Review of Step Up Revolution (2012) by Austin B — 23 Aug 2012

As someone who had never seen any film in the Step Up series due to general cynicism toward an entire trilogy based solely on hip-hop dancing, I was at times blown away by the mesmerizing spectacle of Chuck Maldonado's visually dazzling choreography coupled with freshman director Scott Speer's hyperactive editing; pulling the audience into the stunningly complex flash mob styled performances. With more spectacle and pizzaz than most of the Hollywood blockbusters to be released this summer, Speer and Maldonado execute a few truly memorable sequences; most notably a jaw dropping scene set in a luxurious office building. The film has visual flair to spare, which is why it's a disappointment just how mundane and clichéd the storyline is. Future plot points and be seen coming from miles away, and the generally mediocre acting doesn't help a bit. However, the hyperkinetic dance routines are enough to recommend the film, even with some caution.

Grade: C+.