Movie of the year (for preteens)
This movie review appeared in Fort McMurray Today Aug. 23, 2006
STEP UP
Starring: Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan
Directed by: Anne Fletcher
Rating: PG
2 1/2 stars (out of four)
By PAULA OGONOSKI
Today staff
If your preteen years aren't behind you, Step Up is possibly the best movie of the year. Otherwise, chances are you've seen this film thousands of times, only better. In the past it's been called Dirty Dancing, Save the Last Dance or The Cutting Edge. The only way to recycle a plot successfully is to do it better. This film may step up but that's about all it does.
Nora (Jenna Dewan), a wealthy trained dancer, is forced to partner with Tyler (Channing Tatum), a delinquent kid from the 'hood with nothing but club dancing experience, to help her practise for a life-changing audition. While the two are from opposite sides of the tracks and have little in common, things heat up both on and off the dance floor.
There are three major problems with this film.
The first: Dewan isn't memorable. I found myself drifting during her scenes, and paying more attention to the extras whenever the one-dimensional actress was on the screen.
Her acting is weak, and she lacks the "it" factor. I'm not even sure the inexperienced actress believed what she was saying. And passion isn't just lacking in her acting. The chemistry between the lead actors is non-existent. Where's Dirty Dancing's Baby and Johnny when you need them? Now, they knew how to heat up a screen.
The second major problem with the film is its relatively boring dance sequences, with the exception of the last number. Some are hopelessly cheesy, especially one number at a nightclub. With television hits like Dancing with the Stars and So you Think You Can Dance? showing the public how it's done, movies really need to step up their dance choreography and bring something memorable to the audience.
Third, like the dancers, the plot is weak. The foundation on which the entire story lies is unbelievable. Nora supposedly can't find someone at her prestigious dancing school to lift her, so she has to use Tyler. I find it hard to believe none of these supposedly `world-class dancers could lift the petite Nora at that stage in their careers.
I'll admit the film is somewhat entertaining, but so is a waterskiing squirrel. And I can't imagine sitting through a movie about a waterskiing squirrel.
© Copyright 2006, Fort McMurray Today.
STEP UP
Starring: Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan
Directed by: Anne Fletcher
Rating: PG
2 1/2 stars (out of four)
By PAULA OGONOSKI
Today staff
If your preteen years aren't behind you, Step Up is possibly the best movie of the year. Otherwise, chances are you've seen this film thousands of times, only better. In the past it's been called Dirty Dancing, Save the Last Dance or The Cutting Edge. The only way to recycle a plot successfully is to do it better. This film may step up but that's about all it does.
Nora (Jenna Dewan), a wealthy trained dancer, is forced to partner with Tyler (Channing Tatum), a delinquent kid from the 'hood with nothing but club dancing experience, to help her practise for a life-changing audition. While the two are from opposite sides of the tracks and have little in common, things heat up both on and off the dance floor.
There are three major problems with this film.
The first: Dewan isn't memorable. I found myself drifting during her scenes, and paying more attention to the extras whenever the one-dimensional actress was on the screen.
Her acting is weak, and she lacks the "it" factor. I'm not even sure the inexperienced actress believed what she was saying. And passion isn't just lacking in her acting. The chemistry between the lead actors is non-existent. Where's Dirty Dancing's Baby and Johnny when you need them? Now, they knew how to heat up a screen.
The second major problem with the film is its relatively boring dance sequences, with the exception of the last number. Some are hopelessly cheesy, especially one number at a nightclub. With television hits like Dancing with the Stars and So you Think You Can Dance? showing the public how it's done, movies really need to step up their dance choreography and bring something memorable to the audience.
Third, like the dancers, the plot is weak. The foundation on which the entire story lies is unbelievable. Nora supposedly can't find someone at her prestigious dancing school to lift her, so she has to use Tyler. I find it hard to believe none of these supposedly `world-class dancers could lift the petite Nora at that stage in their careers.
I'll admit the film is somewhat entertaining, but so is a waterskiing squirrel. And I can't imagine sitting through a movie about a waterskiing squirrel.
© Copyright 2006, Fort McMurray Today.
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