leaves you dancing, or at least wishing you could.

Rating: 8/10 (17 August 2006)

A lot of people seem to think this movie isn't worth seeing. Hopefully, you'll go see it anyway. I've never been one to listen to others opinions before seeing a movie, and often the most hated are actually the best.
I didn't see Step Up because of hot men in tights (or baggy jeans) or because of the girls in leotards. I went because I love dance. And music. And movies. And let me say that I was not disappointed at all.
There were times when the acting could have been improved, yes, but it was far from horrible. The story and the characters where all realistic. I thought it would be the same old story. You know, guy meets girl. Guy helps girl. Guy falls in love with girl. They fight, they get back together just in time for an amazing dance routine. And, in fact, that was a lot of it. But there were twists and turns and in all the movie was over and beyond that.
Instead of one basic plot filled with the usual teen angst, there were several mini plots all woven together. Lucy and Miles, Mac and Skinny, Nora and Tyler. That kept the movie interesting.
Let's get to the dancing. And the music. The movie opens up with dance. Its a constant split from ballet to street dancing/hip hop and back, all to great music. Contrary to popular belief, you can put ballet to hip hop and it looks amazing. The dancing caught me in the beginning, the middle, the end. The club scene was funny and entertaining, I loved it! And the end senior piece was amazing! OK...the choreography just plain rocks. I'm used to seeing ballet mixed with Latin dances, ballroom, jazz...any number of things...but I've always been addicted to the mix and match of ballet and hip hop. There's something about the structure of ballet mixed with the flow of hip hop that just makes you want to move! I wish i could move the way the dancers in the movie did, and I think that you will as well.
now i just can't wait until it comes out on video. I'll buy it. It can join my collection with Dance With Me, Dirty Dancing, Strictly Ballroom, Footloose, and a few others