Bring It On 2: Again

Bring It On 2: Again (2004)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


None of the original characters are back for this sequel, though it does take place at University instead of High School. Whittier and Monica are good cheerleaders, and also good friends. Ultimately, they learn that the Varsity team are not known for playing nice and decide it's time to re-write the rules of the game. The Dean is also in on things, which would ultimately make things much more difficult for these "Rebels," if not for the sway of the school along with the sheer determination from these two girls. Again, it all ramps up to some kind of competition, though this one is between the Rebels and Varsity to see who will got to nationals. None of the actual national competitions are shown.

Bring It On

Bring It On (2000)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


There is very little actual plot development here. The entire movie revolves around Cheer Nationals at the High School level. Torrance has just taken over her cheer team as a new senior and learned that the previous captain had stolen all of their routines from a rival school. Determined to correct the mistake and win legitimately, she and her team have to crash and burn before they learn how to find their own expression. It's definitely a HS film, though the routines are catchy. Anything outside of that is lackluster at best. Torrance spends a good portion of the film looking scared, frustrated, and/or like she's about to cry. Not exactly the take charge and win attitude for a cheer captain.

Leap!

Leap! (2016)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Also known by the title of Ballerina, this is a cute little animated film about two orphans who escape the orphanage to follow their dreams. Felicie wants to be a ballerina while Victor wants to be an inventor.... so long as he gets to keep Felicie in the process (which she seems a little oblivious to). They learn a lot of lessons along the way, though perhaps the biggest lesson is learned not only by Felicie, but by Camille, her biggest dance rival. Lucky for Felicie, she has Odette on her side, which somehow translates to Merante (the dance instructor) being able to see Felicie's potential instead of just a little orphan liar who doesn't deserve a chance. Camille's mother is beyond creepy though and takes things to extremes that are more than a little frightening.

Save The Last Dance 2

Save The Last Dance 2 (2006)

My rating: 1.5 of 5 stars


None of the original cast comes back for this sequel and Sara is the only recognizable character on top of it all. Might have liked this more if they had kept Derek after everything they went through in the first movie. It was very disappointing to have him replaced by Miles, who seems very watered down compared to Derek. There is a lot more actual dance in this film, which is nice given the title and topic. Outside of that, the story is severely lacking and the characters are so-so, especially compared to the original.

Dancing With The Stars

Dancing With The Star (2004)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Not one that I follow regularly any more, but still an enjoyable show. Loving dance, it's interesting to see what the competitors come up with each round and how well they perform. Sometimes the costumes alone seem to be worth it as they can really be out there. The judges have their own form of amusement as they critique and score the dances - some of them really get into the dancing!

Cavalia Live

Cavalia Live (2006)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


We had the opportunity to see this show live when it was in town last year. Having a love of the arts and horses already, this combined music, acrobatics, and my favorite animals for some beautiful presentations. They really are majestic creatures, and beautiful to watch in action. Glad we picked up the DVD so I can enjoy this more than just the one time.

Save the Last Dance

Save the Last Dance (2001)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Sara loves dance. Unfortunately she's also convinced her love killed her mother. Now it's up to savvy street dancer and would-be doctor Derek to rekindle her love for dancing while hopefully earning the rest of her heart for himself. Good music, a somewhat sad yet street-smart story, and very real characters make this an enjoyable film through and through.

Shall We Dance?

Shall We Dance? (1996)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Japanese adaptation of the old story Shall We Dance. An average working father finds himself with an unexpected and hidden passion for dancing. In the process he also manages to break through the hard shell his teacher portrays, bringing the fun of dance back to her and introducing it to friends and family all at the same time.

So You Think You Can Dance

So You Think You Can Dance (2005)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I don't think this hit as big as the many singing competitions you can now find on TV, American Idol being one of the most well known. Still, dancing is one art form that I have always found fascinating and fun. There are some things people can do with their bodies that you just wouldn't think possible or even consider doing until you see it action. Then it's just startling and breathtaking. Sometimes I wish I followed series like this more closely, but I enjoy what I see when I do catch it.

America's Got Talent

America's Got Talent (2006)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Every now and then they find an act that really is funny or someone that has very obvious talent. A lot of these are good for one time but couldn't do a whole show or are delusional if they think they're talented. This season, the talents all seemed to be picking on Howie during auditions. Sometimes I'll tune in for a laugh, but I don't regularly follow this series.

Riverdance

Riverdance (1995)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This group is amazing and thrilling every time you watch them. Having just seen their live farewell tour with my mother-in-law last week, I couldn't help picking up a copy of this gem. I grew up watching my parent's old VHS copy and never got tired of it. Gorgeous Celtic music sets the stage as this troupe dances in perfect synchronization. Some instrumental music, some singing, tap dancing, ballet, flamingo, and even some hip hop dance styles intermixed; there's something for everyone on this stage.

Burlesque

Burlesque (2010)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this film. Obviously a little racy for the sheer reason of the costumes and the theme burlesque. The music was catchy, Christina did an excellent job playing Ali, and the storyline was realistic while still having that Hollywood twist. It was nice to see how Tess went from ignoring Ali to the two of them looking like best friends as Ali finds the key to saving her new family rolled in to her new job at Burlesque.

Take the Lead

Take the Lead (2006)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


One teacher goes against the odds to show kids from the underside they are worth just as much as they compete with the "pros," using their own unique style to mix up the dance floor. Not the best as far as plot goes, but fun times if you like music and/or dance.

Black Swan

Black Swan (2010)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


The ballet tale of Swan Lake. This time ballet soloist Nina must attempt to break out of her white swan shell to also play the role of the sinister black swan. In doing so she may very well lose her own mind on the way to losing her life as she lives out the tale of the characters she must portray. My first reaction after watching this movie was basically "trippy." It's difficult sometime to tell what is real and what is another of her hallucinations. Plenty of foreshadowing, some scenes are somewhat gruesome while others are beyond awkwardly suggestive. Not a movie for the faint of heart or who don't like smearing the lines a bit.