Sequel no real step forward

RYAN GUZMAN (center) stars in STEP UP: REVOLUTION

STEP UP: REVOLUTION

DIRECTOR: Scott Speer

CAST: Kathryn McCormick, Ryan Guzman, Misha Gabriel

RUNNING TIME: 100 minutes

CLASSIFICATION: 10ML

RATING: ***

When we first saw Channing Tatum pop and lock in the franchise’s first offering, Step Up, he and the movie were an instant hit.

So after two successful sequels it comes as no surprise that the directors decided to concoct another one. With an all-new cast, taking the dancing itself in a different direction and flash mobbing, Step Up: Revolution follows the lead of its predecessors by featuring gravity-defying production numbers set to a chest-thumping soundtrack.

The story centres on best friends Sean (Guzman) and Eddy (Gabriel) who lead a multi-cultural group of radical dancers, musicians and artists known as The Mob. The crew thrives in the vibrant Miami summer heat with extravagant flash mobs appearing out of nowhere and vanishing just as quickly. You see, The Mob’s main aim is to get 10 million hits on YouTube and earn a $100 000 prize.

Meanwhile, Emily (McCormick), an aspiring professional dancer, falls in love with Guzman. When her dad, who is a wealthy developer, threatens to demolish the crew’s neighbourhood in order to build a hotel, they join forces to use their dance as a form of protest art to try to stop him.

It seems the Step Up franchise’s focus is not to take itself seriously as the movies’ predictable story-lines are an excuse to showcase some crazy dance moves that will have any Step Up junkie pumped.

The preceding films were able to win audiences over even without Tatum, but particularly the last one, with the great dance sequences and the talented Adam Sevani who played Moose. Sadly, he has only a cameo role in the fourth film.

The dancing is what people come to see in these films and that’s what makes up for the rehash of a story that’s been done hundreds of times before.

Guzman and McCormick’s roles don’t stretch their acting skills too far, and both are able to get by on their good looks and flashy moves.

The Mob’s elaborate showcases are indeed the highlights, contrasting modern dance and street-style performance that incorporates hip hop, acrobatics and performance art. The opening sequence, using vintage low-riders in a traffic jam, is a spectacular fusion of art and pop culture.

Director Scott Speer really pulled out all the stops with the choreography. A corporate lockstep piece stands out in particular, while other sequences see The Mob dance in venues that push the boundaries of their art form.

And what is dance without music? The score provides not only the beat, but also the emotion. The moment a track hits, you are pulled into the song and feel the emotion of the setting.

Step Up: Revolution boasts awesome moves and a rocking soundtrack. If it’s dance action you’re looking for, then this is it.

If you liked… any of the Step Up movies… you’ll enjoy this.

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