Slam Dance

  • 1987
  • R
  • 99m
movieMx RATING
4.7/1045
VERDICT
AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Slam Dance Review

Last updated: February 16, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 16, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Slam Dance (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Mystery.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and Slam Dance features a noteworthy lineup led by Tom Hulce . Supported by the likes of Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Virginia Madsen , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Slam Dance (1987) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.7/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Slam Dance stands as a AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Slam Dance

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1987, Slam Dance is a Mystery, Thriller, Crime film directed by Wayne Wang. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Tom Hulce.

Ending Explained: Slam Dance

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Wayne Wang, Slam Dance attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to mystery resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Tom Hulce, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the mystery themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Slam Dance reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Slam Dance Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Slam Dance incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a mystery, thriller, crime film directed by Wayne Wang, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Tom Hulce's character.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: Slam Dance adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch Slam Dance?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Mystery films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

Box Office Collection: Slam Dance

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Worldwide Gross $406.9K
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT
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Top Cast: Slam Dance

All Cast & Crew →
Tom Hulce
Tom HulceC.C. Drood
Virginia Madsen
Virginia MadsenYolanda Caldwell
Adam Ant
Adam AntJim Campbell
Harry Dean Stanton
Harry Dean StantonDet. Benjamin Smiley
John Doe
John DoeDet. John Gilbert
Lin Shaye
Lin ShayeLibrarian
Rosalind Chao
Rosalind ChaoMrs. Margaret Bell
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Where to Watch Slam Dance Online?

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Slam Dance Parents Guide & Age Rating

1987 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Slam Dance age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Slam Dance is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Slam Dance is 99 minutes (1h 39m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.7/10, and global performance metrics, Slam Dance is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.

AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Slam Dance. Rating: 4.7/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Slam Dance worth watching?

Slam Dance is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Mystery movies. It has a verified rating of 4.7/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Slam Dance parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Slam Dance identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Slam Dance?

The total duration of Slam Dance is 99 minutes, which is approximately 1h 39m long.

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How Slam Dance Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Slam Dance

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 4.7
Slam Dance
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/slam-dance-78691" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 4.7</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Slam Dance</div></div></a>

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