Save Your Last Penny

Rating: 2/10 (24 April 2015)

Save the Last Dance (2001): Dir: Thomas Carter / Cast: Julia Stiles, Sean Patrick Thomas, Kerry Washington, Terry Kinney, Bianca Lawson: Recycled drivel about the differences in cultures and styles. Title regards the ability to not give up on what is important. Too bad the screenwriter didn't do the same. Julia Stiles plays a student who used to be a dancer but after her mother died in a car accident on her way to an audition she has since left that passion. She gets settled in with her father and goes to an urban school where most of the students are black. Director Thomas Carter does a fine job with a screenplay laden with obvious clichés but it is a far cry from his wasted efforts with Metro. Stiles is a wonderful performer but she is basically following a laid out track that will end where we know it. Sean Patrick Thomas is the black male she becomes involved with whom encourages her to continue dancing. Kerry Washington plays her best friend who happens to be Thomas's sister. She is a mother dealing with an irresponsible father to her baby. Terry Kinney as Stiles's father is one note at best. Bianca Lawson plays Thomas's ex-girlfriend whose role predictably has her starting a confrontation with Stiles and just plainly being a pain in the ass. Its theme regarding interracial relationships is weighted under familiarity. Save your money as oppose to the last dance with this drivel. Score: 2 / 10