Review of Step Up (2006) by Ciera C — 03 Feb 2013

Formulaic and cliched, Step Up is a familiar tale, yet the high-energy dances and likable characters make for a solidly entertaining film. When a street thug is sentenced to community service at an art school he gets to explore his passion for dance when one of the students finds herself in desperate need of a partner.

The story's well told and has more depth than it would appear to. And the cast, led by Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, give fair performances that work for this kind of material. But the main draw is the dance choreography, which is amazing; it uses a good mixture of modern and street dance without being corny.

Some of the elements of the film don't work, but Step Up managers to deliver a fun and upbeat film.