In the realm of dance movies, “Battle of the Year” emerges as a film with undeniable strengths on the dance floor, even if its narrative missteps are hard to ignore. While the movie itself may not be a cinematic masterpiece, one cannot deny the captivating presence and dance prowess of Chris Brown. His role as Rooster in “Battle of the Year” puts his exceptional dance talent front and center, making it a point of focus for audiences interested in high-energy breakdancing and, of course, Chris Brown’s performance.
The premise of “Battle of the Year” is straightforward: a washed-up basketball coach, Jason (Josh Holloway), is tasked with assembling an American b-boy team to compete in the prestigious international breakdancing competition of the same name in France. Prompted by his friend Dante (Laz Alonso), Jason reluctantly steps into the world of competitive breakdancing, aiming to redeem himself and bring the US team back to glory. This sets the stage for a classic underdog story, albeit one that often stumbles in its execution.
Enter Chris Brown as Rooster, a pivotal member of Jason’s recruited “dream team.” Rooster is portrayed as an arrogant and self-centered dancer, a character trait that some critics found perhaps too close to Brown’s public persona. However, regardless of the character’s less-than-flattering personality, Brown’s dance ability shines brilliantly. The film undeniably leverages Brown’s real-world dance expertise, showcasing his intricate footwork, dynamic movements, and overall stage presence within the context of competitive breakdancing. Even for viewers who may have reservations about Brown, his on-screen dance performance is compelling, demanding attention whenever he takes the floor.
Director Benson Lee, known for the documentary “Planet B-Boy,” brings an authentic understanding and appreciation for breakdancing to “Battle of the Year.” This expertise is most evident in the film’s numerous dance sequences. Lee captures the energy and athleticism of breakdancing, particularly during the climactic “Battle of the Year” competition itself. While the narrative structure relies on familiar tropes of training montages and inspirational speeches, the actual dance battles provide genuine excitement. The movie features various international crews, with the Korean team being highlighted as a crowd favorite, adding to the sense of a global competition. These scenes are where “Battle of the Year” truly comes alive, offering a visual spectacle of synchronized and innovative breakdancing.
However, the movie is not without its drawbacks. As noted in original reviews, the plot is predictable, and the attempts at emotional depth often fall flat. The acting, outside of Brown’s dance performance and Josh Peck’s likeable supporting role, is generally unremarkable, with many cast members primarily chosen for their dance skills rather than acting chops. Furthermore, the 3D filming, intended to enhance the viewing experience, was criticized for making the dance sequences appear less fluid and more jarring. Despite these cinematic shortcomings, for audiences specifically interested in Chris Brown’s dance work within a movie setting, “Battle of the Year” delivers.
In conclusion, “Battle of the Year” is a mixed bag. Its narrative and cinematic execution may leave much to be desired, but the film’s strength lies in its depiction of breakdancing and, significantly, in showcasing Chris Brown’s exceptional dance talents. For fans of dance movies or those specifically seeking out Chris Brown’s movie dance performances, “Battle of the Year” offers enough high-energy dance sequences to warrant a viewing, even if the overall film experience is less than perfect.
