Step Up Stage Too Full

     Step Up would have been a very good movie had it not tried so hard. There are various storylines added to the mix that don’t add anything other than a few extra minutes to the movie. The movie tries its hardest to be more important that it actually is but it looks just like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Step Up is fun and it should have settled for that. If it did, moviegoers would have been in for a real treat.

     Instead, Step Up is an example of adding too many characters to an already full feature film. It is a decent romance with some great music but the inclusion of these minor characters that have nothing to do one minute and come center stage the next make the movie feel too crowded for its own good. Regardless, it is worth a look if only for the star-making performance by Jenna Dewan.

     Dewan stars as Nora, a student at a school for the arts. When Tyler, played by Channing Tatum, breaks into the school with a couple of his friends he is ordered to community service within the school as part of the cleaning staff. One day while watching Nora struggle to find a substitute partner for her showcase dance routine, Tyler offers his services to her and impresses her with his different-but-adequate dancing abilities.

     Tyler’s newfound interest angers his friends who notice his absence in their clique. Tyler struggles with his desire to make something of himself and his budding attraction to Nora. When Nora’s old partner returns, Tyler is placed on the sidelines and it looks like his dreams of dancing must dissipate and his romance with the wealthy Nora will fade away with it.

     Step Up is an entertaining motion picture with some very strong performances. Dewan, who starred in this year’s surprise horror hit Tamara, continues her on-screen appeal and promises to go far in the entertainment industry. The music will have you on your feet and the romance is sure to steam up your glasses but the subplots will leave you, at least somewhat, with two left feet.