Is Dance Craze Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1981)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Dance Craze (1981), audiences are invited back into the world of Music, Documentary. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Rocksteady to both a visual and musical documentary of the big shots of the English 2-Tone movement of the late 1970s that has the exhaustive, high-energy performances exploding onto stage. Jump, shout, twist and crawl and dance to the tunes of Ska and its anthems of its rough riders and three-minute heroes captivated in the moment of a generation of England's concrete jungles and razor blade alleys. No longer on your radio but now on stage, together, with the likes of Madness, The Specials and The Beat et al, this concert footage of an era is a must-see, rare and fascinating look into a once vibrant youth culture of working-class England and its musical dance craze."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by Buster Bloodvessel is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Music. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Dance Craze worth your time? If you appreciate Music, Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1981, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Dance Craze is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 85 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.