Step Up to the Streets
U.S.A. 2008

Opening 6 Mar 2008

Directed by: Jon Chu
Writing credits: Toni Ann Johnson, Karen Barna, Duane Adler
Principal actors: Briana Evigan, Robert Hoffman, Adam G. Sevani, Cassie

Well, good morning Baltimore – a Baltimore beyond Tracy Turnblad’s wildest dreams, unless she’s been dreaming of hip hop and break dance. The film opens with Andi (Briana Evigan) and her friends of all races, dressed in the latest street fashions, dancing in the subway. Members of the group are put off to learn that Andi has been accepted at a fancy dancing school where one of the best dancers, Chase (Robert Hoffman), recognizes her talent and enables her enrollment. It’s either this school or a ticket to Texas to live with an unloved aunt. What’s a girl to do? Andi grows apart from her former friends. She and Chase organize a new group and compete in an underground street dance competition called “The Street.” The plot includes the predictable love story and conflicts among friends, adults, and teachers. Forget the plot, which is part Hairspray, part Dirty Dancing, and part High School Musical I and II. Enjoy some of the finest street dancing currently on screen, including break dance with trampolines, salsa, and dancing in the rain. Music is by Missy Elliott, with hip hop and R & B acts such as Flo Rida, Cherish, Scarface, Cassie, and Danity Kane. Never heard of them? It’s high time you did. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this is the sequel to the successful Step Up. (Becky Tan)