|
SYNOPSIS:
Return
to the Center Stage phenomenon with new passions
and partners in the amped-up, high-energy Center Stage:
Turn It Up. All Kate Parker has ever wanted to do was
perform with the American Ballet Academy. But when she doesn't
get in, she learns that it takes more than just natural talent
to succeed in the dance world. With a turn in a cutting-edge
hip-hop club and the help of a handsome former hockey player-turned-dancer,
she may yet manage to make her dreams come true. Peter Gallagher
(TV's The O.C., Center Stage), Kenny Wormald
(TV's Dancelife), Ethan Stiefel (Center Stage)
and a cast of hot, up-and-coming stars rock to a new beat
in this unmissable sensation!
MOVIE
REVIEW:
If
you have seen one, you see it all.
This
is the case with movies liked "Center Stage: Turn It
Up", the direct-to-video release to the 2000 moderate
hit, "Center Stage". The main theme here of course
is dancing but since you can’t stuff a 95 minutes movie
with stretches of lingering dance numbers, you need at least
a decent coherent plot to get things moving.
In
"Center Stage: Turn It Up", newcomer Rachele Brooke
Smith plays Kate Parker. Armed with her self-taught dancing
skills, her ambition is to perform with the American Ballet
Academy. But as life goes nothing is what you expect. Kate
fails the audition and ended up as a waitress. New York seems
to be filled with handsome, goody-two-shoes young men like
Tommy Anderson (Kenny Wormald) who happens to stumble into
Kate. And guess what? Tommy himself is an ex-hockey player
turns dancer and no, he’s not gay and he encourages
Kate to move on in the dance world.
In
the cookie-cutter style of "Step Up 2: The Streets"
and "Save The Last Dance", the movie is filled with
flashy dance moves and a soundtrack that will at least have
you tapping on your feet. The characters are at best wafer
thin, complete with cliché lines and cringing performance
of the cast members, it’s a production that will have
you roll your eyes at times. Do you honestly care for the
romance between Rachele and Tommy? Or a third party by the
name of Suzanne? Blame it on my zero tolerance on chick flicks.
This has pretentious drama written all over it. The characters
are not given enough depth or emotion to engage you in the
first place in case you are blaming me for my low level of
tolerance.
But
then again, the movie is all about dancing. Hip-hop, street
dance, it’s the music that thrills. The only saving
grace is the cast themselves can actually sway to the neat
choreography and their beneficial wholesome good looks makes
it easier to swallow. And seriously I’m not at all inspired
by that in-your-face 'believe in yourself' kind of motivational
message.
SPECIAL FEATURES :
A Look Behind the Curtain - A feature that touches
on the story, characters and interview with the cast and crew.
The
Choreography of Center Stage: Turn It Up –
Behind the scenes on how the various dance sequences are choreographed.
Informative for those who are into dancing.
AUDIO/VISUAL:
Presented
in 1.85:1 widescreen, the visual is not exactly clear of blemishes
and looks pretty dull for a dance movie. The Dolby Digital
5.1 works best when it comes to the dance sequences.
MOVIE RATING:
DVD
RATING :
Review
by Linus Tee
|
