Step Up 3-D

Let's start off with the dance moves, which are undeniably entertaining. Anyone who enjoys So You Think You Can Dance will love all of the 3-D-shot dance sequences, and all of the crews have amazing skills. But any time the movie's focus shifts from dancing to an actual story or dialogue, STEP UP 3-D flails under the pressure of laughable dialogue, predictable plot development, and obvious story holes. When Natalie tells Luke she's been in London for a few years, the natural follow-up should be "what were you doing there?" or "what brought you back home"; instead, the subject is changed entirely. Later, when Natalie invites Luke to a party and it turns out to be a black-tie affair, Luke and Moose should immediately wonder why someone they thought had no family is hosting a rich-girl affair, but instead they suddenly decide to seal the caterers' black jackets.

Kids and dance lovers may be more forgiving audiences than those who don't care about thrilling tangoes or the allure of amazing sneakers. Romance-wise, Moose and Camille's relationship is more interesting -- albeit "best friends who fall in love" formulaic. Their story of boy-girl BFFs, coupled with Sevani and Stoner's charm, make that subplot satisfying. The rest of the dancer-actors were clearly hired for their dance skills rather their acting prospects.