Step Up 3D

Best friends Moose (Adam G. Sevani) and Camille (Alyson Stoner) are now attending NYU together. At his dad’s request, Moose has compressed his passion for dance to become an engineering major. A normal college life quickly ends when he spots a limited pair of Nike dance shoes. Entranced, Moose follows the owner and unknowingly becomes part of a dance off. Outshining the Samurai dance crew, Moose gains their animosity, but wins the respect of Luke (Rick Malambri), the leader of the Pirates dance crew.

Luke invites Moose to become part of his dance crew and to participate in a dance tournament. Happy to be dancing again, Moose agrees. With Moose on board, Luke seemingly completes his crew when he spots Natalie (Sharni Vinson) dancing in his club. Enamored with her skill, he invites her to stay and to participate in the tournament as well. While dancing is his passion, Luke also desperately needs the grand-prize money in order to prevent his dance club from foreclosure.

Though thin on plot and substance, potential viewers would likely see the film for its choreography. Several of the dance routines are creatively difficult, providing several impressive dance numbers. While the original “Step Up” had ballet, this one is all about street dancing that sometimes comes off a bit too frantic and choppy on screen. As a whole, the group routines aren’t sensual; however, some male dancers would grab their crotch area when finishing a dance number. On a few occasions, Natalie would dance up close with males, one being a tango with Luke. Camille and Moose also have a cute dance sequence, but it was marred by the fact that they steal all their props while ignoring the owners’ protests.

Upon meeting, Natalie and Luke instantly share chemistry, but their romance is portrayed sweetly. They encourage one another to follow their dreams, and when one learns of the other’s betrayal, forgiveness is offered. They do share several kisses on screens, but there aren’t any make-out or sex scenes in the film.

Several times, Natalie wears revealing outfits with most of them being low-cut and baring her midriff. There are several scenes where males either dance or walk around shirtless. The first part of the film contains no cursing, but the latter half contained 2 BS, 2 as*, 1 hell and 1 “f” word. The names of Jesus and God are misused a total of 4 times. There is one club fight scene, but it’s mild with mostly just pushing.

The film has the theme of following your dreams and giving all you got, no matter what. While following one’s dreams is good, giving up everything for its achievement isn’t the way to go. Though Luke was a thoughtful leader by allowing the dancers to practice at his home, he required Moose to give total devotion to the dance tournament and to the Pirates. Yes, Moose could have said no, but he felt immense pressure by Luke and in one scene, even the rest of the dancers. All this resulted in Moose ditching class and even pushing Camille out of his life. While we should always do our best, we should ultimately work towards all goals in a Christ-like manner without compromising our faith, responsibilities, or friendships. In Colossians 3:23, it reads:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”

I don’t recommend “Step Up 3.” Several plot devices were too clichéd, and a few of the dances a bit too inappropriate. On an important note, I only saw the standard version, not the 3D. The camera work was still impressive, so perhaps the extra cost of 3D wouldn’t be worth it.

Violence: Mild / Profanity: Moderate / Sex/Nudity: Moderate

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.