A compromise between previous comments

Rating: Null/10 (19 April 2001)

Having seen the movie, one of the first things I wanted to do when I got to work the morning after was to comment here how much I enjoyed it. But first, of course, I read everyone else's comments.
As far as I can see, most everyone has got it half right.
The dance scenes are beautiful, and according to interview, Stiles did them all except for the pointe sections.
The soundtrack is mainstream. There's a couple of wicked tracks on there, but - no - it's not dead original and there's nothing we haven't heard before.
The acting is standard. The characters are stereotypes, and both the leads obviously knew this far enough in advance to fax their acting in, and make plans to do something better with the day. I don't know who accused Stiles of being over-emotional, but I for one thought that her emotional outpour after watching the ballet was poorly acted. Thomas was fortunate enough to go the entire film without having to act a scene beyond your stereotypical Intelligent, Forward-Thinking, Get-out-of-the-Ghetto Black Teen, and so had no such opportunity to display poor acting.
The plot is standard. It doesn't reveal any depth, it doesn't address race issues in any new ways - but why should it? The film is selling itself as a teen dance movie; the message of tolerance is a bonus that unfortunately still needs to be communicated to millions, so we shouldn't criticise the film for putting it in, even as an afterthought.
This film is _not_ the best movie I've ever seen, and I only hope that people who've said that do so because they haven't seen many movies. But equally, it isn't a complete waste of money. I'm a big advocate of seeing a movie for what it is - entertainment. "Save the Last Dance" sells itself on the dance scenes and on the young, attractive and talented people in it. They may not get a chance to show their talent, but they go through the motions, piecing together the dance sequences with a plot we've all heard before.
Plenty of people have noted that this film shows how Stiles is en route to stardom. I disagree. Having seen "Ten Things...", I desperately wanted to see more of her, and this was one of the reasons I saw "Last Dance". Unfortunately, it seems from the rash of trailers that Stiles is in, she's fallen into the trap of believing any part is a good part at this point in her career. Let's just hope that career lasts long enough to shadow the less laudable roles she's taking at the moment.
In Summary: don't expect too much. The film addresses familiar issues in a mildly different context to normal, has a catchy soundtrack, and some truly enjoyable dance scenes [choreographic influences ranging from Bourne to Breakbeat - has to be impressive]. Just go see the film expecting a Teen Dance flick, and you'll enjoy it.