Writer: Lai Swee Wei

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Watch this if you liked: “Step Up”, “Make It Happen”

Rough street dancers are once again put up alongside classically trained performers, following the tried and trusted formats of films like "Step Up" and "Make It Happen", in Britain's attempt at its first 3D dance flick.

With a truly unoriginal plot, filmmakers Max Giwa and Dania Pasquini who have made their names in music video namely Girls Aloud and Oasis, were smart enough to bank on big names from the popular reality TV show, Britain's Got Talent. Featuring 2008 winner George William Sampson, 2009 dance group champion Diversity, and 2009 finalists Flawless, these three delivered an exceptional performance that was fresh, energetic, full of passion, and pizzazz to what this dying film needed. Frankly, the story together with players trying to act was so unbearable that it pulled all expectations down.

Street dance group leader Jay (Ukweli Roach) bails out unexpectedly on his team and girlfriend Carly (Nichola Burley), who then takes over the responsibility in shaping up the gang in time for UK Street Dance Competition, facing rival crew The Surge (Flawless). Lacking financially, they try to raise money for a room to rehearse or practice in other locations. Eventually, they secure a space in a ballet school, on the condition that they include five ballet dancers in their routine, in a bid to kick in some life into these "bendy chicks" (and men). By then, scenes of "street dance rules, ballet drools" was too eminent to handle. After numerous amusing attempts at getting these stiff ballet performers to act street-like, they finally realise to mesh up both their worlds to deliver their best.

No doubt for the finale, it was a fresh choreography in the beginning, but this reviewer would hardly say it turned out for the better as it was slightly more theatrical than what it should've been - pure rough it out, street dance (they don't call it Street Dance Competition for nothing). Trying to showcase 'out of the box' routines for the competition didn't quite cut it. Moreover, the ending felt too rushed with on-cue, forced smooching from a few characters. Interestingly enough, it left an open ended conclusion. Who will win? This reviewer's hopes for The Surge.

The love triangle between Carly, Jay and handsome ballet dancer Tomas (Richard Winsor) was groan-worthy throughout, while the cinematography sometimes struggles to capture the performances adequately and suffers from over edited, slow-mo scenes.

Regardless of the cliche story, do watch this if you're fans of Britain's Got Talent stars George William Sampson, Flawless and Diversity.

Cinema Online, 15 July 2010