Ryan C’s review published on Letterboxd:
Yeah, Flashdance is a silly movie with a banal script – I don't care. Here’s why I love it.
First, and most importantly, it has one of the greatest soundtracks of all-time. "Flashdance... What a Feeling" is such an inspiring, catchy, pop anthem, and Giorgio Moroder is a god. "Manhunt", "Maniac", "He's a Dream", "Romeo" – so many great tunes, and they make up for the fact that a LOT of screen time is spent showing people dancing. Not to mention Beals' totally obvious body double, who, while a great dancer, never once convinces us that it's Beals doing those moves (the terrible wig is a dead giveaway). But, like I said, the songs make up for these flaws. The highlight of the dance sequences is Cynthia Rhodes dancing to "Manhunt" – that's really quite something!
Another thing I love about Flashdance – and this is a purely personal reason – is the fact that much of it was filmed in my current city of Pittsburgh, PA. I get ridiculously excited when I see locations that I recognize, and I find myself wanting to track them down. Every time I’m going across the bridge into downtown and I see that view, I’m compelled to listen to “What a Feeling”.
Let’s face it, the film is very well-made. It’s just a pleasure to watch. Director Adrian Lyne has a terrific visual sensibility and was a great fit for this project, which, interestingly, was first offered to Brian De Palma and David Cronenberg – can you imagine?!