Step Up 2 the Streets - PG-13

Watch Step Up 2 the Streets Video Movie Review

Electrifying dance elevates an almost boring film.

Watch Video Review

Rating: PG-13 for language, some suggestive material and brief violence. Studio: Touchstone Pictures Directed By: Jon Chu Cast: Briana Evigan, Robert Hoffman, Adam Sevani Running Time: 98 minutes Release Date: 02/14/2008 Genre: Musical

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this dance movie targeting teens -- especially fans of the original Step Up -- is age-appropriate for older tweens. There's little sexual material, swearing, or violence.

Families can talk about why dance is so important to Andie, who appears to have had a difficult childhood (though we don't get many details about it). How does it allow her to grow and learn? What sense of satisfaction does she get out of competing in the streets? Why do you think dance movies are so popular?

Rate It!

Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: S. Jhoanna Robledo

Orphaned and threatened by her guardian to be sent away for hanging with 401, a crew that attacks subway trains with hip-hop dance pranks, Andie (the charismatic Briana Evigan) gets a reprieve when she's admitted to the esteemed Maryland School of the Arts in Baltimore. But juggling the demands of street dancing and classes proves far too difficult, and she gets kicked out of 401. It's the only family she knows, and she loves the thrill of street dancing. So Andie, convinced by phenomenal dancer and classmate, Chase (Robert Hoffman), forms her own crew comprised of the school's misfits. They may be outsiders at MSA, but on the dance floor, they have mad skills. And the group's determined to battle it out with Andie's old gang for supremacy on the streets.

The paint-by-numbers plot won't win any awards, but STEP UP 2 THE STREETS delivers electrifying dance performances set to an infectious soundtrack. (T-Pain's groove-inducing "Low" is pitch-perfect.) And it's hard to argue with the feel-good conclusion that favors the message of unity over a more typical, schmaltzy love-story ending. Plus, the cast is fantastic, especially Adam Sevani as Moose, Andie's newfound friend at MSA. Also look for heartthrob Channing Tatum from the original Step Up, who gives a small but impressive show at a club.

Director Jon M. Chu wisely lets the dancing speak for itself -- the acting and the story aren't bad, but are hardly memorable -- by giving the dancers room to impress; There's no heavy-handed editing here, no quick-cut overload. The result: Entertainment that's light on depth but heavy on fun -- and full of mesmerizing dance.

For more dance movies high on the fun factor, try the original Step Up, as well as How She Move. Or check out oldies-but-goodies Footloose and Dirty Dancing.

Rate It!

Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Pretty mild for the dance-movie genre. Some suggestive dance moves (all in good, clean fun, though). Lots of flirtations but no sex scenes. Two couples kiss, one quickly, the other slowly and somewhat passionately.
Violence Only one truly violent scene, but quite visceral: A teen gets beaten up by his dance enemies and is choked, thrown, punched, and kicked in a rage-filled moment.
Language Fairly clean, except for rare use of "titties," "ass," and "damn." As an insult, the words "tuck you" are written on a character's stomach.
Message
	Social Behavior Andie lies to her guardian about her whereabouts, and she's betrayed, even victimized, by her old friends. Still, one of them realizes the error of her ways and helps her. And her new crew is supportive and helpful. One character is so enraged by Andie's perceived disloyalty that he beats up her new paramour/dance partner.
	Commercialism Very little: A Run DMC poster is visible, and one character wears a Yankees cap.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco A bit character takes a swig from what appears to be beer, then pours it over his head.