'Step Up Revolution' (English)
Director: Scott Speer
Cast: Ryan Guzman, Kathryn McCormick, Misha Gabriel, Mia Michaels
The fourth iteration of the Step Up franchise, Revolution lays down its premise with the opening voiceover, about how you “need to speak louder than everyone else to be heard” in big cities with psychedelic lights.
Sean (Ryan Guzman) and his best buddy Eddy (Misha Gabriel) lead a mixed-race dance flash mob, called, well, ‘The Mob’ in Miami. Their antics rarely seem to bother the Miami police, which seems quite happily laidback. Their aim, to grab 10 million hits on YouTube for their video, for a cash prize. Kolaveri Di, anyone? Things take a turn when hotelier and tycoon Mr. Anderson (Peter Gallagher) decides to buy up an entire strip along the beach and convert it into a luxurious township.
Encouraged by the token Cinderella (Kathryn McCormick), The Mob, yes, steps up.
The makers are clearly not bothered about a plot in this dance-mood flick, which may leave you quite pepped-up afterwards.
Within the limited framework, there’s a good old boy-meets-girl story which is nowhere near as claustrophobic as it could be, thanks to the fact that most of the film’s dedicated to dance.
The 3D effect makes you feel you’re part of the scene, and some of Jamal Sims’ dance pieces can make you want to get up and dance. You don’t go into a dance movie looking for an outstanding storyline, but it helps when you get some laughs in. The makers know the weight of the movie has to be borne by the dancing, and give it a skimpy enough framework to allow it to carry through.
The Verdict: If you have an interest in dance or photography, Step Up Revolution is a visual treat you shouldn’t miss.