So I finally got to see Step Up Revolution, and I am happy to report that it was everything I dreamed it would be — and more! So many of the classic Teen Dance Movie clichés were represented in this movie, including:
- ★ Boy and girl from opposite sides of “the tracks”
- ★ First meeting between the main characters involving a dance-off
- ★ Dance school snobs
- ★ Characters getting sprayed by water, turning their white t-shirts transparent
- ★ “Street” dancers vs. “legitimate” dancers
- ★ Stern-but-loving parent who initially disapproves of their child’s dance aspirations, but comes around in the end
- ★ Someone delivering the line “Rules are meant to be broken!”
- ★ Overprotective best friend
- ★ A misunderstanding that drives the main couple apart
- ★ Epic Final Dance Scene (of course — it wouldn’t be a Teen Dance Movie without this)
And, you guys! AND! Not only does the movie contain all of those tried-and-true plot devices, it ALSO features some v. important social commentary, which is a departure from the previous Step Up movies. You see, the male protagonist, Sean, grew up in the “barrio” in Miami, where people are poor but have artistic souls and plenty of street cred. The female lead, Emily, is the daughter of a rich hotel tycoon played by Peter Gallagher…
What the hell am I doing in this movie?? I’m Sandy Cohen! Someone please get my agent on the phone…
…who is planning on razing Sean’s entire neighbourhood to the ground to build a new hotel chain. Clearly this is unacceptable, so the dance crew (called “The Mob”) stages a series of guerilla dance protest events in order to bring down the greedy corporate suits and their plans for gentrification.
Do they succeed?
Well…you’ll just have to go see it to find out!
Oh, and also?
Moose is back!
MOOSE!!!!!!!!!!!
