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Review #214 of 365
Film: Step Up [PG-13] 98 minutes
WIP™ Scale: $12.25
Where Viewed: Colorado Cinemas Cherry Creek 8, Denver, CO
When 1st Seen: 13 August 2006
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Soundtrack: Download the soundtrack now from 
or order the CD below.
Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word or less review of this film]
Seriously fresh music, a cast of young people who have real star potential, and a troubled high school kid destined for a life in prison who breaks free when he discovers his talent for street hip hop dancing has a place for him in a real financial future, all of these forces of good in a movie coalesce to form the scaffolding for choreographer Anne Fletcher's new film Step Up. First, let's hear it for Ms Fletcher. Not many choreographers have been given the reigns to direct a feature film. And, given the number of women who direct feature films in the first place, her success story seems all the more improbable, yet here she is with what some are calling a surprise hit, and I would say was a logical hit. There is, believe it or not, a large audience out there that loves dance/musical movies. We don't get enough of these and not all are as good as others. Some serve as major change agents in our culture (ie. Flashdance) and others make us want to leap to our feet and dance ourselves (ie. Footloose and Fame). There is something about these films that work for more people than musicals because these seem more plausible. Most people have never witnessed real people suddenly breaking into a song and dance routine in an ordinary day, however, the idea of kids dancing at an art school for dancers, well, that's perfectly logical. Think Billy Elliot, Center Stage, and the more recent Antionio Banderas film Take the Lead.
Next, let's discuss the cast. Remember St. Elmo's Fire? Do the names: Emilio Estevez, Demi Moore, Robe Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Mare Winningham, and Andie MacDowell ring any bells? They should. Though Ms Moore and MacDowell are perhaps the most famous of the bunch these days, there was a time when at least one of these actors was in every movie released. Their careers were in decent gear until this film sort of set them up to be noticed. Don't be surprised if Step Up is the St. Elmo's Fire for Channing Tatum,
Next, let's discuss the cast. Remember St. Elmo's Fire? Do the names: Emilio Estevez, Demi Moore, Robe Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Mare Winningham, and Andie MacDowell ring any bells? They should. Though Ms Moore and MacDowell are perhaps the most famous of the bunch these days, there was a time when at least one of these actors was in every movie released. Their careers were in decent gear until this film sort of set them up to be noticed. Don't be surprised if Step Up is the St. Elmo's Fire for Channing Tatum,
Jenna Dewan, Damaine Radcliff, Drew Sidora, Josh Henderson, and Tim Lacatena. Certainly Channing (She's the Man) Tatum, Jeana (Take the Lead) Dewan, and Damian (Glory Road) Radcliffe are well on their way with the right projects in the pipe lines. These three in particular are very sharp actors and Tatum and Dewan are outstanding dancers as well. I was blown away by Tatum's athleticism on the dance floor. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he inspires an entire generation of young male dancers to take up dance and strut their stuff. Great athletes from Gretzky to Jordan have all honed their athletic poise and muscle control through dance, so why not the other way around? Channing Tatum was unreal. Overall, the cast was outstanding in every sense artistically. Moreover, they seemed real and comfortable in their roles.
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" fresh music…young people who have real star potential…the final dance number steps up! "
Plotwise, the film is mildly predictable. There were also some distasteful drawbacks, that cast a shadow of stereotypes that could have been changed to improve the film. For starters, Tyler Gage (Channing Tatum) is a foster child. His foster father is a drunk. Yikes. Second, Tyler and his best friend Mac (Damaine Radcliff) are into some low-life stuff: stealing cars, hanging with dealers, and general mischief. In fact, a night in the auditorium of the Maryland School for the Arts where they and Mac's little brother, Skinny (De'Shawn Washington) trash the theatre which is exactly what ends up getting Tyler 200 hours of community service cleaning the school, which leads him to becoming the dance partner of Nora, a senior whose dance partner sprained his ankle and had to drop out of her piece opening the door for Tyler. It's stereotypical that Tyler and his pals would be involved in nefarious activity and predictable that once Tyler starts dancing with Nora, they are going to begin to feel very differently about each other. There is a lot of gang-banging and other stereotypical stuff among the black characters including one thug named PJ who is just an unsavory, Escalade-driving, pistol-waving, dude that brings the whole world down. It just seems awkward and unnecessary for these kinds of things to be a part of this movie. A major tragedy befalls a main character which ultimately inspires significant change in Tyler and Mac. I feel that this could have been achieved without a reliance on stereotypical cardboard villains. And this tragedy that occurs is hard to take, so be prepared.
In taking a moment to talk about the title, Step Up, I have to say when it comes to working with teenagers today, I find it to be one of the most powerful expressions. It means, the act of rising to the occasion, capitalizing on your talents, and doing the right thing all at once. It's more than simply stepping up to the plate, it's hitting the grand slam while ensuring your best friend still looks good, the little kid with leukemia catches the ball, and when you cross home plate you go to the dug out and thank your batting coach for mentoring you and your teammates for supporting you and never once to say anything arrogant. We need more role models for kids today where stepping up becomes the norm not the exception. This film really is about stepping up.
Ultimately, the few criticisms aside, Step Up is a very good film. It has a great deal to offer to people across a spectrum of ages and interests. There is a dose of harsh reality mixed in which adds to the realism of today's world. And, the final dance number steps up!
In taking a moment to talk about the title, Step Up, I have to say when it comes to working with teenagers today, I find it to be one of the most powerful expressions. It means, the act of rising to the occasion, capitalizing on your talents, and doing the right thing all at once. It's more than simply stepping up to the plate, it's hitting the grand slam while ensuring your best friend still looks good, the little kid with leukemia catches the ball, and when you cross home plate you go to the dug out and thank your batting coach for mentoring you and your teammates for supporting you and never once to say anything arrogant. We need more role models for kids today where stepping up becomes the norm not the exception. This film really is about stepping up.
Ultimately, the few criticisms aside, Step Up is a very good film. It has a great deal to offer to people across a spectrum of ages and interests. There is a dose of harsh reality mixed in which adds to the realism of today's world. And, the final dance number steps up!
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Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word review of this film]
Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word review of this film]
Other Projects Starring: Channing Tatum • Jenna Dewan • Damaine Radcliff
De'Shawn Washington • Drew Sidora • Josh Henderson
Tim Lacatena
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Step Up Review-lite [150-word cap]
Seriously fresh music, a cast of young people with real star potential, and a troubled high school kid destined for a life in prison who breaks free when he discovers his talent for street hip hop dancing has a place for him in a real financial future--all of these forces of good in a movie coalesce to form the scaffolding for choreographer Anne Fletcher's new film Step Up. Though the plot is mildly predictable and there is too much reliance on outdated stereotypes, there is so much more about the film to enjoy. Excellent choreography for one. Up and coming Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan, and Damaine Radcliff deliver quality performances. Criticisms aside, Step Up has a great deal to offer people across a spectrum of ages and interests. There is a dose of harsh reality mixed in to the realism of today's world. And, the final dance number steps up!
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