Reviews

Step Up 4: Miami Heat

Starring: Cleopatra Coleman, Misha Gabriel, Ryan Guzman, Michael 'Xeno' Langebeck, Stephen 'tWitch' Boss
Directed by: Scott Speer
Rating: PG-13

The Step Up movie franchise is the most recognised dance movie series in the modern era. Fusing the art of dance with romance and a bit of comedy, Step Up 4: Miami Heat brings the glitz and glamour to South Beach.

The clear standout is the insane dance sequences. From the get-go we see a flash mob that excites and wows our eyes.

It's a visually stunning movie from start to finish, embracing the vibrant colour and energy of party atmosphere. The flips and breakdances are explosive while the ballet is poignant and graceful. There’s some really memorable group dance scenes that happen, like the scenes in the art house and the restaurant.

Step Up movies are known for their powerful dance/urban soundtracks, and Miami Heat doesn’t disappoint. Moving into the modern era of dubstep, the songs match the pace of the dancing. Remixed and sped up to add more oomph, the soundtrack pumps out some killer dance tracks that fit perfectly with what’s going on in the movie, featuring musical artists such as Lil Jon, Busta Rhymes, Timbaland, Far East Movement, Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull.

The plot is what lets this movie down. It didn’t have that "Step Up" feel to it. Instead of being the traditional "your crew vs. our crew" it’s "we’ll dance in a group and no one’s stopping us". No-one really gets in their way and when they do, they’re just brushed off to the side or even end up dancing with them. It’s also a shame that a lot of Step Up movies involve recurring characters that don’t serve any purpose.

For all its fun-loving dance scenes, Step Up 4 could’ve been so much more. The storyline and change of structure hurt the movie in the long run.

Watch this movie if you enjoy a bit of fun and cheesy romance, but it may be time to end the Step Up franchise before it turns really ugly and repetitive.

3 out of 5.

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