paperbag_cannibulivourus I watched this out of curiosity, because the original Centre Stage is one of my favourite movies. I expected that this one would be not nearly as good, and I was right. Even though I would fit the 'target market' for this film (teenage dance student) I found it totally contrived and unrealistic.Part of the reason why I loved the first one so much was that it showed all the hard work and dedication required for ballet, but also had some beautiful dance sequences (especially Ethan Stiefel and Julie Kent in Romeo and Juliet!!) but this one had none of that.The other thing that annoyed me was that the Kate character was supposed to be a self-taught dancer, which I think is just irresponsible film-making! Sure, it may be possible to learn some things on your own, but ballet is not one of them. It's just asking for a broken ankle, or worse. Furthermore, when it's just ridiculous that she would get the lead role in the new ballet, when clearly all the other dancers were BETTER than she was. Particularly her turnout, and her pointe work were weak. The only ballet scene that really grabbed me was Cooper demonstrating the solo to Tommy, but even that felt as though it was only there to give Ethan Stiefel and dance scene.However, I did enjoy the club sequences somewhat, but as this is a sequel to Centre Stage, I felt they were unnecessary, and I would have much preferred a focus on ballet. And overall, I just didn't care about the characters.Overall, even though the original movie wasn't great, it was way better than this. The original totally out-danced, out-scripted and out-directed the sequel. But mostly out-danced.

I_can_get_you_a_toe I went into this movie with some very low expectations and was not disappointed.Kate is a rebel ballerina, who eats chocolate and drinks beer, and who is pursuing her dream of dancing for one of the best Ballet Academies in the world - even though she's never had, you know, any kind of training. 'She has such passion' Why? because she smiled once during the audition? Yep, that's some hardcore passion right there.The acting, or whatever the hell it was those people were doing, was absolutely atrocious. Probably some of the worst acting I've seen in awhile and I watch porn. Some white gay ballerina dude walking around saying 'Sick', 'Dope', 'Banging'. bleugh.This movie was choc full of horribly contrived moments. What kind of club owner hires a girl as a waitress because she moves her ass in time with the music? How is it OK for her 10 year old sister to just get on a bus and travel to New York? It's all very stupid.But not as stupid as the cringe-worthy 'dance' by the water fountain. It was the most horrible horrible thing I had ever seen, I prayed to the gods to strike me blind so as to never see that terrible thing again.It's best altogether to stay as far away from this crap as possible.

ljcool_17 I was a bit skeptical about this movie since I did not know any of the actors. I like the idea of where they were heading with the plot, but for me it kinda lacked a bit on execution. There were a couple of scenes where it needed a little more acting to it that kinda left me hanging. Maybe put a little more emotion to it. Other than that there were some parts where I felt the lines could've been more, because for some reason it sounded like they were talking online. It's a good movie though that focuses on a girl's struggle to achieve her dream and all the hardships she went through in the process. It speaks real life and I have to say you won't be much disappointed watching this film.

kmstehr There have been a great deal of movies that have come out that are oriented around dancing, but few have actually had any depth or novelty to them. Center Stage: Turn It Up actually brings something besides cheap camera tricks and cookie-cutter routines. The leads in the movie won't garner any Oscar nominations for their performances, but for an unknown cast, they do a good job with the movie. The choreography is entertaining without being over the top. The main thing that this film should be commended on however is that it doesn't put a rift between urban/hip-hop and traditional ballet and does briefly show how they can be molded together.