Step Up 2 the Streets

In this sort-of sequel, inner-city dancer Andie (Briana Evigan) ticks off her homies when she attends an arts school. So that means a dance-off! If you're down for some dope moves, you might dig this. But if you're jonesing for a tight story, you'll be hating.

By Matt Stevens Feb 14, 2008 8:20 PMTags
Step Up 2 the StreetsTouchtone Pictures

Review in a Hurry:  In this sort-of sequel, inner-city dancer Andie (Briana Evigan) ticks off her homies when she attends an arts school. So that means a dance-off! If you're down for some dope moves, you might dig this. But if you're jonesing for a tight story, you'll be hating.

The Bigger Picture:  Here's the 411 on the "410"—they're a Baltimore street-dance gang whose latest stunt involves terrorizing subway passengers with a mock-mugging dance routine. (Couldn't they just rob folks instead? Oh right—this is a Disneyfied version of the hood.)

After taking part in this "attack," 410 member Andie faces a threat worse than juvy detention—Texas! Her fed-up guardian wants to send the troubled orphan to live with an aunt, but friend Tyler (Channing Tatum, who starred in the original, in a cameo) intervenes and helps Andie get into the Maryland School of the Arts.

The elite academy is run by snooty ballet dancer Blake Collins (Will Kemp, overenunciating every haughty line reading), and he doubts Andie really has what it takes. But Blake's younger, hipper brother Chase (Robert Hoffman), a star dancer at the school, takes a special interest in the girl's raw moves—on and off the floor.

When Andie's academic schedule conflicts with 410's rehearsals, she's kicked out of the gang. So, she forms a new group with Chase and some misfit classmates at MSA, and they practice after-hours to prep for an underground dance battle called "The Streets." The 410 doesn't want Andie and company to compete, and after a series of confrontations, the rival crews go toe-to-toe in a foot-stomping, hip-popping finale.

Not exactly the Jets and the Sharks.

With more holes than a street-dancer's sneaks, the script hints at several subplots that aren't explored, including Chase and Blake's rivalry and Chase's player rep with the ladies. It's just as well, since Step fumbles in the drama department, with its cookie-cutter characters and obligatory speeches about family, respect, and being true to yourself. Whatev.

Director Jon Chu smartly keeps the pace clipping and the crunk cranking. Step steps up when people shut up and dance—there's kickass choreography throughout. A little too sweet to be street, Evigan—with her Demi Moore rasp—develops a good rapport with Hoffman, whose natural screen charisma suggests a career beyond this by-the-numbers dance flick.

The 180—a Second Opinion:  Want fabulous, flat abs? Catch a double feature of Step Up 2 and Fool's Gold. After seeing so many killer six-packs, you'll be shamed into doing your crunches!