Review of StreetDance 3D (2010) by Ed F — 01 Jun 2010

You would be forgiven in thinking this latest 3D spectacle and self-proclaimed 'dance movie' was an advanced preview of the upcoming third installment in the 'Step Up' franchise (also being released in 3D). This is because 'Streetdance 3D' borrows almost every aspect of those first two turgid films, basing cliched and flimsy narratives around tiresome dance numbers. 'Streetdance 3D' is basically the British equivalent, which proves to be a spectacularly bad combination.

Films like these are not made with a plausible storyline in mind, and they do not warrant any sense of interesting characters or depth. Decent acting need not apply and all one needs is a repertoire of flippy dance moves and you're good to go. Now that 3D is unfortunately the dominating force of most movie moguls these days, filmmakers within this genre feel the need to include objectifying dance moves and, in this films' case, an indulgently out of place food fight, with food flying straight at the screen constantly. These inclusions cater just for the less discerning cinemagoer, who perhaps feel the need to let out gasps of amazement and attempt to reach out and grab said gimmicky effects (this unfortunately did happen in the screening I was in, along with laughter during the most unobvious moments, which doesn't exactly work in the films favor).

'Streetdance' features an appallingly bland and uninvolving screenplay, embarrassing one-liners and an abundance of charisma-free actors, who are there purely for their talents on the dancefloor. What Charlotte Rampling is doing in this is anyone's guess, though she is perhaps the only one lending any kind of gravitas to their performance.

Tonally scatter-shot and narratively predictable, 'Streetdance' offers no cinematic surprises, rolling along at a zippy pace, ticking off every cliche along the way whilst cramming in as much racial stereotyping as possible. Undemanding audience members may well tire during the films' slower scenes, but they can rest assured that a repetitive dance number and cheesy montage is just moments away.

Despite it's abundant flaws, the film does boast some imaginative dancing, a funky soundtrack and a benefit from the London setting, which is shot beautifully. Unfortunately those are the saving graces in a film which will appeal only to its target audience; easily-pleased teenage girls looking for a good time and a reason to dance in the cinema. The rest of us should steer clear.