Step Up - ACE Train Movie Review

Tyler Gage grew up on the wrong side of the tracks in a rough section of Baltimore, and has been in and out of trouble with the law most of his life. Finding himself before the judge yet again, Tyler is sentenced to 200 hours of community service, and he ends up mopping floors at the Maryland School of the Arts. Tyler catches the eye of Nora, a gifted ballet student who is trying to incorporate hip-hop moves into her classical routines. None of Nora's fellow students seem to be on the same page as her, but Tyler is a talented street dancer with strength, moves, and enthusiasm. Despite the misgivings of the school's administrators, Nora persuades Tyler to team up with her for a major class project. Tyler gains a new self-respect as he gives in to the discipline of the dance academy, but he wonders if this new opportunity means turning his back on who he really is. Matters become all the more complicated when Tyler and Nora realize they're falling in love.

I wasn't very impressed with this film. The dancing and music in the movie were both top notch and pretty amazing. However, the story was just too predictable for my taste. Even though this was a drama and not a suspense thriller, I found it hard to get into the drama when it was obvious what was going to happen. The lead characters had good chemistry, were great dancers and were believable in their roles, but the whole plot was very cliche and unoriginal. It's a good one to watch if you don't want to have to think very much and just want to be entertained since it was pretty entertaining despite other shortcomings.

Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan, Damaine Radcliff

I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.