Step Up 3D

2 Stars

Not exactly a step “up.”

Rating: PG
Stars: Adam Sevani, Rick Malambri, Sharni Vinson, Alyson Stoner

What’s the story?
Step Up 3D picks up where the last one left off, as Moose (Sevani) leaves the Maryland School of the Arts and begins studying at NYU. Along with his best friend Camille (Stoner), Moose finds it difficult adjusting to NYU and soon realizes that he will not be able to leave his dancing days behind him. After being introduced to a group of underground hip-hop dancers led by financially struggling club owner Luke (Malambri), Moose teams up with the dancers to help them defeat one of New York’s best hip-hop crews in the World Jam.

Why see it?
For anyone who loves dancing, or is looking to see some amazing performances that literally pop off the screen, Step Up 3D is perfect. The movie flaunts unique moves and a fantastic soundtrack.

Problems?
Although the choreography is exciting, Step Up 3D is an extremely cliché and disappointing sequel to its successful predecessor. The predictable storyline of a group of people who don’t fit in, pressured to defeat an arrogant hip-hop crew in an intense underground dance battle can only be described as lame. With a script cheesier than the tag line of this review, one could easily feel that they are watching Camp Rock instead of Step Up. Rick Malambri gives a horribly unconvincing performance − one that his strong jawline and defined abs do not make up for. In addition, the chemistry between Malambri and Vinson seems quite forced.

All in all:
Impressive dance moves tied together by a weak storyline.