Looks like Hollywood has run out of sports to make into inspiring sports movies. So, they turn to the very niche world of competitive dance championships.
Josh Holloway stars as a retired basketball coach hired to whip a rag tag team of dancers from varied backgrounds into a squad ready to compete for a breakdancing title at the annual BATTLE OF THE YEAR. Musician Chris Brown plays the rebellious member of the dance troupe who flirts with women and throws punches as much as he throws down (is he playing himself?).
I kid you not, this is a real movie. Check out the trailer below if you don’t believe me.
Plot: With compelling characters and vibrant dance sequences, BATTLE OF THE YEAR is set in the international world of B-boying – the urban dance more commonly known as “breakdancing.” Unforgettable images frame the intimate stories of an all-star American dance crew who, with the help of their tough coach (Josh Holloway), struggle to reach their dreams despite being misunderstood by society and even their own families. Their lives collide in France where their skills are put to the ultimate test: the “Battle of the Year” finals, with crews from 18 nations vying for the title of World Champion. The film features electrifying dance performances and astonishing displays of power and grace, showing how a street dance from New York has evolved into an inspiring art form for a new generation around the world.
After Josh Holloway’s brief turn in MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL, I expected him to get some real leading roles. Sawyer was one of the best television characters of the last decade and Holloway himself has a lot of presence on screen. Here is hoping that BATTLE OF THE YEAR is just a stepping stone to a much bigger leading role.
BATTLE OF THE YEAR opens in 3D on January 25, 2013.