A remotely linked sequel, with even more dances

Rating: Null/10 (10 April 2008)

People who have bought tickets to see "Step up 2" are very likely those who have watched "Step up". They won't be disappointed.
If you still remember Tyler Gage (Channing Tatum) from her first one, there is your continuity, as an older-brother-figure advising our new protagonist Andie (Briana Evigan) to meet her stern but well-meaning guardian (late mother's best friend) half-way and attend the Maryland School of Arts (MSA) and stay away from the street dancers' gang the "410". What follows is pretty well paint-by-number  dilemmas, frustrations, friendship, romance, be-yourself, understanding, reconciliation, culminating in a climatic showdown of a street dancing contest between the 401s and an offbeat group "MSA Crew" organized by Andie. Upbeat ending  all by the book.
Critics all seem to harp on the limp plot, weak acting, uninspired characters, because that is what they expect other critics to say. I don't think the movie is really that bad at those things. But I do agree that all these are beside the point. It's the dancing that we come for.
Talking about dancing up a storm..... don't these guys and gals have energy, and moves. But while the first "Step up" was a cross over between classic and modern dances, this one is all street dancing (except for one salsa number). And there isn't much music to speak of other than rhythm and rap. But if you are in the right mood (i.e. feeling like thirteen or fourteen regardless of your biological years), the dance numbers can double your pulse beat in 10 seconds flat. The final climatic number, performed in the street in torrential rain, is something to behold.
Briana Evigan has an easy, winning charm that makes her instantly likable. Robert Hoffman (probably not related to the other two with the same name, great actors both) has a very handsome face and a disarming disposition. The assemblage of the odd balls loser-types from the MSA is great fun, especially Adam G. Sevani ("Moose" in the movie"). But again that's all beside the point. All you need is three little words: they can dance.
And believe me, they can.