{"id":1978,"date":"2012-03-31T11:43:16","date_gmt":"2012-03-31T11:43:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/filmgaze.com\/blog\/?p=1978"},"modified":"2012-03-31T11:43:16","modified_gmt":"2012-03-31T11:43:16","slug":"streetdance-2-3d","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/filmgaze.com\/blog\/action\/streetdance-2-3d\/","title":{"rendered":"StreetDance 2 (3D) **"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Regardless of whether it\u2019s a good film or not, StreetDance<\/a><\/em> has its loyal fan base \u2013 paying punters \u2013 ready to flock to see the latest nimble starlets battling against the odds and demonstrating some astounding moves as their ammunition. Admittedly, whether you\u2019re a fan or not, it\u2019s always captivating for the length of each dance set piece \u2013 and we all know the outcome and who the victors in the dance-off will be. However, waiting to be dazzled by each routine is as painful and ugly an experience as getting corns on the feet.<\/p>\n

In the 2012 film, after being humiliated by the crew and reigning champs Invincible, popcorn seller and street dancer Ash (Falk Hentschel<\/a>) goes on a journey to recruit Europe\u2019s best dancers of all persuasions for the world rematch. Along the way he gets introduced to salsa in Paris, under the charms of Eva (Sofia Boutella<\/a>), the salsa queen at her uncle Manu\u2019s (Tom Conti<\/a>) club.<\/p>\n

Predictability \u2013 dance cultures clash then unite to form something unique for the finale, while a \u2018West Side Story\u2019 style romance blossoms between members of the two rival groups \u2013 has to be excused with such a film: We know we\u2019re watching a path to success. There\u2019s also a healthy and infectious dose of competition to get behind, combined with hormones and sweaty, supple bodies.<\/p>\n

However, the \u2018acting\u2019 (in the loosest possible terms) in between each routine is as dire as it gets: Eddie \u2013\u00a0former Britain\u2019s Got Talent<\/em> contestant\u00a0George Sampson<\/a> \u2013 returns, trying his hardest to be the lovable joker, but bouncing off wooden muscle man Ash, he simply comes across like an over-excitable puppy. Hentschel only really awakens from his trance in the arms of Boutella as sultry Eva. But the only thrilling non-dancing performance is given by Conti in a part not too dissimilar to Shirley Valentine<\/em>\u2019s Costas, camping it up to hide the non-existent script.<\/p>\n

The film has a thrillingly energetic salsa-street music mix that warrants a second listen or download. That said StreetDance 2 (3D)<\/em> generally feels like a collection of teen music videos tentatively strung together by clich\u00e9d lines \u2013\u00a0just take the fake-looking pillow fight in the hostel dorm, slow-mo-ed for full titillating effect.<\/p>\n

As for the 3D, it disappointingly didn’t add much more to the movement and excitement of the dance: The routines are enough visual eye candy without necessarily adding new technology, but it didn\u2019t detract from the entertainment either \u2013\u00a0unless you find the glasses a bad fit. As a piece of catchy pop culture, the StreetDance<\/em> franchise has a natural buzz, licensed to thrill again with the latest edition, plus a great soundtrack \u2013 just don\u2019t expect much more than awesome moves for your money.<\/p>\n

2\/5 stars<\/strong><\/p>\n

By @FilmGazer<\/p>\n

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