Step Up 2 The Streets MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 Content: +2

Briana Evigan, Robert Hoffman, Will Kemp. Musical/teen drama. Directed by Jon Chu. Toni Ann Johnson, Karen Barna.

FILM SYNOPSIS: Follow-up to Step Up, has rebellious street dancer Andie (BRIANA EVIGAN) landing at the elite Maryland School of the Arts. There she finds herself fighting to fit in while also trying to hold onto her old life. When she joins forces with the schools hottest dancer, Chase (ROBERT HOFFMAN), to form a crew of classmate outcasts to compete in Baltimores underground dance battle The Streets, she ultimately finds a way to live her dream while building a bridge between her two separate worlds.

PREVIEW REVIEW: If youre 14, the premise of this film wont seem overly familiar, youll relate to the baggy pants and backwards ball caps, the slang Yo, Dude and the term of endearment This is my boy will no doubt be a part of your cultural communiqu, and you wont be aware that screen acting consists of more than furrowing your forehead to convey frustration and removing your t-shirt to portray animal magnetism.

If youre the parent of a 14-year-old, you could send them to worse films. The film contains positive messages, including showing respect for yourself and others, the importance of team work and the need for family. It avoids sexual promiscuity and most harsh language, and though the characters have tons of attitude, teen viewers may relate to the angst and the style of the leads.

Vintage moviegoers may view the film somewhat differently. Overall, the dancing is unspectacular, as is the poorly photographed choreography. The acting is poor, the humor (what there is of it) fledgling, and the dialogue unmemorable. But to suggest that todays youth view Fred Astaire (Silk Stockings), Gene Kelly (American in Paris), or even Michael Flatly (Riverdance), would be perceived as old fogy-ish. So, to them I say, go, enjoy, and never mind that youre ingesting fast food rather than a gourmet meal.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Touchstone Pictures