Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun, sexy dance flick will appeal to teens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Turn the Beat Around
What's the Story?
TURN THE BEAT AROUND is a made-for-TV movie featuring Romina D'Ugo as Zoe, a young L.A. dancer looking for a big break. When she convinces wealthy club owner Michael (David Giuntoli) to open a disco-themed nightclub, she recruits friend like club DJ Steph (Jennifer Miller) and dancers like Irena (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) to dance the moves that capture the sizzle of the glam generation. But things get complicated when Chris (Adam Taylor Brooks), her boyfriend and fellow dancer, can't cope with her success. Meanwhile, professional dancer Malika (Brooklyn Sudano) seems determined to sabotage everything that Zoe has worked so hard for.
Is It Any Good?
The story of this MTV original movie is pretty predictable, and sometimes it seems as if it's trying too hard to be edgy by throwing in lots of strong sexual innuendo and iffy language. But the new takes on classic nightclub tunes will likely appeal to a generation of teens who are too young to have experienced the disco scene. It might also attract reminiscing viewers who were there themselves.
The movie revives some of the familiar themes from other dance-flicks like Flashdance and Center Stage, like holding on to your (dancing) dreams and not giving up. Meanwhile, the lively choreography, which mixes hip hop, Latin rhythms, and classic disco moves, is fresh enough to be entertaining while still staying true to the fun and tacky glam of the disco-era. The cameo appearance of R&B singer Jason Derulo adds to this appeal.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it was like in the disco era. What were some of the popular disco songs? Dance moves? Do you think these songs or dances will become popular again?
Sexy dance moves can be fun, but when do they cross the line and become inappropriate? What are some of the differences between scripted sexual encounters in TV and movies and the consequences of being sexually active in real life? Parents: here are some tips for talking to your kids about some of these issues.
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 26, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : March 9, 2010
- Cast : Adam Taylor Brooks , David Giuntoli , Romina D’Ugo
- Director : Bradley Walsh
- Studio : MTV Films
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 17, 2022
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