 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Center Stage
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2000
Common Sense Media says
Melodramatic, a bit racy -- some teens will love.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that one dancer collapses in tears from an injury. The movie depicts the intense pressure that women dancers are under to achieve an ideal body type; no mention is made of the similar pressures that afflict their male colleagues. One of the male dancers is gay. The star ballerina is under plenty of parental pressure and suffers from bulimia. The head of the ballet school married one of his students (despite a substantial age gap). One f-word and some mild bathroom and sexual language. Jodie and her under-age buddies go out drinking and end up with serious hangovers (a "problem" that's played for laughs). Many of the dancers smoke. Maureen's mom pushes her constantly to "be the best." Jodie has sex with the male star dancer, who sleeps around. A Russian student dances torridly with an older woman he picks up in a salsa club. An off-color joke about a mouse having its way with an elephant is lame and unnecessary. A sexual pas-de-deux involves some writhing around on a bed, and Jodi strips down to a costume that looks like a bra and panties.
What's the story?
A combination of high-stakes drama, sweet-natured characters, and bravado performances, CENTER STAGE follows a group of teen ballet dancers during their stressful tryouts for the prestigious American Ballet Academy. Along with great dancing, the film portrays an honest look at the less glamorous side of professional dance and follows the behind-the-scenes soap opera stories of the dancers. A number of the dancers can't resist the city's nightlife and are chastised for being hung over at an early morning rehearsal. Maureen deals with her pushy stage mother. Cooper (Ethan Stiefel), the bad boy, seduces Jody (Amanda Schull). During a dress rehearsal, male lead Erik collapses in pain from an injury and his career hangs in the balance. Several girls struggle with their body types and especially their weight -- one is banished from the program for her healthy appetite.
Is it any good?
Young dance fans looking for a movie to call their own need look no further. Center Stage features lots of cool jazz and modern moves, but it also provides beautiful footage of traditional (and not-so-traditional) ballet. Cast in its leading roles are some excellent dancers, particularly Ethan Stiefel as Cooper, whose performance in "Stars and Stripes Forever" is truly amazing.
Although the dancing looks more than impressive to any lay viewer, it must be said that the choreography will probably strike professional dancers as unoriginal, emphasizing showmanship over artistry (think Flashdance).
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the high-pressure life of a professional dancer.
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AGE
Would recommend it to any teens and adults
This is probably my favorite movie. The dancing done in this movie is amazing for anyone to watch. The controle that all of the dancers have is beautiful for dancers and non-dancers alike to watch. There are a few scenes that can be questioned. Other than those couple scenes (they can easily be skipped) the movie is a lot of fun to watch.
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AGE
This movie made me want to become a ballet dancer!
This movie made me want to become a ballet dancer! There were two questionable sex scenes (one with Cooper Nielson, the choreographer, in his bedroom; the other on-stage). Just fast-forward to the next chapter and the only thing you'll miss is "that". I ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE TO TEENS AND ADULTS EVERYWHERE...YOU'LL FIND YOURSELF TRYING TO DO A TURNOUT OR A FANCY JUMP!
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AGE
VERY GOOD
first of all let me say, this movie is way more appropiate then "Fame" (which let me point out it rated PG and this movie is rated PG13). some sexual behavior but it doesnt show anything sensitive. some messages like a girl being anorexic are not positive. but the role models to work hard to be successful at what they love to do.
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AGE
Seriously
Could have gone without the elephant and mouse joke. Didn't make sense. And could have easily been toned down in a few other ways. But still a good movie. Entretainig if nothing else.
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AGE
best
its a great movie but not reccomended for people under 10.
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AGE
Great!
I love this movie. Im a fdancer so this is inspirational to me. It does get a little racy at times, but overall its a really good movie :)
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AGE
Good movie, teenage girls will love
An enjoyable drama about a determined ballet-dancer. Most teenage girls will love it. I first watched it at school when I was eleven, then rewatched it again and again. Has a little sexual content, nothing too explicit, and deals with anorexia ultimately in a good, moral way.
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| Studio: | Columbia Tristar |
| Director: | Nicholas Hytner |
| Cast: | Amanda Schull, Peter Gallagher, Zoe Saldana |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 114 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | May 12, 2000 |
| DVD release date: | October 24, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | language and some sensuality |
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