When the dancer becomes the dance.

Starring: Jennifer Beals, Michael Nouri, Lilia Skala, Sunny Johnson, Kyle T. Heffner, Lee Ving, Ron Karabatsos, Belinda Bauer, Malcolm Danare, Philip Burnes

DML Rating: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ - above average

"A girl's got to make a living."– Alex Owens, when asked by she works as a welder

Why watch this? This will get your dance on.

Plot Summary: Eighteen-year-old Alex Owens works as a welder by day and a dancer at a working-class bar by night in Pittsburgh. She dreams of becoming a professional ballerina and attending the prestigious Pittsburgh Conservatory of Dance and Repertory. Despite her talent, Alex struggles with self-doubt and the complexities of her burgeoning romance with her boss, Nick.

Dad's Preview: I have to confess that really enjoyed this film when it was released. Jennifer Beals was captivating to watch in this rags to riches tale, populated with several provocative dance numbers. Her on stage routine with the water raining down is iconic. Critics were unkind about the thin plot, but hey, you can't have everything, right? Regardless, the film still won an Oscar for Best Song, with "Flashdance... What a Feeling".

Polygram Pictures; Paramount Pictures