Step Up Revolution

The MOB is a dance group from the streets of Miami, Florida. Their one goal? To become the most famous dance group in the world and reach enough hits on YouTube to win the $100,000 prize. However, things are about to change when a hotel owner, Mr. Anderson, threatens to destroy a section of Miami (where The Mob hangs out) to build a luxury hotel in its place. It’s up to The MOB to fight for their home and start… a revolution.

I had not seen the other “Step Up” films, so I did some research before going to see “Step Up Revolution.” Parts of this movie, such as the dancing, are really quite impressive. The different interwove styles and genres of dance are astounding. However, that’s pretty much the only thing that interested me. Not to sound harsh or anything, but I honestly wasn’t interested in the romantic love interest between Sean and Emily (the two leads in this movie). I mean, it was a nice touch to the film, but not what I was looking for.

Cinematically speaking, the acting is so-so. I really wasn’t impressed. The music is pretty good, supporting the exquisite dancing. I saw this film in 3D, and, for me, it didn’t really make a significant difference in appreciating what this film has to offer (although, I must say, some of the 3D was good, in parts). The plot is a bit slow for the first hour. In one part, I found myself slouching in my seat and looking at my watch, wondering how far I was into the movie. Having said that, I still appreciated what this film had to offer and enjoyed most of it.

Objectionable material

“Step Up Revolution” has some very suggestive dancing throughout most of the film; some of it I deemed inappropriate. Here are some other things to watch for…

Violence: Minor. One of the main characters, Sean, punches another member of The MOB to the ground.

Profanity: Moderate. I counted two instances of a**, one a**-hole, b**ch, S.O.B., cr*p, sh*t, and mother-f***er. Other foul language includes the terms, “sucks,” the n-word, and if you listen carefully the word “screw” can be heard in one song. God’s name is taken in vain twice (OMG and “Oh G_d”).

Sex/Nudity: Moderate. Women are seen, in many scenes, walking and dancing around in bikinis, one woman is seen showering in her bikini. In one scene Sean spills a drink off of a table and while he’s trying to clean it up, moves his hands up Emily’s leg. There are several passionate kisses between Sean and Emily. In one dance scene, by the ocean, Emily’s white outfit becomes wet, and we can see right through her clothing.

Other: As I mentioned before, there are several suggestive dance routines that are inappropriate for younger viewers. There are also a couple scenes of teen partying, and alcohol is included.

Morals

The MOB’s purpose changes in the film. They go from dancing for “creative expression” to dancing for “protest.” In the same way, we are called to fight for Christ in all situations. However, we are to fight for Christ in a peaceful, yet effective manner. This part of the movie may serve as a teachable moment for young children, if you happen to take them, how we are to stand up for Christ, no matter what the cost, just as The MOB stands up for the citizens of Miami.

As I walked out of the theater, there was a family who watched the movie in the same theater. I asked them if they enjoyed “Step Up Revolution,” to which the mother replied, “Yes, I enjoyed it.” As for me? Apart from the suggestive dancing, often skimpy attire, the language and the suggestive sexual content, this movie is okay. I wasn’t clapping at the end or saying, “Man, I can’t wait to get this on DVD,” but my thoughts were, “This was a nice film, but not a great one.” In short, this film may be okay for mature teens and adults who enjoy this kind of acrobatic dancing and don’t mind the overall weakness of the filmmaking. In any case, the movie is too sexually provocative and titillating to receive a recommendation.

Violence: Moderate / Profanity: Moderate / Sex/Nudity: Moderate to heavy

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