Directed By: John M. Chu
Written By: Toni Ann Johnson & Karen Barna
Based On Characters Created By: Duane Adler
Cinematography By: Max Malkin
Editor: Nicholas Erasmus & Andrew Marcus
Cast: Briana Evigan, Cassie Ventura, Robert Hoffman, Adam G. Sevani, Danielle Polanco, Harry Shum Jr., Christopher Scott, Will Kemp, Channing Tatum, Sonja Sohn
When her guardian threatens to send her to live in Texas, dancer Andie enrolls in the Maryland School of the Arts. There she attempts to learn the traditional technique of dance while encouraging the school misfits to embrace their own unusual dance skills and styles. This film makes sense only in it's own world. Where the dangerous gang is more a group of dancers who follow no rules. Rather than doing any actual serious crimes.
So that the film seems to have a more a west side story vibe. Where they are more about vandalism and impromptu dancing in public spaces. Which naturally makes us view the film as much more a musical and soft core. It makes me more want to grade it in that demeanor. As the story is as simple as the first one only different circumstances and the sex of the character is reversed.
Only here the friends and so called gang or group of friends seem more one sided and selfish. They also seem not really there for her maybe more of a neighborhood alliance then actual friendship. As the friends seem close but turn on her a little more slowly though the amount of viciousness once they do leave her behind is surprising.
Though they battle through the streets it seems more a practical joke or rap beef as they battle. Though luckily with little to no violence. Which is why the stakes are so low and hard to take this film seriously. So it comes off as harmless. No matter how serious it gets. Then again I am obviously not who it is marketed to. So younger viewers might be able more to identify with the film.
Can tell some of the actors were castes more for their dancing skills. As their acting is barely up to par. Though the cast is very attractive. The story seems to be more about getting over ego and taking control your passion. Breaking it down to the basics to study the science of it all, as well as us by your natural talent and as always the mighty must fall.
So the diverse multi-racial gang most defeat the mostly minority team.
The cast members of note is Briana Evigan in the lead who is assuring and Fun and actually returns for one of the future sequels
Adam G. Sevani is also a surprise in dancing and acting skills. He is charismatic and funny. And soon becomes a main character in the future sequels
Also Cassie Ventura, who is a screen goddess who I wished was in movies. She is already a star. Here her dance moves are so fluid and captivating and she isn't even the lead. She is very seductive. Her beauty makes one stop in their tracks and stare wanting to take her all in. Even though she is only in a supporting role here and more a nemesis to the lead at first.
When it comes to the dance scenes you can always tell when it's a set-up. As presentation does matter. Here it looks spectacular like it's own martial art, dance-fu. After all both are physical and choreographer for the best results.
Where as in other dance films of more basic design and quality. There are so many cuts or just plain simple camerawork. Where the camera just sits to document. That it ends up looking like a stage production with a flair for the cinematic. It doesn't feel like it flows or is organic as a production. Where as In these films. It is set up, it goes with the flow in scenes also.
Even with the diversity shown in these films. They always seem to be centered around the bad side of the tracks Caucasian characters surrounded by minorities. Trying to fit in. The street with the more traditional styles of dance. While also seeking acceptance in a more minority culture and surroundings, looking for acceptance and trying to prove themselves.
While the dancing is beyond impressive (After all it's the best thing in the movie and what is actually noteworthy) what you might leave the film with more so is the soundtrack which also instantly dates the film. So that watching it now feels more like a time warp and a walk down memory lane.
Grade: C+
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