As the second ‘Dance’ movie I watched this week, “B-Girl” follows by coming in a close second to “Fame.” It’s a ‘B-Movie’ about a girl by the name of Angel (Jules Urich) who feels that there is nothing in her life more important than dancing. But we’re not talking ballet, folk, or even swing. We’re talking the violent world of street or break dancing. (I know, the idea that any kind of dancing can be dangerous or violent has never tried disco.) Competitions on the streets can be fierce, and when one of her friends is stabbed and killed following a dance-off, Angel thinks her life will never be the same. Her confidence shattered, she moves from the dangerous streets Brooklyn to the dangerous streets of Los Angeles to live with her mother. At this point Angel becomes somewhat of a recluse, and her mother refuses to let her return to the dancing that she loves. But her grandmother steps in (as all wise grandmothers should) and suggest she join a local church group to work through her troubles.

Here Angel surprisingly finds other kids embracing break dancing, but is still too scared to join in, until she meets Carlos (Wesley Jonathan). He shows her she has the strength to do what she loves and turn it into a positive force.

“B-Girl” is a little bit on the formulaic side as you can almost see where it is heading at every moment. It also has its share of stilted acting, due mostly to the fact that the majority of the cast is filled with noted break dancers. Its obvious dancing is their thing… not acting. But they fumble through their speaking parts admirably in between wowing each other with their ‘moves.’ For those familiar with break dancing celebrities, you get to see the likes of Remedy, Steelo, FleaRock and Legacy. For me, however… I can appreciate the talent these guys have, but cannot help but laugh at the ridiculous names.

The DVD offers a decent picture quality, but being a lower budget film don’t expect it to look fantastic. The sound is another matter. Music matters in a movie like this and the filmmakers made sure that the sound mix would rock your house if you have a good surround system.

As for extra features, look for interviews with both Jules Urich and Wesley Jonathan, as well as an interview with Ivan ‘Flipz’ Velez (snicker) who spins on his head like nobody’s business. There is also a featurette on the final dance-off (a scene every movie like this has to have) and a handful of bloopers. Finally, you’ll find some dance auditions, which I found to be funnier than the bloopers.

“B-Girl” is in no way a fantastic film plot or acting-wise. But if you’re a fan of break dancing, you will get your money’s worth on the dance sequences.

Directed by: Emily Dell
Starring: Jules Urich, Missy Yager, Drew Sidroa, Aimee Garcia, James Martinez
Extras: Bloopers; Dance Auditions; Dancer Profiles;The Battle
Specification: Widescreen; 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Screen Media Films
Release Date: 1/26/2010
MPAA Rating: PG-13
http://www.bgirlmovie.com

We'll give B-Girl a C+.