Rich people scoffing? Poor people popping? Talk to me, people! Let’s go!
Pop Quiz Hot Shot!
1) Electric Boogaloo as a subtitle has entered the popular lexicon as a generic silly name for a sequel. Some might call it “a clichéd phrase in which one or more words can be substituted to express a similar idea in a different context, often to humorous or sarcastic effect” … that is the definition of what (non-weather related) word?
2) When the film came out Ebert gave the film three out of four stars. There was also at least one other critic of New York Press who gave it a good review. As a matter of fact he often gives good films bad reviews (The Wild Robot) and bad films good reviews (Rebel Moon Part 1). Who is this famously contrarian critic?
3) Sam Firstenberg directed Lucinda Dickey in both Breakin’ 2 and Ninja III: The Domination. As a matter of fact he also directed the second in the Ninja series (Revenge of the Ninja) and the first two films in what martial arts series starring Michael Dudikoff?
4) Both films would be produced by Golan-Globus Cannon. The last film produced under that banner was a Jean-Claude Van Damme which would be followed by two sequels, the third film with the subtitle The Recycler. What is this sci-fi production?
5) The electric boogaloo is an actual dance. It is related to popping which Shabba Doo specialized in. It is best known for the dance move you might remember from a Volkswagen commercial featuring Tony Hale. What is that dance?
Bonus NYTimes Listing Question: On February 6, 1990, Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo played on Cinemax at 6PM. A very very famous musical played after, and then after that:
What is this “dreadful” film?
Answers
1) Snowclone. The word itself comes from the fact that Eskimos have many words for snow. It is basically a meme or modern cliché which was coined to describe a lazy journalistic trick. Basically, to make a joke without having to think of a joke. Like … if there is a silly sequel, why bother thinking up your own joke when you can just say something like Venom 2: Electric Boogaloo and move on.
2) Armond White. Some people think he’s joking, but he doesn’t seem to be. He does seem to be religious and quite conservative so his complaints are often about leftist messages or consumerism basically. Concerning Rebel Moon: “Working as his own cinematographer, Snyder makes the narrative as lusty as fantasy artist Frank Frazetta, but the sensual daring produces kineticism and wonder that matches The Thief of Bagdad.” … this is why people think he is joking.
3) If I hear Michael Dudikoff and martial arts I know we are talking about American Ninja. This movie has always been on my radar because it is set in the Philippines, and that is a surprisingly rare location for a film.
4) That is Cyborg. Cyborg is a mostly boring film in my opinion, but as an Albert Pyun film I can see why people tend to find joy in it. Pyun was a character, and I did enjoy the insanity of his Kickboxer sequels.
5) That would be the Robot. That’s right, at every wedding you’ve been to you’ve been boogalooing around and you didn’t even know it. Also you definitely remember the Mr. Roboto commercial from Volkswagen.
Bonus NYTimes Listing Answer: You know that famous Maxwell Caulfield film, Grease 2? I don’t know about jumping and squealing, but the film is pretty dreadful.
Man, Breakin’ 2, Grease, and Grease 2 back to back to back? That is nuts. Right before that? Police Academy 6! Jeez.
Bad Movie Twins 