Review of StreetDance 3D (2010) by Mike H — 07 Jun 2010

The film concerns a street dance crew that are soon to compete in the British National Street Dance Finals. We know this because, at the beginning of the film, we see them qualify. But, just for those that may not have quite got it it's mentioned in dialogue again... and again... and again... and again... and again... and again... and again... and again... and again... and again...

If you've seen the trailer, you know the plot, You know exactly what's going to happen when the street dance crew are forced to incorporate a smattering of ballet dancers in order to gain rehearsal studio time. You know how the film will progress at every step.

The acting is, at times, very wooden indeed - particularly from the young dancers.

And, d'ya know what? None of the points made above matter one little bit.

It's a cracking film!

Obviously, the dancing is the main element and it is absolutely electric. It makes sense that many of these kids find it hard to string two words together when they express themselves so completely in their moves. The crew's dancing is exhuberant, vivacious, vital and exciting. Tremendous choreography matches the music perfectly.

And, whisper it, there was even a rather good use of 3D (when our heroine sees ballet for the first time we are able to see - brief - excerpts from the dance at the same time as her reaction to it).

I went along to see this movie 'cos I fancied the cinema and it happened to start at the right time for me to get to straight from work. Serendipity.

All this and Eleanor Bron hamming it up wonderfully as a ballet teacher.

And Charlotte Rampling.

A really pleasant surprise.