Critical Analysis of the film Step Up 2: The Streets

After great success of the 2006 film "Step Up", Touchstone Pictures released the sequel called "Step Up 2: The Streets". After the death of her parents, the main character, Andy, was forced to go to the Maryland School of the Arts to extend the range of her dance techniques. At the same time, Andy was expelled from the street dance team called 4-1-0, so she started her own team with several talented but unsuccessful peers from the School of the Arts, who wanted to compete in an underground dance contest "Streets". The movie was directed by Jon M. Chu, who is also known for directing of "G.I. Joe: Retaliation." The film "Step Up 2" has grossed more than fifteen million dollars while its budget was just twenty-two millions; as a result, it surpassed the original movie and was quite successful.

Some films do not need unimaginable special effects, sophisticated storyline, and world famous actors. Sometimes it is enough just a pleasant atmosphere, as in the movie Step Up 2: The Streets, which consists of many memorable moments that are funny and spectacular. This film allows an audience to relax and plunge into the world of street dance, while at the same time, there are many elements of youth cinema, such as first love, relationships with peers, striving for ideals. One of the most memorable episodes of the movie is the scene with the final dance which happened in the rain. "In a dance-off with the original, Step Up 2 wins for that rain-soaked street routine alone" (Lankford 48). The final dance scene is attractive to audience because of variety of film techniques used, combination of music and choreography, as well as motivating effect on viewers.

The final scene captures audience attention by using various film techniques whi...

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... it was made by Andy.

Charisma and positive energy of actors peaked in final scene; consequently, the dance in the rain is the most memorable moment due to used movie techniques, soundtracks and dancing, and a positive effect on the audience. There is no coincidence that the movie Step Up 2: The Streets has great success because "the dancing is undoubtedly superb and the main characters give a valiant effort" (Edwards).

Works Cited

Edwards, Ceri. "STEP UP 2 THE STREETS." TheweekJun 15 2008. ProQuest. Web. 16 Mar. 2014 .

Lankford, Loren. "Step Up 2 The Streets." Entertainment Weekly 1002 (2008): 48. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.

Smith, Anna. "Step Up 2 the Streets." Sight and Sound 05 2008: 86. ProQuest. Web. 16 Mar. 2014 .

"Step Up 2 the Streets." Age [Melbourne, Australia] 20 Mar. 2008: 7. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.