ALARIS' REVIEWS

25th September 2009
Step Up (2006)

I actually watched Step Up 2: The Streets (2008) before the original Step Up , under the impression that like the TV show So You Think You Can Dance (2005), the series would get progressively better.

It would seem that it didn't.

Step Up is actually a much better movie, with better dancing, better music, better characters, better story, and better acting. The plot is still predictable, with its cheesy moments of convenience, but it's much more palatable because of the characters.

Admittedly, they read like clichés: Tyler, the delinquent street dancer sentenced to community service at the Maryland School of Performing Arts; Nora, the classical dancer desperate to perfect her showcase performance. Cue culture clash and torn loyalties. While the acting isn't great, the characters aren't overplayed, and Channing Tatum actually does a nice job of conveying Tyler's gentleness and insecurity. The supporting cast also deliver a likeable array of students, all following their dreams.

The montages are fun, the dance pieces entertaining, and the directing dynamic. Unlike its tepid sequel, Step Up has reasonably steady pacing, and the stakes feel important without being overwrought. There's also much more of a two way learning curve between the two leads.

Step Up isn't the kind of movie that'll blow an audience away with colour and spectacle, but it's easily watchable, without any overtly annoying drawbacks. It also features the talented Rachael Griffiths as the school's director, which is a pleasant bonus.

For some reason, Step Up still feels as though it were made in the 80s, but not necessarily in a bad way.

Verdict: An entertaining teen film about dance - not overly ambitious, but easy viewing.

If you like So You Think You Can Dance (2005), you might like this.

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