Alex Owens's dream of attending a formal dance school and becoming a ballerina is the central theme of the film. Her friends Jeanie and Richie are aspiring figure skaters and stand-up comedians, respectively. However, Alex is the only dreamer receiving any encouragement. Her senior citizen friend Hannah, a former ballerina herself, gives Alex practical advice and unconditional faith. Jeanie's father openly criticizes Jeanie's dream as well as her beau, Richie. Richie, a cook at Mawby's Bar, is put down by his boss for wanting to go to Hollywood and being a comedian; "You're too short. They don't let short people into Hollywood."

The sub-plots facilitate Alex's dream to create a captivating story. To support herself (and possibly, to keep life interesting), Alex holds 2 jobs: a welder by day and a dancer at aforementioned Mawby's Bar during the night. Her welding boss Nick takes a liking to her and pursues her. Alex resists his charms but gives in eventually. Johnny C., the sleazy strip bar owner continually tries to lure Alex into dancing for him. As mentioned before, Alex's friends Jeanie and Richie have dreams of their own, and we see where their dreams take them.

The factor that made Flashdance a hit was the music, of course. "What a Feeling" took away an Oscar for Best Song. "I'll Be Here Where the Heart Is", sung by Kim Carnes ("Bette Davis Eyes") fits Alex's personal-crisis scene perfectly.

The first time I watched Flashdance was 4 years ago; I bought the video knowing I'd like it. After 20+ viewings, I still love it. Flashdance is for anyone who has a dream but not the courage to pursue it.