Review of Honey (2003) by David L — 28 Oct 2013

Hadn't realised that such a dull and uninspiring film title would star the likes of Jessica Alba, but I guess this may have been a before she was famous type role. I find myself questioning why on earth I then decided to watch it but anything seemed better than researching insurance quotes that I was busy doing that afternoon.

It wasn't appealing enough to captivate me 100% but it was a bog standard watchable film that was as predictable as it's 'Step Up' and 'Streetdance' friends. I don't actually think it was as good as those simply because of the lack of innovative and imaginative dance moves, yet this was more about the storytelling than anything else.

It was a typical teen girl movie that assumes that everyone wants to be Honey, a cool kid, that is down with the streets, has a passion for dance, and is the object of every boys desire. Dominated by very black cultural settings, there's a lot of 'you got it goin' on girlfriend' and 'I got your back, dog' lingo, as well as the underground drug operations taking place.

This all adds to the atmosphere of the film though, and shows how good can develop from a stereotypical ghetto environment. With cameo appearances from stars like Missy E, this movie is really punching above its weight and it hasn't quite got the quality and credibility that it's cast may suggest.

Yes, it's watchable and flows well, but it's not the best of its genre, and doesn't stand up to the likes of Save The Last Dance which albeit cheesy, is executed very well. You won't be disappointed by this, but you will be left wanting.