The Mob is an urban dance troupe in Miami headed by lifelong pals Sean (Ryan Guzman) and Eddie (Misha Gabriel). Their goal is to win an online contest by scoring the most hits on their internet videos. To grab viewers The Mob stage elaborate performances that can literally stop traffic. Things take a different course when a real estate developer (Peter Gallagher) plans to create a luxurious resort in the very marina-based area where some of The Mob members and their loved ones reside. With some unexpected help from the developer's own daughter, Emily (Kathryn McCormick), The Mob alter their performance art into protest art in an effort to bring awareness to their cause and change to their situation.

Frankly, I've never been a follower of the Step Up series and I wouldn't have even seen Step Up Revolution if not for my friend begging me to attend with him. I saw the preview and since that contained 90% of the plot there weren't too many surprises left for me to discover in the full feature. The story is partly about The Mob combining their talents to save their homes from being demolished and partly about about the “forbidden” romance between Emily and Sean. The romantic part seemed pretty dry to me. It's your common “rich girl / poor boy” severely watered down by the fact that every Step Up movie seems to have the two leads overcoming some mediocre odds such as social class or the opinions of their "homeys" to finally come together just in time to end the movie with a steamy yet predictable smooch. It sounded like a decent premise for the first film but when the formula is repeated three more times it can come across as flat instead of fiery.
 

Join The Mob And Shake Off The Dust Of Corporate Oppression

I much preferred the other part of the plot involving The Mob's efforts to save their homes. When the group uses their talents to confront Emily's dad and his corporate “suits” the routine makes a bold statement to all the onlookers. When broadcast online via YouTube and other outlets then a greater mass of people start to take notice and the protest art begins to enact real change to the community. I think that's a fine message to deliver to the viewers. Yeah, it's great to be a performer for the fame and funds but when an artist can use his/her skills to make positive changes in the world that can be just as rewarding, too.

Of course, the most logical reason to see any Step Up movie is for the expectation of seeing some really amazing dance numbers. Step Up Revolution has a good number of dance scenes ranging from pulse-pounding ensemble pieces performed by The Mob to more intimate routines performed by Emily and Sean. Personally, I think the museum scene was the most innovative but as far as technical skills the “suit & tie” routine in the corporate building lobby was adamantium sharp. If you want to see some incredible hip-hop, freestyle and other forms of urban dance including Latin and modern dance then Step Up Revolution is the venue for you.


Steppin' Up In The Streets

I agreed to see the film but I drew the line at seeing it in 3D. Step Up fans will probably go for the enhanced version so the dancers and some graphic art can pop out of the screen. Otherwise, I would advise to just see the 2D version if you are forced to watch this with a friend or a family member.

Step Up Revolution is one of those movies that's so easy to bash when put in a certain perspective. Despite the flimsy plot and the criminally cliched romance between Sean and Emily I do respect the film for providing a service for people who dance and people who like to watch other people dance. Sans the plot, Step Up Revolution is a lively celebration of dance and I applaud any project that encourages people to indulge in their artistic and creative sides. However, unless your a major fan of the dance flicks or just have some movie gift cards to burn then you can experience this revolution just as strongly in your home as you can in your local cineplex. You'll even have more space in your living room to pop and lock with dancers. Whoo!

Rhymes With: Step Up (2006), Step Up 2: The Streets (2008), Step Up 3 (2010), Save The Last Dance (2001), Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004), Footloose (2012), Fame (2009), Breakin' (1984), Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo (1984)